Samantha Crain/ You (Undersood) (2010)
Label: Ramseur Records

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Samantha Crain is an American songwriter, musician, and singer, from Shawnee, Oklahoma. This alternative, indie-soul artist often played as part of the Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers band on Ramseur Records. This is Crain’s second full length, released on June 8, 2010, and features Crain on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals, and keys; Joey Lemon on bass, percussion, and vocals, Arizona’s Ben Wigler on vocals and electric guitar and Student Film’s Eric Nauni on drums and percussion. This album honors people in her life who significantly influenced her craft.
1. “Lions” is melodic and moody with elegant lyrics that lead to an increasing chord progression
2. “Blueprints” has a wistful bounce, almost dream-like.
3. “Equinox” is a slightly grunge-flavored rock track
4. “We Are the Same” Crain’s layered vocals shine through in this simple and sweet tune with straightforward lyrics.
5. “Religious Wind” has a waltzing rhythm and warm fluttery vocals.
6. “Holdin’ That Wheel” is a dark, yet beautiful, mountain-rock/blues-based track
7. “Up On the Table” shows a masterful understanding of instrument tones and arrangement.
8. “Santa Fe” features Frontier Ruckus’s Matthew Milia (vocals) and David Jones (banjo) and is a Bonnie Raitt-style, blues-heavy track
9. “Wichitalright” is one of the album’s highlights. It has a slow beat and is lyrically rich.
10. “Two-Sidedness” is a garage-band-sounding broken-heart anthem and is full of heavy drumming, rock guitar, and even bagpipes.
11. “Toothpicks” Crain’s vocals seem to get lost in the heavy guitar lick and overbearing instruments.

My picks: 1, 4, 8, 9 Ramzi Salti