Top 100 Albums FAQ
96. Astray by Samiam(Hopless Records, 2000)
What I love most about Samiam is they are a punk band that knows how to slow it down and write a catchy song, while at the same time writing good lyrics. They border on the emo movement, of which they might have jumped on board for the last gasp. Jason Beebout can actually sing and then escalate to a melodic almost screaming sound.
I believe this album followed one of the band's many hiatuses or supposed breakups, but no matter how many times they take a break, they seem to get back together and make good music. One of my favorites include "Sunshine," which is a great opening track to any album. It hits hard and the chorus builds as do so many great Samiam songs. These kind of songs basically follow the same formula, but each one is fresh and incredibly catchy. "How Long," "Mexico," and "Mud Hill" are all great tracks that border on power pop, with a slower tempo than the hard-hitting "Sunshine." The real jewel of the album is "Dull," written about a friend of the band who committed suicide. The lyrics are touching and remind us all that we need to be happy where ever we are in life. Everything builds to the chorus. It is the normal Samiam formula, but it works.
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