What’s in a Name? — Sam Outlaw’s Debut LP “Angeleno”
Sam Outlaw is not his real name. Well, not really. His real name is Sam Morgan. But his mother’s maiden name is Outlaw, so it’s close. But he’s not a real Outlaw. Nor is he a real cowboy, even though he apparently owns a fine collection of over half a dozen Stetsons. The 32-year-old Sam Outlaw was an advertising salesman up to a few months ago. He’s from Los Angeles, and has lived there ever since he was 10-years-old. And now he’s one of the most highly-buzzed country artists in Americana.
Looking at pictures of Sam Outlaw, he certainly has the throwback style down, and there’s certainly plenty of money behind his pursuit of a country career. Not too often do you hear of artists who’ve yet to release a long player or tour extensively getting booked at Stagecoach, being featured at SXSW, and finding their way onto the Americana Fest lineup. He’s opened for Dwight Yoakam, Clint Black, Asleep At The Wheel, and had CMT premier one of his videos. For all intents and purposes, Sam Outlaw is the independent roots version of a preordained superstar, receiving wide praise and high acclaim before he’s really done much of anything.
But it’s not as if Sam Outlaw isn’t aware of this. It’s more about you needing to be aware of it to grasp a full understanding of his narrative. He didn’t adopt the Sam Outlaw name just for marketing. In some respects, it was a challenge to himself: Don’t hide from the thinness of your authenticity, spell it out, thrust it in people’s faces, and be the first to address it. And if you can overcome that, the rest will be easy.
While many of our favorite artists were being spit out of young adulthood with the burden of rehab stints, big debt, and bad tattoos, Sam Outlaw was working a straight job and assembling a war chest to fund his eventual move into the Americana scene. Yeah, what a goal to work towards when you consider Americana’s low ceiling of success and shitty pay compared to the professional world. But Sam had a passion. Sam Morgan became Sam Outlaw in an epiphany moment of not wanting to spend the rest of his life in advertising. His mother’s passing also laid the groundwork for a life-altering career change, and it’s another reason he chose to adopt the “Outlaw” name.
“I wish that I could hold my mama once more before she leaves. But I can’t. No I can’t,” Outlaw writes in the song “Ghost Town.”
In the end, it’s the music that matters. Sam Outlaw was never going to win any authenticity contests. And who exactly is authentic in country music these days except for James Hand? Many will tell you that Los Angeles is the antithesis of country music, but where do you think the backbone of the Bakersfield sound resided? B-Town was never much more than a stretch of honky tonks and few grocery stores. The artists there had to head to L.A. to record at Capitol and acquire their Nudie Suits. The Palomino Club and side streets of L.A. have always been a harbor for country sounds from the surrounding Western landscape, and the Singing Cowboys of the silver screen were arguably the first commercial adaptation of country music.
But Sam Outlaw’s sound really isn’t Bakersfield, though there’s certainly some of that influence. It’s just as indicative of Countrypolitan, and maybe more indicative of L.A. than anything. It’s the haze that creates a sepia hue over everything in the city; it’s the way the streets are so full of electricity and desperation all at the same time. If you listen intently, this is what you will hear beneath Sam Outlaw’s music. There’s a glamor and a slickness, but also a desert emptiness and a forlorn contemplation of vacated dreams.
You have every right to be suspicious of Sam Outlaw. And knowing how short his own history is in this discipline, he employed Ry Cooder, Ry’s son Joachim, and a slew of other Americana notables to help record and produce this record. Western Americana may be a fair summation of the sound, but Sam really touches on a lot of different influences by the time Angeleno concludes.
“I’m Not Jealous” and “Country Love Song” show some serious skills at writing country songs, though they are both steeped in to completely different classic country eras. The strings of “Angeleno,” and the Mariachi horns of “Who Do You Think You Are? ” are indicative of the high production value of the by-gone “Nashville Sound.” For the most part, Angeleno is one strong song after another, and after a few minutes, you’re much more interested in the music than the back story.
There’s also a few moments on Angeleno that give you pause, and play into your concerns that maybe this is an ex advertising man getting you to buy into something that is not entirely real. You just can’t trust some millennials these days with the amount of irony and sarcasm imbued in their culture, and despite Sam being a little old for that designation, “Jesus Take the Wheel (And Drive Me to a Bar)” may be a little too cornpone, ironic, and cliché for someone like Sam Outlaw to pull off. Not that the song doesn’t work, but he’s not exactly Bobby Bare, and he’s certainly not Carrie Underwood.
Some of the production and songwriting also veers into territory that makes you question if this isn’t some version of soft rock set to country styling. Despite the title of “Old Fashioned” and the steel guitar intro, the song veers uncomfortably toward yacht rock in moments, sullying and otherwise well-written song. “Keep A Close Eye On Me” also falls prey to being too slick, despite its gospel heart.
Other songs are spot on with their approach, even though ultimately Sam Outlaw might offer a softer version of country than some may want, or his “Outlaw” moniker might lead you to believe. “Ghost Town” and “It Might Kill Me” make for excellent selections, and the ending “Hole Down In My Heart” is one of the album’s few moments of loose spontaneity.
Sam Outlaw can’t change his past and pretend he’s a honky tonk roughneck, nor should he try to. And anyone who bases their appeal of music on who it’s coming from as opposed to the music itself is putting an undue limitation on their listening experience. At the same time, Sam Outlaw is a new artist, and the push and hype behind him might be outpacing his output so far. Angeleno is a very solid release, and it would not be unfair if some choose to label it their favorite of the year. But I want to see this project develop a little more before showering it too heavily with plaudits. I want to see some adversity test its resolve, and a few years on the road give a nice brown sweat ring around the skull of Sam’s Stetson. Then we can start talking about his place as a real Outlaw, or as a torch bearer for authentic country moving forward.
In the meantime, I will really enjoy this music, and recommend it for your listening.
1 3/4 of 2 Guns Up.
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June 10, 2015 @ 9:48 am
Just listened to Ghost Town. Pretty good stuff. My initial thought was his voice reminded me of the dude from Red Eye Junction but as it went on it was smoother. Thanks for the heads up.
June 10, 2015 @ 10:02 am
Brilliant review. I’ve listened through the album once, and I love it — but it will take some time to see how it sits with me. His vocals are not as strong or distinctive as I would like, but that is my only complaint.
June 10, 2015 @ 10:09 am
I figured this one was coming, as I was party to a heated online debate regarding Outlaw a few days ago. Some of the people were pro-Outlaw while just as many were con. While I’m kind of in the middle, I won’t be purchasing the album. I can see the pro side, as it’s well-played music that’s miles better than what country radio tends to play. I can also understand the con people, who argue that the music doesn’t have any nutritional value despite the excellent playing by the musicians. .
The reason I won’t be buying the album is because it’s too retro for my tastes (I won’t be purchasing the new Dale Watson for the same reason). In the 1980’s, I bought the first seven George Strait albums. I stopped doing that because I felt Strait was making the same album over and over. Although Outlaw is a newcomer, I feel he’s part of the Strait legacy and perhaps one of many who will be looking to fill the “other” George’s shoes. I personally don’t want that in my record collection. Sam Outlaw would be a step up for today’s country radio listeners. But, at the risk of sounding snobbish, he’s just not for me.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:23 pm
If you don’t like George Strait you can kiss my ass! LOL only kidding. I love George Strait and I disagree with your opinion of him making the same album over and over. I look at GS like this 80s (honkytonk), 90s (polished, but still good), 00s (modern country at its best, the best songs sung by the greatest), and 10s (George doing what he wants).
My favorites from each era:
80s: “Honkytonk Crazy” “Amarillo by Morning” “Beyond the Blue Neon” “any bob wills cover” “Under these Conditions” “Back to Being Me”
90s: “I met a Friend of yours today” “Lonesome Rodeo Cowboy” “Holding My Own” “Her only Bad Habit is me” “One step at a Time” “That’s the breaks”
00s: “She Used to Say that to Me” “She leave you with a Smile” “I aint her Cowboy anymore” “Troubadour” “if heartaches were horses” “River of Love” “Easy as you go” “Arkansas Dave”
10s: “Give it all we got tonight” “Showman’s Life” “House across the Bay” “here for a good time” “Blue Melodies” “Love is everything”
I guess I just don’t understand how you think he repeats himself. He has so many albums you will some similar sounding songs, but I really can’t think of any. I think he has done a great job sounding fresh, and evolving while playing actual country music.
June 10, 2015 @ 2:19 pm
At the point In stopped buying Strait’s records, I felt they had gotten a bit samey. I’m not saying they were bad, just that I wanted to move on to something else. I understand his influence and impact, and feel the country music business will be looking for replacement Straits. It’s already started to happen. It will likely be hard to do, which might make people like me appreciative him a bit more.
June 10, 2015 @ 3:20 pm
Jim,
I bet I could come pretty close to guessing your background, and I’d like you to humor me if you don’t mind.
Yes, you do sound like a snob I suppose, but I’ve been accused of sounding like one too. The difference is, you sound like an NPR, hippstery kind of snob; and I’m more of a Country music purist kind of snob, which is really just a nominal snob. George Strait sounding the same, is precisely the reason I continued to buy his albums. I’m a Country music man, and that’s what I want hear.
My problem with Mr. Outlaw, despite the decent songs, is the contrived nature of his entire persona. I have no problem with Yankees singing Country music; I love New Jersey born and bred Eddie Rabbitt for example. But the put-on drawls and cowboy hats make guys like Sam seem like they are role-playing.
June 10, 2015 @ 4:16 pm
No, I don’t listen to NPR music. I hate stuff like Dawes and the Allison Krauss-Robert Plant album from a few years back. Those are the kinds of records people buy to show they have “good taste” but really don’t listen to. Lucinda Williams also gets on my nerves, as i feel she can’t sing anymore. My roots are in 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll, blues, Southern soul, country, folk, African American gospel from the golden era, jazz, pre-World War II music, power pop, and the new wave/punk scene of the ’70s. I can’t stand heavy metal, most hip-hop, new age, and the stuff that passes for country music on the radio. The best show I ever attended was The Clash in 1979, which I consider to be a life-changing experience.
My favorite 12 albums so far this year are by Kail Baxley, Brandi Carlile, Danny & the Champions of the World, Sonny Landreth, The Lowest Pair, James McMurtry, John Moreland, Gretchen Peters, Chris Stapleton, Richard Thompson, and Dwight Yoakam. I doubt many of those are getting played on NPR, or anywhere. I tend to like some grit in my music, and it certainly doesn’t have to be uptempo or loud. I couldn’t listen to just one type of music because it would bore me. I also like the way all the styles I appreciate come together under one roof. Blues fits with gospel, country fits with Southern soul, etc. While I have lots of old records, I don’t sit around immersing myself in old music. I like to listen to music from the 21st century, and haven’t listened to a Beatles album since the ’80s. I listened to them when I was a kid. Why would I want hear them as an adult?
Back to country, I think it’s been dead for decades. It still works as an influence but not as a proper genre. I lost interest in George Strait because he wasn’t challenging himself or me. The music was just too mild-mannered for my taste, and there was much better stuff to listen to. I was into some alternative rock until seeing a terrible Replacements show in 1987, which made me quit that stuff cold turkey. To this day I’ve never heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” I became immersed in Los Lobos (greatest American band ever) and lots of vintage rock ‘n’ roll, country and blues. I also started listening to country radio after the Replacements incident. The last really good year for country music in my view was 1986 when Dwight Yoakam, Steve Earle, Randy Travis, and Lyle Lovett had debut albums out at about the same time. I stopped listening to country radio when Garth Brooks came along. Country went downhill in a hurry after him and never came back. There’s no creativity in it anymore, and it keeps getting worse.
As a roots music fan, I prefer artists that push the music forward. There’s nothing interesting to me about artists that try to sound like old records. Be influenced by it, but bring your own thing to it as well. I’ve always liked Dwight Yoakam for that reason. He’s roots-oriented, but he has his own sound. With the help of a friend who owned a record store, I finally started listening to jazz in 2008. I was bored at the time and felt there was no place left to go. It’s a challenge trying to understand it, but I’ve gotten some new favorites older artists out of it like Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, early Louis Armstrong, and Dinah Washington. I wish more people would push themselves as listeners. Then maybe radio wouldn’t suck. In my opinion, people who buy there music at Walmart are clueless because there are simply no good records there.
Is that enough?
June 10, 2015 @ 5:20 pm
You probably lost him with “African American,” haha.
As far as power pop goes, are you talking Blue Album, or older stuff?
Personally, my niche is the intersection between rock, folk and country (also known as Southeastern and I Feel Alright, haha)…and I also listen to a ton of 80s/90s gangster rap.
So I guess I might be an NPR guy?
I’m going to give this album a hard listen, though, since I genuinely enjoyed the couple of songs I heard him perform on a radio show over the summer.
June 10, 2015 @ 8:27 pm
Well, I’d have guessed wrong.
I agree with you that Country music is dead, which is why I listen primarily to dead people. I listen to all the same old singers and songs I’ve always listened to, because it’s what I love, and because there’s nothing new that turns me on.
Your opinion that we don’t need new artists to sound like old artists has merit, in that we don’t need new artists who imitate old artists. Where you and I part ways, is that I would love it if all new Country artists recorded music that was actually Country. I don’t associate Country music with an age. A new singer can be a traditional Country singer without imitating a specific singer from the past.
June 11, 2015 @ 11:24 am
Clint, I appreciate your point of view, and understand what you’re saying about older records. Much of that stuff just sounds better, and has a soulfulness to it that many newer records do not. While I try to focus on newer stuff, I also go back and listen to old favorites. No album I’ve ever heard made a bigger impression on me than Hank Williams’ 40 Greatest Hits. Hearing that set for the first time and seeing The Clash live turned my world upside down. At the end of 2001 I lost my entire record collection (and everything else) in a house fire. Hank Williams was one of the first artists that needed replacing. In doing so, I opted for the bigger ‘Complete Singles…Plus.” While it’s great, I later separated the 40 songs on the other set and burned them onto two CD’s. Listening to that stuff “grounds me,” if you know what I mean. It brings me back to where I need to be before moving onto other music. No other music that I own does that. There are still good records being made. It just takes a lot of time and patience to track them down. The great stuff is great for a reason. It’s rare.
As for newer country, I don’t have a problem with an artist being rooted in classic country just as long as they bring their own thing to it. Nothing turns me off faster than a new or current artist trying to sound exactly like Hank or Merle or whoever.
June 10, 2015 @ 10:30 am
What an exercise in fancy scribbling over such a mediocre record. No soul.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:40 pm
Actually I thought with the varying sentiments on this record, the “fancy scribbling” was warranted.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:16 pm
This is an outstanding review. Great evocation of Los Angeles.
June 10, 2015 @ 10:36 am
I am a fan of his music, I stumbled upon him based on an article on forthecountryrecord.com. I enjoy the album very much and I like the instrumentation as well, very organic sounding which is nice, and definitely has that western/latin feel to it. I also think that it’s worth noting that he wrote every song by himself, no co-writes which is impressive. You do bring up many good points about his short history though, and the praise, playing bigger festivals, and opening for very good established acts prior to any accomplishments. Along the same lines I was surprised when he was featured on the boot & taste of country’s sites. So there definitely is a push behind him for whatever reason. Still I would like to see him do well he seems to appreciate the history of country music.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:44 pm
It’s very simple: If you spend enough money, you can get your name anywhere. Nobody reached out to Saving Country Music about Sam Outlaw. I didn’t even receive a copy of the album. Why would they put out the effort when they’ve already booked exclusives with Rolling Stone and Taste of Country? If you wonder how some artists pull off big press and some don’t, it’s all about the publicist you can afford, and what scale you pay them at. Music journalism in 2015 is nothing more than a promotional extension of the industry. And if you don’t buy into that system, you’re broke like me.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:59 pm
Ya that makes a lot of sense, the almighty dollar! Anyway I was slow and didn’t put two and two together quickly.. about being a preordained americana star, the quick rise, plenty of positive publicity. I guess I was just tad naive and thought he was a good dude that everyone liked haha.. I do like his music though and like you said am interested to see where he goes from here.
June 10, 2015 @ 2:32 pm
Trigger, I feel your pain and admire your integrity. In my days writing about music, the PR types would come after me so hard trying to get me to latch onto the next big thing. I would generally defer to another staffer and stick with what I like. I’m 57 and have been to a ton of shows, but only six stadium or arena shows my entire life. I guess I was lucky that my favorite artists tended to not get “big” (or if they did, someone else could provide the coverage). In today’s music journalism, the young writers at the dailies totally buy into the hype. Id they’re stuck, they find out what they’re supposed to be writing about be going online. Then there are the vast majority of bloggers without ears, which makes it possible for every artist in the world to get a slew of positive reviews.
I also felt the pressure in college radio in the early ’80s when we “needed” to play R.E.M. in order to be a “cool” station. The college promotion person at IRS once told me she was under the same kind of pressure. R.E,M. was #1 on the college radio charts, but to her bosses they were never #1 enough.
April 4, 2017 @ 8:06 am
Freightshakers …… real country music with just the right amount of grit ……. give it a listen. Gethen Jenkins and the Frieghtshakers are authentic these boys get it done. No manufactered crap happening just real badass pure outlaw country. Give it a listen ….. I know there’s a few of their tunes on iTunes and some YouTube stuff as well….. I try to catch them live whenever I can.
Dawn
June 10, 2015 @ 10:54 am
I’ve seen the name around, but I have never took the time to listen to him. Perhaps I should.
June 10, 2015 @ 11:09 am
I wish he would push his voice a little further…
June 10, 2015 @ 11:18 am
I agree. I think his tone is similar to that of Daniel Romano, but he’s not quite as soulful a singer.
June 10, 2015 @ 11:28 am
I’ve been a fan of Sam Outlaw since I heard his EP; I heard of him while listening to a podcast that also reviewed Karen Jonas’ Oklahoma Lottery.
I agree that some of the songs on this LP are a little too slick, but I really like “Country Love Song”. I’m going to keep an eye on him and see where he goes.
June 10, 2015 @ 11:33 am
He actually did release an LP (in 2010 I think?) called Who Is (Sam Outlaw). Then an EP last year or so. About half of the songs on ‘Angeleno’ are from those previous efforts. Still good songs, but I can tell there’s been a lot more production put into these. Maybe I like less production, but I like his style (musically) overall.
June 10, 2015 @ 12:21 pm
Not a lot of character in the voice, but hot damn what a collection of feelgood music. It’s slick, almost drenched in overpriced, hipster olive oil, but still pure perfection. We hope to see the sun in Norway in the next few weeks, and this will be the soundtrack.
June 10, 2015 @ 12:31 pm
I’d never heard any of his music before, so gave the new album a listen yesterday, just to see what all the hype was about.
Couldn’t quite decide if I genuinely liked it or whether I enjoyed listening to most of it ( few tracks were..blah ) because it was just SO easy to listen to.
That’s what it kind of brought to mind – something from the ‘Easy Listening’ genre from the 70’s.
I think it’s all just a bit too nice for me. I prefer something gritty. It’s the same problem that I have with the Secret Sisters and Milk Carton Kids. They’re great – both amazing live, heavenly harmonies and all, but could really use a little attitude to give them some oomph.
Won’t be buying the album as there was nothing to really hook me into multiple plays, but will be interested to hear what he’s sounding like in a few years time.
June 10, 2015 @ 12:44 pm
Sue, the Secret Sisters lost me when they hooked up with Cracker Barrel. Why would any self-respecting artist do that?
What I need is for someone to explain to me the appeal of Dawes. People having been trying to turn me onto them for a few years now and I just don’t get. Then, a couple weeks ago, my wife wanted to hear their new album on NPR’s First Listen. Since David Rawlings produced it, she was intrigued. So I put it on and midway through the second song she said “Put something else on.” There’s a lot of garbage out there being touted as the next big thing. Not saying that’s the case with Sam Outlaw, but I’m suspicious as he clearly has a bankroll supporting his efforts. He even got a nice write-up in Wall Street Journal.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/sam-outlaws-mellow-debut-1432839414
June 10, 2015 @ 1:46 pm
“What I need is for someone to explain to me the appeal of Dawes. People having been trying to turn me onto them for a few years now and I just don”™t get.”
Couldn’t agree more.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:47 pm
Let’s not just assume the Cracker Barrel thing was solely the Secret Sisters’ doing. Whenever T Bone Burnett is involved, you never know who is truly calling the shots.
Not to get off on a Secret Sisters tangent.
June 10, 2015 @ 3:27 pm
Trigger,
Please tell me what your problem is with Cracker Barrel.
June 10, 2015 @ 3:54 pm
I don’t have any particular issue with Cracker Barrel any more than I have any issue with releasing music through any corporate channel. Regardless of the politics of Cracker Barrel, it is a little cheesy. My only point is that if someone wanted to take exception with the Secret Sisters Cracker Barrel exclusive, they should consider that T Bone Burnett is known for having almost omnipotent control over the music he has a hand in, and it COULD have been his call. Who knows, maybe it was the Secret Sisters’ idea, I really don’t know. I was just floating that out there.
As for Sam Outlaw’s accent, I am pretty quick to call artists on fake accents, and I didn’t hear any such thing from Outlaw at all. He doesn’t really have an accent, and as others have pointed out, if there’s any issue with his voice, is that it’s not strong or country enough.
June 10, 2015 @ 4:19 pm
Cracker Barrel could treat their employees better. I won’t mention the Secret Sisters further, except to say they could have said “no” if they objected. Their music is no big deal.
June 10, 2015 @ 7:51 pm
Not necessarily Jim.
June 10, 2015 @ 4:43 pm
Hey Jim,
I wasn’t aware that the Secret Sisters had sold music through Cracker Barrel. I’m in England so miss a lot unless an article gets shoved under my nose.
I’m not sure why they did that either, as from the go they seemed to get pretty good exposure. I did just buy via a friend the Ralph Stanley album that is out in the CB stores. I can understand that more, and should imagine he’s sold quite a few through them.
Secret Sisters were pretty unheard of here until they went on the Jools Holland show on tv, then boom!
Was expecting something different from the second album, but was just too much like the first.. great, but too nice.
I first heard them through a compilation CD on the front of Uncut magazine, which featured the Secret Sisters & Jack White doing Big River.
Flew from London to Boston then had to drive to a friends on NH/Vermont border. That was the only music I had with me, so got pretty stuck on that tune.
Album was a lot, lot different to that.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:26 pm
I like it. This guy seems like a smart person who has always dreamed of being a big country star. Don’t hate the guy because he is white collar. he clearly loves country music. you don’t have to be a blue collar guy to be country.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:41 pm
I really enjoyed the album; I think I gave most songs the “thumbs up” on my streaming service’s app. Ghost Town is a gem.
June 10, 2015 @ 1:56 pm
I will say this. Someone is a *reeeeeallly* big early Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown fan.
Ghost town has a major “let it ride” vibe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGPzyeFIuuU
June 10, 2015 @ 2:12 pm
If you’re referring to me (Jared), yes, I am…HOWEVER, the song “Let It Ride” is post-Whiskeytown. Its off the first Cardinals album…maybe his sixth or seventh studio album. Probably a decade ago, but I’m not sure I consider it his “early” stuff.
June 11, 2015 @ 5:36 am
Didn’t say it was Whiskeytown, just said the album reminds me of his early stuff. Ghost Town in particular just screams Ryan Adams.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:19 pm
it’s exactly let it ride
June 10, 2015 @ 3:14 pm
Anybody else hearing a lot of Jim Croce in his voice?
June 10, 2015 @ 4:49 pm
YES! I’d just been playing Life & Times before listening to Sam Outlaw. It followed on perfectly, hence I thought Sam was very ‘easy listening’, no doubt.
Nothing on Jim Croce though, bless him.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:10 pm
I’m glad his debut LP landed this well. I heard him over the summer on my local folk station’s broadcast of Live at the Grand Ole Opry, and I was genuinely impressed.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:19 pm
When I saw he was from L.A, I looked at his tour dates and he’s playing on Sunset Blvd tonight! I didn’t love the album but I’m going to see him in person to see if he’s more impressive live. Also, the L.A. area has a bluegrass festival this weekend so us Angelenos aren’t completely lost.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:38 pm
Hey Kyle – dig this thoughtful write up and appreciate you taking the time to check out the album. Hope I’ll get to meet you at a show one of these days? Best, Sam.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:47 pm
faker
June 10, 2015 @ 7:53 pm
…says someone whose fake name is “Trigger Jr.” and trolls website comments sections.
June 12, 2015 @ 5:15 pm
Block him.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:49 pm
Hey Sam,
Thanks for reading. Just doing my job. I’m sure we’ll see you down the road sometime soon.
June 10, 2015 @ 5:53 pm
Yessir. And sorry that no one reached out to you about my album. If there’s anything we can get you please feel free to just email me directly. Thanks again.
June 10, 2015 @ 6:11 pm
Great album AND great live act. Went and saw Sam and crew last night and dug it. I’ve been seeing live music for over 30 years and all genres, and was genuinely impressed with this band. What struck me was just how tight and solid this band played and how much they all seemed to gel. From my vantage they all seemed to be feeling the music, the songs, and it came out in the delivery and sound. Sam himself seemed a bit stiff (mostly with his in-between song banter, being in the spotlight), but his delivery of the songs was spot on and that’s what matters most. He’ll loosen up with time. Performing in front of folks does take time to develop.
I don’t much care for one’s history, background, even their personal life, if the music is good, feels genuine, and is a style I like, I give it a try. Seems a like a lot of folks are looking beyond the music here which is odd to me. If you dig the sound, then dig it, if you don’t move along.
June 10, 2015 @ 6:23 pm
Thanks for the review. I just discovered Outlaw a couple weeks ago and am very impressed. I’m going to see him tomorrow night and really looking forward to it. Like some others, I was somewhat suspicious when I first heard the name, but those suspicions were gone once I heard the music. I don’t understand the negative comments from some of the other commenters even after listening. Can’t we just appreciate quality music without getting so hung up on things like being too “slick,” having a financial push behind him, or that he’s from L.A. wearing a cowboy hat? It makes sense that it might not be everyone’s favorite personal preference, but he’s obviously a good songwriter and has great musicians playing with him.
June 11, 2015 @ 6:18 am
I really like Sam Outlaw and I’ve become a fan. Speaking strictly for myself, when I said that a couple of the songs sounded “too slick” I was referring to how they were produced and not the songs or the singer; I would have preferred the songs have a simpler arrangement. It’s just a personal preference and no insult to Mr. Outlaw was intended. If he comes out my way I’ll definitely go to his show.
June 12, 2015 @ 10:51 pm
When I made my comment about people complaining about him, I was mostly referring to those who were not even giving his music a chance simply because it’s too slick or he’s from California. I went back and read your original comment and thought you had a good balance when you pointed out your preferences about the production while still greatly appreciating his talent. I’ve had a chance to listen to the album a couple more times and actually can see why some folks say certain songs sound slick and overproduced. It doesn’t really bother me but I appreciate different opinions, although it bothers me when people write off a talented singer/songwriter for that reason alone. I got to see him live last night and would definitely recommend seeing him live to anyone. His music sounds a lot more raw and less slick live. Also, his band was excellent and very tight.
June 10, 2015 @ 6:24 pm
We were lucky enough to see Sam Outlaw here in Australia recently when he toured with Justin Townes Earle. I saw both of them at the Northcote Social Club here in Melbourne. Both played acoustically.
I really enjoyed Sam Outlaw’s show. He started out playing to a small audience at the start that grew as the crowd arrived to see JTE. At the end of his set, Sam had the crowd eating out of his hands. He came across as a genuine and likable person. He shared stories of how he came to have the name Outlaw and the very moving story of the loss of his mother.
When you play solo, there is no where to hide. You have to have talent and Sam Outlaw does have that. I bought his album on the night and have enjoyed it a lot. Sure there are some miss steps but he is young and finding his way. I look forward to hearing and seeing what happens next.
June 10, 2015 @ 7:06 pm
This guy has got it. He may not be the best voice, or the most authentic, but he knows who he is and doesn’t apologize for it. He definitely has a sense of humor. Have you seen his video for his song “friends don’t let friends drink (and fall in love)”? It’s hysterical, and a good song as well.
June 10, 2015 @ 8:04 pm
Sam Outlaw is a badass. He mailed me and my hubby Angeleno while he was touring in Australia. When he came to Nashville recently he was nice enough to come out and watch Cale Tyson open up for him with us and after his set we all were able to hang out again. His voice was amazing all night long. I can’t wait to see what his next thing is. His music’s been in my stereo for going on months now lol. Plus just got his shirt in the mail. Whoo! To me you can tell his stories behind the songs too which I think is a great thing for a musicIan to be able to do. When you can listen to Ghost town for the first time with someone and they start crying because it brought back so many memories for them, well you know it’s a great song. ♡ ya Sam!
June 10, 2015 @ 9:17 pm
I’m surprised as well that it hasn’t been mentioned that he wrote every song by himself. You don’t see that very often these days.
June 10, 2015 @ 9:40 pm
I liked this guy better when he was called “Daniel Romano”. Seriously though he ripped Romano totally on ” I’m not jealous”. Just listen to “That’s the very moment” I thought “jealous” was a new Daniel song when I heard it.
June 10, 2015 @ 11:50 pm
I listened to the whole album a few days ago. Really interesting sound. Like a few have said, there’s nothing really exciting about it, and the voice isn’t all that distinctive – but it’s really easy to listen to. It puts my mind in a really calm and peaceful place. It doesn’t make you think hard, which IS NOT an insult in this case. It’s hard to describe. Just a really mind soothing sound. I dig it.
And not that I’m gonna pretend that I’m not also entertained by the “Country out of L.A.” jabs, even though I lived there for a large chunk of my life too. On the surface it might look like it’s all high heels and lipstick, but hey – when they refer to the wild west – they ain’t talkin’ ’bout west Texas! 😀
June 11, 2015 @ 6:56 am
It’s a British born LA-based Ad executive releasing a traditional “bakersfield” sound country record. There’s nothing mind blowing about it, but it’s just a nice, solid album. Going through the tracks, “easy to listen to” is really a good way to describe it, and not a jab at the album at all. I’m digging it, just ordered a physical copy.
June 11, 2015 @ 7:34 am
Isn’t he from South Dakota?
June 11, 2015 @ 7:43 am
Sam is originally from South Dakota. Not sure how England got into the mix.
June 11, 2015 @ 7:55 am
Blame Google/Wiki/whatever. It dropped “Aberdeen, UK” in the bio.
June 11, 2015 @ 1:33 pm
I’m perplexed by this as well. For some reason Google shows “Aberdeen, UK” when you see my Google profile from a mobile device. I was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota. (U-S-A. U-S-A)
June 14, 2015 @ 8:04 am
Not many places that are more country than the Dakotas. Aberdeen isn’t far from the border between them, too. If you are a songwriter and spend any time in either of those states that isn’t spent in FM Metro/Minot/Bismarck/Sioux Falls/Rapid City, you’ll find so much inspiration.
And heck, there’s plenty of inspiration waiting in the cities, too. The Dakotas are song ideas waiting to happen. Maybe that’s why Chris Knight’s best song is named after one of them.
June 11, 2015 @ 10:37 am
I heard him interviewed and play live maybe a year ago on the Buddy and Jim show on Outlaw Country.
I was excited based on the build up they gave him…then I didn’t like how he came across when he spoke and the performances/songs left me limp. I’m curious to hear this record now based on your write up and this debate…but I’m guessing it will miss the mark as well.
June 11, 2015 @ 1:40 pm
For what it’s worth – I am also not impressed w/ my performance on Buddy & Jim. The band wasn’t warmed up and we couldn’t really hear each other. Not a great excuse, I know – but I could tell while we were tracking that the songs weren’t really vibing. Hope to deliver a better performance if those wonderful people ever have us back.
June 12, 2015 @ 5:47 am
Anybody who has Ry Cooder on his album is definitely worth my time. Good luck with your career and congrats on a fine album!
June 12, 2015 @ 10:21 am
Hey Sam, I checked out your whole record yesterday on bandcamp after reading this and really enjoyed a lot of it. Nice job and congrats on getting that out there. I apologize for making a blanket statement about your vibe based on that 1 performance and sample of the songs I caught on XM. I know how it goes in those things, sometimes you can’t hear right and you do the best you can. Best of luck out there with the new record.
June 12, 2015 @ 7:20 am
Also saw him solo acoustic opening for JTE here in Australia. Best opening act discovery ever for me, I was very impressed by the guy! Prefer the solo him and his guitar arrangement to some of the arrangements on the album though.
June 12, 2015 @ 5:37 pm
Really enjoyed this article. 1 3/4 is a pretty high rating for you Trigger. I am going to give it a chance.
June 20, 2015 @ 9:59 pm
Just heard “Who Do You Think You Are” on Outlaw Country, reminded me of a Eddie Rabbitt type song. I really enjoyed it. I’ve been missing that type of sound, I’m glad this dude has it going for him.