Sam Prekop, Sam Prekop

item info

category: music > digital

record label: Thrill Jockey

year: 1999

catalog number: thrill 061

tracks: 1: Showrooms 2: The Company 3: Practice Twice 4: A Cloud To The Back 5: Don't Bother 6: Faces And People 7: On Such Favors 8: The Shadow 9: Smaller Rivers 10: So Shy

item description

Sam Prekop’s eponymously titled lp is a study in pop nuances. Simultaneously transporting the listener from mild climes and swinging palms to darkened skies and wind blown steppes, the record will be easily recognized by fans of The Sea and Cake. Known to many as the singer and main songwriter for said group, Mr. Prekop is assisted on this release by Chad Taylor (Chicago Underground Duo), Josh Abrams (ex-Roots, Town and Country), Jim O’Rourke (Gastr del Sol) and Archer Prewitt (The Sea and Cake).

Those expecting to find more of the computer beats and trickery found on The Fawn and Two Gentlemen are in for a surprise. Whilst prevalent on "Faces and People" - (a lucious groove overlayed by cornet and guitar), the computer takes a back seat to real strings, drums, piano, electric piano and organ as well as electric and acoustic bass. The subtle grooves, a trademark of The Sea and Cake records, are still present here as Sam and his band blend West African rhythms with a bit of soul, jazz and pop. The resulting record is something wholly original, elegant and earthy. A cauldren, if you will, of sweet smelling and enlightening stew. So line up, grab a spoon, and dig in. All the ingredients and intoxicating aromas necessary for an auditory feast are contained within.

Personnel for the record:
Sam Prekop vocals, guitar, piano
Chad Taylor percussion
Josh Abrams bass, piano
Archer Prewitt guitar, piano
Jim O’Rourke organ, backing vocals, guitar, bass
With:Julie Pomerleau- violin, viola, Rob Mazurek- cornet, John McEntire- triangle, maracas