What's Sam Roberts like?

[StoneMtn]

I think I've seen him play at some huge shows, like maybe Sarstock and/or Live 8 or something. I seem to recall he's actually pretty cool, and Canadian (which I always like). I really don't remember anything about his performance, though, other than that I think he has poofy hair.

As it happens, he's playing in Bala this Saturday, and I'm going to be there, anyway. I was thinking of possibly hitting up this show for something to do.

Has anyone seen him? Is he too "poppy"? I'm listening to a sample song from his site, and he sounds pretty cool, with a bit of a Beta Band sound.

Anyone have any comments from seeing him live?

[bradm]

I think James McKenty And The Spades are opening up that show*, and they're worth seeing on their own. (Click here for live Spades recordings.)

Aloha,

Brad

* The Roberts/Spades line-up is actually there Friday and Saturday.

[phishtaper]

saw him open for the Hip in 2002 and at Hillside in 2005. personally, i think he's commercially boring, but loads of people love him. so, maybe Im wrong. maybe.

[hamilton]

He looks like NewRider. I'm not sure if that will encourage or discourage you from attending.

[StoneMtn]

Hmmmm. Interesting. I've meant to see The Spades for a few years anyway.

I suspect phishtaper has a point about Sam Roberts, which is why I asked if he's too poppy, but options are slim in the Muskokas when it comes to nightlife, so I'm pretty lenient at the moment, and flexible on who I might be willing to see on Saturday.

Anyone else see him?

[StoneMtn]

New Rider also has poofy hair? Cool!

[AD]

commercially boring? i'm not sure what that means.

anyways, i think you'll have a good time if you go. good songs, great performer, sweaty, good time rock and roll. i've never been disappointed by his shows, i've seen him in small clubs and huge outdoor places like sarsfest and the blues festival, among others.

not all that complex musically, but great party music rarely is. you'll definitely recongnize some songs. Brother Down, Don't Walk Away Eileen, Bridge to Nowhere - these are some of his bigger hits.

[AdamH]

I like him. Depending on the size of the show he can be pretty fun if you're in the mood for it.

As I recall StoneMtn you don't usually drink at concerts so Sam may not quite be what you're looking for when sober.

[Baj]

ditto to AD

[hamilton]

Sam Roberts:

NewRider:

Has anyone ever seen them in the same room together?

I didn't think so!

[bradm]

good songs, great performer, sweaty, good time rock and roll.

not all that complex musically, but great party music rarely is.

From what I know about Sam, this sounds like an accurate description. If I were in the Muskokas this weekend, I'm not sure I'd go to see him on his own, but I sure wouldn't be bummed to see a show with The Spades opening for him.

Aloha,

Brad

[AD]

if i were in the neighbourhood and he was playing, regardless of opening act, i would go.

when i said 'not all that complex' i didn't mean it's 3-chord pop ditties, i meant that it's not zappa or coltrane.

two other big hits are 'where have all the good people gone?' and 'hard road'

he has won 4 junos, if that means anything.

[Guest Low Roller]

I've always enjoyed Sam Roberts. His first album is still a fun one that gets some rotation in my oversaturated music collection.

I do however recall Dave-O and Stapes violently protesting the album while driving in my car.

There you go.

[bagochips]

For my tastes, the dude is boring and overrated. That said, he's a radio-friendly ladies man and I'm not the target audience. The Spades are a lot of fun.

How is fathering treating you?

[Dr. J]

Last time these two bands hooked up Sam joined The Spades on stage for a pretty cool version of Neil's Powderfinger. Good times.

I think you'd enjoy it StnMtn. Either way, it's good to see you back on the board.

[StoneMtn]

Okay, I think my decision will depend on how much I feel like going out on Saturday. It sounds like a potentially decent-time.

As peace lizard alluded to, I am a new father and don't get much opportunity to go out these days. As it happens, though, my mother lives in the Muskokas so I have a captive babysitter on Saturday, which is why I'm sort of looking for something to do.

peace lizard: Being a Dad rocks. Vanessa is doing great, and the pets are being great with her. I can't wait for you to meet her. (Can you believe I'm in charge of the life of another human being? Who woulda thought?)

[bagochips]

Scary shit bro! I'm sure you'll be a fine Daddy ... at least until she hits her teens.

I'm changing apartments here in Ottawa on Friday, but after that I'll have some free time to travel. I'll definitely make the trip down to meet Vanessa once you guys are up for visitors. Maybe I can convince Velvet to drive me.

Send me some photos.

Go to the show, see the Spades, you'll have fun.

[AD]

i have a feeling that if the sam roberts band was up and coming without accolades, hits and videos but with the same songs, people would still be all over it.

just my feeling.

[StoneMtn]

peace lizard; some photos:

Link to some photos of Vanessa (and other, less important people)

[AdamH]

i have a feeling that if the sam roberts band was up and coming without accolades, hits and videos but with the same songs, people would still be all over it.

just my feeling.

It's more than a feeling it's a downright astute observation!

[Hal Johnson]

isnt that what's already happened to the guy? :confused:

[AD]

now i'm confused too.

[AdamH]

That is to say his meritorious singing/songwriting skills speak for themselves, and it doesn't take Junos and pats on the back to prove anything.

[AD]

ah yes - that's what i was going for. you said it better than I.