Samamidon - I See The Sign

Samamidon
I See The Sign
(2010, Bedroom Community)
RIYL = Bill Calahan, Nick Drake, Sun Kil Moon

Sam Amidon’s I See The Sign is one of the most delicate pieces of music I’ve heard in a long, long time. There may be no other way to state it. It floats fragile, like a paper boat, pushed and pulled in the soft eddies and simple current of a forest creek. A member of the tight knit Bedroom Community, Sam Amidon has enlisted the talents of fellow Bedromm Community members like Valgeir Sigurdsson and Nico Muhly (in addition to others) to assist him in perfecting his beautifully lush, awe-inspiring folk. While they aren’t the same tonally, there is an honesty in Amidon’s voice, a subtle, rootsy drawl, reminiscent of Bill Calahan. This rural air is probably also lifted from much of the old source material and lyrics Amidon has transformed and transplanted into I See The Sign. In addition, orchestral flourishes throughout are applied with perfect restraint, reminiscent of Joanna Newsom’s watershed album, Ys. Characterized by a quaint reverence and lyrical repetition, I See The Sign is the kind of album that will kill you peacefully, fold you up, and lay you to rest. Seriously, folk music doesn’t get more intelligent or more gorgeous than this.

-Thistle

Samamidon - All Is Well

Samamidon
All Is Well
(02.2008, Bedroom Community)
Verdict = Simple Atmospheric Folk

Samamidon is known by his parents as Sam Amidon but I doubt you could judge the audible difference judging by Amidon’s slurry vocal delivery on his third release, All Is Well. Pitched with an atmospheric Americana, All Is Well flows like a tiny backwoods river floating lazily under cover of forest tangle. The ride is lethargic and seems to be an audible muscle relaxer. There is a warmth of production on All Is Well reminiscent of Vetiver or Hem. With its immaculate production, All Is Well doesn’t contain even the slightest crackling distraction from the lush instrumentation which carries the mood of the album. It is as if each copy of the album comes with its' own personal chamber orchestra to play along. It is with this lonely personalized touch that Amidon’s minor key ballads sink in like a knife, cutting your heart strings clear. From start to finish an air of waterlogged, Midwestern hopelessness floods your heart. Amidon’s numb vocals add to that backwater feel and can take a bit of time to warm up to. It is beautiful though and there are a couple songs like “Fall On My Knees” and “Little Satchel” after the midway mark that ease the dreariness. Overall, All Is Well is a charmingly elegant album that is worth a spin.

-Mr. Thistle