Blues Approved
Schoolkids, 2022
9/10
The North Carolina music genius Sam Moss inspired legions of bands from his area with his blues tinted rock’n’roll that ever stayed in one place too long. Amazingly, he never released a record when he was alive, though these tracks from 1977 were discovered by Chris Stamey, and here they showcase just why Sam Moss was revered by anyone who saw him play.
“Rooster Blood” starts the listen with spirited guitar work and Moss’ bright singing in the rhythmic opener, and “King Of My Hill” follows with a soulful quality entering the warm and agile climate.
Further down the line, “Trying To Do Better” displays Moss’ strong guitar prowess amid a stylish, retro delivery of timeless blues, while “To Those Still At Sea” rocks harder with a bristling energy that’s full of rugged melodies. “Nightflight Over Berlin”, one of the album’s best, then swirls with a nearly cosmic formula of throwback ideas you can’t help but admire.
The bonus tracks arrive near the end, and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” rocks pretty playfully with a crisp and soaring, jangly energy, and “Who’s Driving Your Plane” exits the listen fully emerged in raw and tuneful blues that you can’t and won’t want to sit still to.
The songs here were recorded onto a four track, but have been modified with current technology to enhance the sound. With nearly half the tracks being originals and half being covers, we’re treated to a wide spectrum of Moss’ talents, and the deluxe booklet included gives us further insight into this underexposed talent that truly deserved more attention than he saw in his lifetime.
Travels well with: Holsapple & Stamey- Our Back Pages; Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street