SAM BAKER: mercy

Sam Baker

mercy

© 2004 Sam Baker (750532933726)

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everyone is at the mercy of another one's dream

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"Mercy" by Sam Baker
A Review by Tony Peyser


I recently heard about somebody who was riding on a train in Peru when it exploded, the result of a bomb planted by radicals in the Shining Path movement. Many people died and this guy nearly did, too. Remarkably, he's gotten on with his life. Think about that kind of determination and courage the next time you find yourself whining about something that really isn't worth whining about.
Anyway, Sam Baker is a singer-songwriter of the Austin variety. The title of his debut album, Mercy, is just one word and so are each of his song titles. Baker --- who's also penned short stories --- chooses his words very carefully. The album was so highly recommended that I didn't even listen to it right way; I just read the lyrics. Baker is a vivid storyteller both in terms of what he chooses to write about and the brevity with which he brings his stories to life. Among the people who populate his songs are a husband who's lost his wife of fifty years, a wayward daughter heading home, a single mom overwhelmed in a drive-through window and other folks with hard lives looking for soft places to land.
When I finally played Baker's album, its power made me stop whatever else I was doing. With a country twang and folksy, folk persona, it took a bead on my emotions and hit a bull's-eye. At times, Baker's voice seems more ragged than you'd expect from his picture on the cover the CD booklet. Baker's lyrics sometimes are run roughshod by his vocals. I also noticed a photo of him playing guitar left-handed, which certainly is a novelty. Those quirks notwithstanding, this is a record with a wounded beauty and an aching spirit. And I absolutely love it.
In a couple of songs, Baker manages gently to float ghosts in and out of them. In "Kitchen," the effect is stunning. Baker ends the song filled with fleeting images of small-town life and then has four short lines to remind all of us of the subtext of our lives. His heart breaks and his voice does, too: "Skinny boys with rifles/Flying off to war/Skinny boys with rifles/Fighting door to door." I recently saw a show on The History Channel about famous war photographs over the decades. Baker's description of those young kids in Iraq is as vibrant to me as that napalmed girl in Vietnam and the flag going up over Iwo Jima.
Baker's compositions are melancholy but also upbeat. "Change" has a funky front porch shine to it as he describes another (or perhaps the same) town's main street. And those boys were still on Baker's mind: "Those same little girls/Went to work in those stores/Those same little boys went away to wars/But when they came home/All the jobs had gone away/Back to those places where they fought so far away." It's like watching Norman Rockwell's America being outsourced. The songs on Mercy hold on to those lost dreams and Baker's torn between moving on and squeezing so tight that maybe they'll come back. He gets terrific support throughout with a trio of winning female back-up singers: Britt Savage (who I reviewed on a strong album by Randy Wayne Sitzler,) Joy Lynn White (another favorite of mine) and Jessi Colter (an outlaw country legend and the longtime wife of the much-missed Waylon Jennings.)
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention track 10 on Baker's album. "Steel" depicts a guy riding on a train in Machu Pichu that blows up. You see, that person I mentioned earlier was none other than Baker himself. He's had many surgeries since then. The reason some of Baker's vocals are raspy is because that blast affected his hearing, He plays guitar left-handed because of other injuries he sustained.
A near-death event like this is clearly life-altering. It explains why Baker's songs have such depth and resonance. In "Angels," the chorus is especially haunting: "Call a truce/Call a war/Everyone is a bastard/Everyone is a whore/Everyone is a saint/Everyone is redeemed/Everyone is at the mercy of another one's dream." This is big, poetic stuff but Baker serves it up not on a gold platter but more like a cafeteria tray, which everyone can relate to.
I don't think it's premature to think of Baker as being part of the hallowed singer-songwriter tradition blazed by the likes of Townes Van Zant, Guy Clark and John Prine. It's like there was a storm, a couple of huge oaks fell down at your local park and you suddenly saw another big tree behind them in full bloom. In a music world riddled with deadwood, Sam Baker is a redwood.

reviews

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  • mercy
    author: john mcglynn

    i liked it so much i just sent a copy to my exwife for her to enjoy

  • mercy
    author: Claudia Williams

    I was given Sams CD while recording in Nashville in 2007. While driving home, on a lonely highway at 2:00am, I put Sams CD in the player. I was blown away. Completely taken away by Sams poetry and passion, I followed him through stories of joy, pain, heartache,love, life and death. Sam, you are a gift to us. I have since bought at least 10 copies of Mercy to give to friends to share your majic. Thank you Sam

  • mercy and pretty world
    author: james blackley

    Sam made front cover and central story of UK. country magazine "Maverick" where i first heard of him. Allan Cackett (the editor) interviewed him and i was very moved by Sam`s history, it made me wonder what kind of songs a guy who could endure these terrible events in his life would write. I bought Mercy and was overwhelmed by the beauty and compassion of his songwriting and listened to the whole album straight through (which is rare for me). I immediately went online and purchased "pretty world". Both these albums i believe to be exceptionally good and well produced and i`m extremely pleased he is coming to Perth, Scotland in September where i am sure he will be given a huge welcome !!!

  • author: Nathan Nettleton

    I've only discovered Sam Baker's music in the last couple of months. I got his "Pretty World" first, loved it, and then got this one, "Mercy". Both are extraordinary. I think the thing I most love, but can least explain, about his music is that while it paints incredibly poignant and evocative pictures of scenes that are full of sadness and pain, I still end up feeling uplifted and more hopeful about the world by the end. Somehow he manages to explore the depths of human suffering with real gritty compassion, while still holding on to a belief in the beauty and promise of every individual life. A rare gift!

  • author: Greg Cain

    There is a simple majesty about Sam Baker's music. For any listener, on both the Mercy & Pretty World albums, there will be a moment that will go straight to your heart and resonate. I look forward to the next Sam Baker installment already.

  • Mercy
    author: J. Solem

    Took a chance and ordered this album when I ordered Pretty World, having only heard one song between the two of them. No regrets -- I'd be kicking myself if I hadn't. Love this man's sound and sensibilities. (PS Hey Lisa, the song you want is "Orphan" on Pretty World, if you haven't found it already.)

  • Mercy
    author: Curtis

    Absolutely awesome music. The feeling Sam puts into his songs is really touching. I especially like the song "Waves". You can feel the hurt the man is going through after 50 years of marriage.

  • Pretty World
    author: Dave Twissell

    Somewhere between Steve Forbett and Leonard Cohen and yet totally original? Different? Refreshingly listenable? "Mercy" and "Pretty World" are the best albums I have bought within the last Five years. I just keep playing them. Sam Baker you're changing lives!

  • Mercy by Sam Baker
    author: Penelope Yabsley

    My son played me Pretty World ...which we all thought brilliant... so very quickly got hold of Mercy. Wonderful, moving and compulsive listening.

  • brill
    author: alex macneil

    fantastic i dont say that about many albums

  • makes my heart go ping
    author: susie b (australia)

    I first heard Sam Baker on my favourite radio show here in Oz - the Daily Planet with Lucky Oceans. I then went online to discover more about him and came across the ("whispering") Bob Harris interview. Bought the CD straight away...and I LOVE it. There's something about Sam's songs and his way of expressing them that go straight to the heart.Beautiful.

  • Thanks, Bob.
    author: Ben Sutton

    Good old Whispering Bob Harris! I only just heard of Sam Baker on his radio programme tonight here on a little Greek island and just had to get the albums. Thanks, Ben.

  • author: justin holmes

    i have got this album Mercy and Pretty World and they are great. I really like Baseball this is a really cool track . The lead track on Pretty World is also an excellent track. And given the fact that Sam is a left hander proves that its good!.

  • Just wow!
    author: Lorraine R (UK)

    I had the priviledge of seeing Sam in Summer 2006 at Fred Eaglesmith's Southern picnic and Sam's music just blew me away. Mercy is one of the most beautiful CDs I have heard in ages and everyone I have lent it to agrees! I am sooooo looking forward to getting my copy of the new one in the next few weeks. Please find a way of getting to the UK, Sam, I think the Brits will love you!

  • great, fantastic, wonderful and DIFFRENT
    author: Lisa

    Heard a snippit on Radio 2 'UK' thought it sounded a lot like Shane Mcgowan from the Pogues gone folky. Bought the CD and totally loved it, though the song i heard on the radio (something about Sweet Chariot) was not on this album and i cannot find another. 100% recommend this work of art.

  • Reminds me most of Todd Snider
    author: costello

    Reminds me of Todd Snider, especially his voice, and I love Todd Snider

  • EXCELLENT SONGWRITER
    author: les, in the UK.

    My daughter played me a downloaded track. I was so impressed that I tracked down this site to order the CD. First class lyrics, which is my thing.Subtle backing vocals, feel I'm in the bar with him.No downside to this CD, every track is a winner.Mercy,mercy me, Sam Baker.

  • Wow
    author: Tareth Casey

    I heard a Sam baker song, i believe from his new album, on a car trip the other day. Radio 2 (uk) were playing it on their country hour. Blown away by it I went and purchased this album - amazing is the only word I can use, I haven't stopped playing it in 4 days (since I got it) - his Sams voice,t he lyrics, the music and the back just fits perfectly - I'm converted - thanks you Sam! Bring on the next album

  • Beautiful & Powerful
    author: Tomoko (Tokyo, Japan)

    I LOVE this album -- brilliant stories and great music. I was fortunate enough to see Sam play the Cactus Cafe in Austin. I hope to see him in Japan before too long!

  • Awesome, poetic, full of passion. A great storyteller.
    author: Karen Pedlar

    I'd heard cuts from this CD on listener-supported CKUA Radio based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (CKUA.com) I decided that I had to have it, and was glad to find it through CD Baby. It arrived both quick and painless and I was not disappointed. Sam Baker is awesome.

  • I can't remember
    author: tommy shea

    the last i heard an album so brilliant. tom waits, bob dylan, townes, john prine would all be proud to call this their own. really.

  • Please, PLEASE buy this album
    author: Norman Draper

    Not five stars..... TEN!! I read about Sam in Texas Music Magazine, went to his website, listened to two songs... and bought three albums, one for me and two for friends!! I'm now going to do what little I can to promote this guy! Maybe I shouldn't mention this, but Sam's song remind me of those of George Wirth. They both write little perfectly realized stories that astonish at every turn. Sam's songs.... I just can't get over finding him!! I'm listening to "Truale" as I write this.... She was born in that ranch house Her daddy slapped her alive The doctor still in town He was too drunk to drive (She) Drove a t-bird with the top down A cold beer between her thighs.... Man.... I love that!! Listen to "Waves".... If it doesn't tear your heart out, check to see if you have one.... Please support Sam. His like doesn't come along often.

  • powerful, stunning
    author: Jim

    Powerful- The combination of Sam's ravaged voice and simple, yet eloquent lyrics often bring me to tears- One of my favorite CD's of the last few years. Great instrumentation, production and most importantly, moving stories. Buy this now and buy a few for friends and family.

  • Perfect singer songwriter Sam , beautifull cd
    author: Bert

    Beautifull songs, simple, but that is the way to write music, keep it simple. Great song to open the cd, it's a song to get u in a rememberance how to let the sand know that u are there , tell the world that u miss someone. The water waves wash these words away. Go on Sam! We lost our 9 year old daugther, she died in a car accident , she couldnt say goodbye to us, even wrote us a letter. Now we are desparate and in deep pain, we had a lot of tears to cry, now we dont have any tears left. Thats what give's u more trouble as a parrent. Good to listen to songwriters like Sam Baker, but try to listen to Beth Nielsen Chapman, she also know how to tell u the story of life. Kind regards to u all, Bert Batenburg Knottenbeltlaan 15 3281 SN Numansdorp The Netherlands. bertbatenburg@msn.com

  • terrific recording ,lives up to everything i,d heard.
    author: john best,england

    this album just gets better and better each time i play it, and ive played it a lot

  • AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING DEBUT CD
    author: Roger S

    I purchase a lot of music. This is hands down the best I have heard in a long, long time. Sam Baker is already a master wordsmith and his music is beautiful. BUY THIS CD !!

  • a masterpiece, a young songwriter with the experience of the old masters!
    author: remo (civitavecchia italy)

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR, A MASTERPIECE! HARD TO FIND, SO START TO SEARCH IT NOW! listen to the samples and buy it!

  • WHOA!
    author: Danny Brooks

    A truly astonishing record. This guy must write songs with a paintbrush, they are just that vivid. One of the best Cds in the last several years.

  • A masterpiece
    author: Audrey Mezera

    When musicians rave to each other about a CD then you know it's got to be great. During SXSW '05 the only buzz I heard was about this album. After the first listen I immediately went and bought more to send to friends. It's a classic, a self-contained masterpiece of writing, production and performance.

  • A stunning and moving 'country' album with a real difference.
    author: Stephen Cook

    I purchased this album having heard the track Iron on the Bob Harris Show (BBC Radio 2 - UK). The words were fantastic, the duet engaging and the vocals from Sam Baker sounded both like nothing I'd heard before and a little like John Prine. I needed to find it. When the CD arrives you are always uncertain what you will hear. Was the track you'd heard a one-off, or even worse still, is it not as good as you remember it being? Within seconds of the album starting all my doubts had disappeared. Waves is perhaps the most moving song (and performance)I have heard for a very long time. It is already up there in my Top Ten favourite 'Songs with a Difference'. And so the album continues - carefully chosen words painting pictures of personal grief and universal probelms. Love gone wrong, family life (gone wrong), drink, war and pain. Just when the mood needs lightening a little, ...things change on track 5... and the tempo is upped with Change; but don't be fooled, the beat may be up but the song's not upbeat - boys still go away to war only to come home and find their jobs outsourced. The whole album is concerned with loss and yet ends on a note of hope. The penultimate track Angels, is a hymn to a force that can ease suffering and heal pain if only you trust others. But this hope or trust comes at some risk as we are reminded at the end of each chorus that "Everyone is at the mercy of another one's dream". The final track (Mercy) delivers the mercy promised at the start in the title of the album and is a soft instrumental of guitar and cello that leaves you feeling ready to face the world again, even after the journey Sam Baker has taken you on in the previous 40 minutes or so. Sam Baker's voice may need some getting used to, but his lyrics and observations are like poetry. For me, the voice just adds to the work. If you enjoy Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt or Steve Earle then give this CD a listen. It will move you; without a doubt.

  • author: glenn goldspink

    i also heard sam baker's mercy cd on bob harris show,love the storey telling in the songs, you feel like your there,brilliant, now for cd 2

  • Buy this CD and send it to all your friends ... I did.
    author: Tom Weber

    I bought a copy of "Mercy" at the merchandise tent after seeing Sam play at a benefit concert in Canada. I'd rank it among the best CDs in my collection, Texas singer-songwriters or ANY singer-songwriters. I immediately bought five more to send to friends. This is a brilliant CD, simple, heartfelt and powerful. Thank you, Sam Baker.

  • Heard it ,bought it,love it,now spreading the word.
    author: Dennis Bailey

    Heard it ,bought it,love it,now spreading the word.Sam Baker deserves more exposure,and I look forward to a second album.

  • Couldn't agree with Toby more - a really enjoyable album.
    author: Andy Pringle

    I too heard the track on Bob Harris and couldn't agree with Toby more. Not much to add but if he wanted to, I'm sure with a bit of exposure, this album could see Sam Baker become massive. It would be great for some more people to be exposed to these songs. A really enjoyable album.

  • A real surprise!
    author: Toby Wood

    This CD is a real surprise. I heard a track - Iron - on the Bob Harris radio programme here in England and went straight to the CDBaby website where I listened to snippets of all the tracks. I was immediately convinced and ordered it there and then. The CD arrived 5 days later, costing a damn sight less than it would have done in England (and that includes postage!) Sam's music is gritty, realistic, sparse and thoughtful. The songs are reminiscent of Butch Hancock and Townes Van Zandt with a touch of Lyle Lovett-esque cello thrown in for good measure. Each song is a short story in itself yet the whole album hangs together beautifully. When I listen I close my eyes and imagine the black and white Texas of 'The Last Picture Show'. I'm luck enough to own 900 CDs and this is now firmly in my Top Ten - no question. Buy it or miss out for ever!

  • this will prove to be an all time eseential texas album
    author: patrick hurley

    Once every few years an album arrives, or in this case sneaks in, that is head and shoulders above all others. Sam Baker's debut album is such. Sam is a one -off, with a talking style of folk music a la Texas that is immediately captivating - and lyrics far more intersting/challenging than the current group of singer-songwriters. He avoids current trends of band/over production to provide us with one of the best Texas albums in years. Play the sound clips either here or on his website - you will, no doubt, immediately want to have this truly remarkable album.

  • Sam Baker's "Mercy" is a true delight, rich in textures!
    author: Rick S. (Santa Fe, NM)

    Sam Baker's "Mercy" is a true delight, rich in textures, deep emotions, colorful expressions! Sam's debut CD demonstrates his superb songwriting talents and his ability to produce intriguing arrangements!!

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