Friday, December 11, 2009
Creamtastic Sam & Ruby's Debut Named 'Best Album of the Year' by Associated Press
Posted by The Cream on Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Scene intern Lance Conzett contributed this post.
There's a certain point in December where "best of" lists hit critical mass and our brains start turning to mush at the sight of yet another indie rock slapfight over which Radiohead album released this decade is the king of popular music until 2019. But then a major news organization will throw out a list so bizarre that it demands our attention.
The Associated Press released their picks for the best records of the year today and, inexplicably, put Sam & Ruby's debut The Here and the Now at the top slot. That's right--AP thinks that Sam & Ruby released the best album of 2009. Here's what AP writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody had to say about them:
"The Here and the Now," Sam and Ruby: This Nashville duo has been deemed exotic because of their ethnicity -- she's a black woman from Ghana, he's a white dude from Wisconsin. But their blend of acoustic folk, country and soul sounds homespun, as though they've been making music together for a lifetime. And they've reached near-perfection with this CD.
Really? Sam & Ruby? Near-perfection? Why?
I'm all for local artists getting national props, but I can't fathom a world where Nashville's snooze-pop equivalent to the Swell Season takes home the gold for album of the year. I can tell that they've got the librarian demographic locked down from their repeated coverage on NPR, but is that enough to even make it above the Top 25 mark on an honest look at the year in music?
I'm just going to throw out a few albums released this year, you can make your judgments from there: Veckatimest (Grizzly Bear), Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Phoenix), Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II (Raekwon), Actor (St. Vincent), Secret, Profane & Sugarcane (Elvis Costello), Middle Cyclone (Neko Case), Infinite Light (Lightning Dust), Troubadour (K'Naan), Embryonic (The Flaming Lips), It's Blitz! (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Noble Beast (Andrew Bird). Even in Nashville, The Here and the Now gets trounced by the sheer volume of great local releases.
I'm thrilled that for once Merriweather Post Pavilion isn't at the head of a year-end list, but what rock has AP's music department been living under this year? Then again, the AP isn't exactly known for its taste in music. The fact that this year's Black Eyed Peas travesty is at No. 3 probably says more about their take on the year in music than I could.
Comments (34)
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what, no crying about Kings of Leon?
They're lists Cream. No use getting your panties in a wad over them. Rolling Stone makes lists all the time. Maybe The Cream should put together a list of everything they've hated this year -- though we all know Kings of Leon will be on the top of the list, so there's really no point in making said list. Maybe make a best of list of best of lists?
like
dislike
I much prefer Time's album of the year: Brad Paisley, American Saturday Night.
Not country albums, just albums. Dirty Projectors were their number two and Lady Gaga number ten.
My favorite
quote: "Paisley's liberalism, optimism and multiculturalism fall safely within the confines of Nashville's most important ideology: commercialism."
Nailed it!
All those albums you listed sound like albums that came out either in 2008 or earlier. I like some of them but none jump out as something that's Top 10. I think Sam & Ruby sound quite unique and bring a freshness to the table most other groups in 2009 did not.
Sounds like you're annoyed an indie 'rock' band didn't win.
Wow. Nashville Scene, I'm glad I don't read you anymore. I'm only here now because I thought that, in looking up info about Sam & Ruby in regards to the AP article, that the Scene would be standing up and cheering that some of our locals are doing really well. However, instead of recognizing the hard work that Sam and Ruby have done to create really beautiful music you slam them because they're not YOU'RE preferred taste?? I wonder if you are one of the many super-pretentious kids in the crowds of Nashville shows who would stand, arms crossed, over-analyzing every tiny sound to see if it would stack up to whatever you deemed "good", never actually getting INTO the music because you were too busy analyzing the technical aspects of it.
So, instead of blasting Sam & Ruby because YOU think they are a "snooze-fest" (btw, have you actually even BEEN to one of their shows? I'm pretty sure I've never seen anyone who resembles the stereotypical idea of an old librarian in any of the crowds at their shows) how about acknowledging that YOU don't necessarily think they should be AP's #1 pick but Good for them anyway? It's people writing reviews like yours that remind me to never, ever, take any review seriously.
Very well said Candace! I second.
Lance - what a bitter, hateful review.
I, being one who questions any ranking system regarding artful expression, am so happy for Sam & Ruby. This is a proud moment for Nashville's "Non-Country" music scene. I agree that there are many deserving artists for that slot, but just be proud that it's a local group that has been working hard year after year, paying their dues - doing it the hard way. Their album is beautiful - and I am NO librarian.
Chill out Lance. Recognize that it may not be your thing, but Sam & Ruby's music has it's place in the beautiful landscape of sounds that is the Nashville music scene.
I read this stuff every day, and I'm amazed by how predictable the comments get. It cracks me up that people take the time to write such hateful, bitter rants accusing the staff of writing hateful, bitter articles. I'm not sure what that means, exactly, but criticizing critics is a bizarre way to spend your time.
Also, since when is "librarian" an insult? Smart is sexy, dummies.
Alternative Press picked Sam & Ruby ahead of Paramore. They really are branching out.
sam and ruby are alright. but i agree lance, i realize that its cool that a nashville band got this award but im kind of confused by how sam & ruby won... and im kinda wondering if all the ppl bitching about this column have actually listened to any new music at all this year...
hahahaha
omg.
candace, you should probably not post while you are on your period...
danielle, candace: same writing style, same sentiment, same person, new to the cream bullshit. ok.
we like sam and ruby, fine album.
but long long way from best nashville album of 09
toughen up "candace". shorten your posts. love rock.
ap writer is one person. one person. like you or me or candace or danielle.
no more informed / qualified / enlightened / than your average blogger. although, to be honest, probably less exposed to great "underexposed" music than most bloggers.
but for those who haven't heard it, sam and ruby is a truly fine album.
but this was a great year for rock! celebrate! open your minds!
Not going to jump into the latest installment of the Cream vs. (insert band name here) Fans, but at the end of the day, Sam and Ruby are both really great people, and I'm really happy for their success and wish them every good thing.
Veckatimest (Grizzly Bear) = now THERES a snoozefest! Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Phoenix) = sounds like every other NYC indiepop only they aren't from NYC. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II (Raekwon) = TIGHT! Actor (St. Vincent) = eh. Secret, Profane & Sugarcane (Elvis Costello) = he's always consistent. Middle Cyclone (Neko Case) = she can sing. Troubadour (K'Naan) = I liked it. Embryonic (The Flaming Lips) = they can do better, production becoming stale. It's Blitz! (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) = it's shitz! Noble Beast (Andrew Bird) = he can play. I really like the new Fuck Buttons. And Horace Andy + Alpha.
Lance Conzett sounds too campy to be real, unlike Sam and Ruby, librarians and NPR fans. All of whom he insults in his snarky article.
What a jerk.
In regards to this debate, and how these 2 were cited for this award, I would strongly consider the name of the person that compiled this list-Nekesa Mumbi Moody.
The fact that she is likely from the same part of the world as Ruby PROBABLY has something to do with her fascination with these 2.
I have listened to some of their work, and while talented, they hardly capable of producing the best album in nashville this year, much less globally.
And while Sam may be a nice guy, I can confirm having tended a bar which Ruby frequents, she IS NOT NICE, and is one of the most self-absorbed, self-important people I have met in this town. A TOTAL BITCH who complains about the cost of items on the menu, drink prices, etc. Here is an example: she bitched about the fact that the price of a fish we sell is higher than it cost to purchase at whole foods. What a dumb ass!! comparing the cost of a grocery store to a restaurant!!! Take your sorry ass back to Ghana!! Please!!!
And it is worth noting that I deal with TONS of big name local artist, management, execs from all walks of music row. For christ sakes,Robert Plant, while eccentric, is WAY more down to earth and easy going than this stupid bitch!!!
Flame away!! But don't come with this she is great person bs!!
wow, i've been reading this blog for a while now, and i don't think i've read anything much more offensive than that last comment. maybe because i've known ruby for about six years and know her to be one of the sweetest people i've ever come across, but...dude, that was uncalled for.
larry mell morgan
i mean, everybody's free to have and express their opinion on anything and anybody...that was just a lot of vitriol.
So...a few friends told me to check out the encouraging review from Lance. Wow...I'm ok with opinions...it's what makes music diverse..all art diverse. Disappointed by the total slam by a local...I've been in Nashville for 10 years trying to help lift up the Indie-Pop/Rock scene..help put us on the map...I know there are many deserving artists for a nod like this..I love so many of them here. We've been lucky to have a lot of people become emotionally connected to our music...the stories we hear from listeners are all so personal...we make music that touches people's hearts...that was are only goal...I think we did that.
NOW for asshole's comment....I'm beyond words...can't imagine living in the world you live in...sadly, it's the world Ruby and I are trying to help us all move beyond...no room no time for hatred...if you knew and saw what I've seen from her on a daily bases..you'd take that all back and more...
I'm not going to post any more on here..Lance, good luck with your internship...maybe you'll get ur shot at a job someday..Thank you to everyone who has believed...2010 is gearing up to be an amazing year...and I (and Ruby) will continue to spread the word as much as we can on our great music "scene"
Jason .... That is the single most racist thing that I have actually ever seen. I've read stories about things that were insane. That, my brother, was the worst case of racism I have ever actually experienced!!
I can only imagine that you're pissed that Ruby is kicking ass and you are a bartender.
Deal with it.
Stop trying to do whatever the hell you are trying to do and be a human.!!!!!
Otherwise,
You scare the shit out of me. I would love to know where it is you bartend, so I know to tell all of my friends to never go there.
Love,
--Fuck you, Only Jesus could love you!
@AshleySpoogeon - I agree, Lady GaGa should be much higher than #10.
I haven't heard the Sam and Ruby stuff, but I'l vouch for never having any qualms with them personally. Especially to be attacked at least semi-anonymously.
Ruby's always been great to me and I love her voice. And i remember from way back in the day that Sam was always very supportive of everyone and generally a nice guy.
That's all.
Jake Coyle of the Assoc. Press chose MPP as the #1 rock record on their list: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091211/ap_en_ot/us_ye_best_rock_albums
Lance, Critics make me laugh. Interning critics no less. And Jason dude, I think I know why you're a bartender. All I know is Sam and Ruby are one of the nicest people I've ever met. I love their music. I get exhausted just thinking how hard they've been working. To each their own, but to go tearing down other people's houses just because you don't like how their's was built and celebrated, is no way to go thru life.
Good luck, Lance. Congrats Sam & Ruby.
Hahahaha. Congrats Sam & Ruby!!!! You know you're destined for greatness when some bitter failed musician at The Nashville Cream bashes your record.
Intern Lance will have to confirm this for me, but I'm almost 100% certain he's never been a musician of any kind. And he's a very non-bitter young individual. So...wrong on that one, Falcon.
How's this for an initiation, Lance? Trial by comment fire.
Sam & Ruby are two of Nashville's finest musicians and people. Kind of surprised anyone had anything negative to say about this album at all. Lance... what are you listening to right now?
Wow. I stumbled onto this article today and read all of the comments. I occasionally surf the Internet to see what new articles pop up about Sam and Ruby. Ruby is my sister. The article didn't offend me. It's nice that the news was big enough to get someone talking who would normally not know their music. Besides, if Lance is an intern, then this will be the time to learn through successes and mistakes. I think Lance was just trying to be clever. Let's not judge him too harshly for that.
I am so saddened by the comments made by this Jason person, though. I (and Ruby) have grown up in Nashville. I love Nashville and its residents. I'm so ashamed of Jason as a fellow Nashvillian. It's just an embarrassment. I'm usually proud to hear the words of Nashvillians in articles, blogs and print publications, whether I agree with them or not, as they are *usually* the opinions of cultured and intelligent people. Not so, unfortunately, with Jason. I'm mortified to think that I could be running in some of the same circles as someone so ... Ugh, I just can't think of another word: embarrassing.
Only the tiniest of redemptions for Jason is the fact that he seems at least to feel as ashamed of himself as I (and I'm sure several others) feel of him and has had the presence of mind to realize that he should not further embarrass himself or Nashville by popping up again in this chain of comments. I'm also very glad that he realized, while he was writing his comment, that he COULD possibly be perceived as one of the most pathetic and bitter souls in this great city and spared his place of business from shame and disgrace by not mentioning its name. There's that, at least.
This album has the right bling and for every age - I can't stop listening to it - I feel elevated by Sam and Ruby and their instrumental background is so awesome. Keep it up guys
I met both Sam and Ruby 5 or 6 years ago when Sam was playing gigs with the Wichita Stallions, Jeremy Lister, and the other Artist Revolution regulars.
They're both fantastic people, who always remembered and acknowledged their fans while also supporting fellow local musicians.
I heard one of their songs on my itunes and decided to see what they were up to now, and am really happy to hear that they're getting some national recognition.
By the way, is Sam still playing that funk? He had a great band playing with him.
Lance- you're an uninformed idiot, probably jaded because you want to be a musician and can't...so you have to tear down other people. May you forever be an intern.
Jason- if I ever meet you, or find out who you are, we'll have words, then I'll probably whoop your ass.
Sam & Ruby- you guys are great, keep up the good work, and best of luck in 2010.
I am a 53 year old female. Boy I gotta to say Sam & Ruby are the BEST!. You both sound great together. Very talented as well. Your music bring back the days of old when lyrics meant something. You can relate, apply it to your own life. The music is just right. It has to be if I purchased your CD. Old school yet it is not. I play it over and over. Yes keep up the good work you guys Sam,in making the world a better place, it can be contagious. So you both keep up the good and hard work you've accomplished. Congradulations! God Bless.
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