Who? New York City guitar rockers Sam Champion, a name which is a nod to Good Morning America weatherman Sam Champion, features singer/songwriter Noah Chernin, drummer Ryan Thornton, bassist Jack Dolgen, and guitarist Sean Sullivan. They made their recording debut for Razor & Tie with 2005’s Slow Rewind, and their forthcoming sophomore effort, Heavenly Bender, is currently looking for a label home.
What’s the Deal? While early reviews pegged Sam Champion as the Bowery-era’s answer to Pavement, the group’s sound jumps from the country-rock ramble of “You Can’t See the Stars in this Town” to the loose, Crazy Horse swagger of “So Good to Me” and, yes, the angular Stephen Malkmus-like art pop of “Sally.” But, while his guitar style is firmly rooted in garage rock, Chernin’s sharp lyrics separate Sam Champion from the rest of the Lower East Side pack. Ready yourself for Sam Champion’s Heavenly Bender as they descend on Bonnaroo’s Troo Music Lounge on Friday (June 15) at 1 P.M.
Fun Fact: In high school, Chernin slung CDs for Guster as part of the group’s grassroots rep program. He became fast friends with the trio and, years later, Guster drummer Brian Rosenworcel signed on to produce Slow Rewind. MIKE GREENHAUS
Now Hear This:?Sam Champion – “Like a Secret” DOWNLOAD MP3
Now Watch This:?Sam Champion � “Jealous Shakes”?https://www.youtube.com/embed/w_psbGrVA8E
On the Web:?Sam Champion at MySpace?samchampionband.com
Talk: What is Sam Champion’s current forecast?
Get a Free Digital Sampler from SPIN.com and Insound!?When you spend $25 at Insound.com, you can download a free sampler featuring tracks from Bright Eyes, Dungen, Dinosaur Jr., and many more! FIND OUT HOW >>
