Sam Phillips
Omnipop
(It's Only A Flesh Wound Lambchop)
[Virgin]
Rating: 6.5
From her early days as a Christian vocalist (known then as Leslie Phillips) to the
bubblegum pop and teenage heartbreak sounds of her debut as Sam Phillips, The
Indescribable Wow, to her more recent Beatle-
drenched pop (Cruel Inventions and Martinis & Bikinis), change is
practically what Sam Phillips is all about. And she's not done evolving. Omnipop
(It's Only A Flesh Wound Lambchop) finds Phillips moving into a darker
realm of weird romance and technological backdrops.
The opening track is the type of story song longtime Sam
Phillips fans will be familiar with. "Entertainmen" is several women's
stories about doing everything they can possibly do to make their men happy, and
getting screwed over in the end anyway. "Animals On Wheels," has a spooky circusy
sound and brilliant lyrics ("Am I your pussycat? / I know what's new"), while "Help
Yourself" makes itself the creepiest track with haunting music and harrowing visuals
("I laid down on the table / You pulled up a chair / You're going to help yourself/
To me").
The record sounds interesting for a few listens, and comes away with a couple of
really good tracks, including a co-write with R.E.M.
called "Slapstick Heart." After a couple of times through, though, the album becomes a
little tired. Though, Omnipop is a strong release, you might still be better off
with 1993's amazing Martinis & Bikinis for repeated listens.
-Ryan Schreiber