Sam Phillips - The Indescribable Wow

 This is a beautiful effort with a great title!
Previous to this album Sam was known to the world as Leslie Phillips. This is her departure from the adult contemporary Christian music world...and what a departure it is! The songs will hit your ear with Beatlesque effervescence...it's definitely "poppy". However, this is not just a simple pop album; T-Bone Burnett adds his musical and production expertise and Sam's lyrics are, as always, thoughtful, curious and depthy.

I would recommend this album to anyone. December 29, 2007

 One of the Most Satisfying Pieces of Music Ever
My CD collection is in the tens of thousands. Most of the music I own has its moments in the sun, and that's it. But since it's release in 1992, The Indescribable Wow has seldom been away from my turntable for long. November 30, 2007

 Has its moments, but "Martinis..." is much better
I discovered Sam Phillips via "Martinis and Bikinis", a simply marvelous album. I've seen her live and she's a quirky, edgy, brilliant performer, with an odd, dry, tongue-in-cheek deadpan delivery that is her unique style.

I also liked Omnipop, the followup to Martinis and Bikinis. I picked this one up later. My general sense is that the songwriting is less strong here. It certainly has its moments, but this one has never gotten under my skin, colored my dreams, and lived in my CD platter like "Martinis..." has. I'd say "Omnipop" also exceeds this albuum.

A fine first effort, but she got much better.

Rock on,
SB March 22, 2007

 It's a crime this Pop classic is out of print
Indescribable Wow, indeed. Wow, what a great pop album. Normally I listen to hard rock and punk, but this is one beautiful pop album, complex and sophisticated, that does not insult our intelligence. Sam Phillips' songs are original and catchy, and her singing is superb: she is a bit nasally (kinda like Ronnie Spector) but has incredible range and phrasing; her voice is so pretty and never bores us. She stretches her voice and hits it on every song, and never repeats herself. If you have any appreciation for pop music at all, this CD belongs in your collection, no matter how hard it is to obtain.

There are so many good songs on this album-- a high rate of "keepers". The reason why I bought this album was because, way back in the late '80's, I heard "Holding On To The Earth" on college radio. I never forgot that song and always meant to pick up the CD, but somehow it took me years to get around to it. "Holding On To The Earth", with its exotic, psychedelic sort-of-Middle-Eastern (in a good way) vibe, is a song I could put on an infinite loop and be happy.

But I'm amazed at how many other great songs are on this CD. The final song, "Out of Time", is another must-have. "I don't know how to say goodbye to you" and "What You Don't Want to Hear" are energetic and incredibly catchy, the latter with a very fast vocal from Sam.

"Flame" is a torch song (duh) somewhat like K.D. Lang's torch style. "What Do I Do?" has a beautiful orchestral string section and a gorgeous vocal from Sam.

There are minor quibbles: "Remorse" starts out incredibly bouncy, then segues into a cool instrumental break, but the break goes on too long and the listener wishes they would finish by going back into the chorus.

Yes, this CD is OOP so you'll have to pay extra for it. Do it. July 22, 2006

 Deserves Recognition
This is a materpiece. I had the cassette and I virtually wore it out. I finally got a copy of the CD and I am continually amazed at the sheer artistry of each song. Sam Phillips is what I call a true songwriter who is an incredible recording artist. Each one of her CD's that follow show how truly remarkable she is; but this CD is absolutely amazing. "Out Of Time" is the tune that should've been a hit- although the entire CD is chock full of great songs. Some folks say her voice is an acquired taste, but I have to say lyrically and melodically she is in a league all of her own. My only complaint- it's too short. But the follow-up, "Cruel Inventions" makes a great bookend. Highly recommended! July 2, 2006

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