Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without it: Sam Outlaw

Cant Live With/Without Feature

I Wish that I could hold my mama/ Just once before she leaves/ But I can’t/ No I can’t…”

Sam Outlaw will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve played and waited for those poignant lyrics many, many times… ‘Ghost Town’ is probably my favourite country track of all time. The song appears on his album ‘Angeleno’, an album that continues to be my musical Linus blanket. It is a warm, lovingly crafted record that offered a reassuring, luxurious alternative to Nashville’s growing bro-country contingent. I was so smitten, that in 2016, I skipped school and rode an MT3 from Inverness to Newcastle’s Cluny 2 so that I could hear him and Molly Jenson. Although April, I cleared snow from my visor both north and south of the border. He was already a showman and the songs on “Angeleno” sounded great live. I still regret not buying the pink bucking bronco tour poster, perhaps an early indication of his mischievous, slightly camp-cowboy persona, but it probably wouldn’t have survived the ride home.

I saw him live a few times after that and he never disappointed. Last time he was a bit closer to home, supported by Michaela Anne, and quite-rightly singing the praises of her ‘One Love Song’. A delayed flight into Edinburgh allowed those queuing outside The Caves to eavesdrop on the band’s soundcheck. The muffled notes of ‘Ghost Town’ filtering out into the Niddry Street night tested my resolve. “Tenderheart” (2017) couldn’t compete with “Angeleno” but it is still a slick collection of mostly well-crafted songs that (once again) sounded great live. His 2019 “Hats” EP was a heads-up to a quirkier, experimental change in direction. His move out of LA to Nashville had an almost reverse effect, as the pop and saccharine levels intensified. Mr Morgan, I couldn’t warm to the changes. A favourite of Ricky Ross and Bob Harris he would be just fine without my support. But I’ll play “Angeleno” again and again Sam.

Can’t Live With It: “Popular Mechanics” (2021)

In 2019 Outlaw released a great cover of Don Williams’ ‘Love is on a Roll’. I remember reading that he had suggested his long-awaited follow-up to “Tenderheart” might, among others, be influenced by Cyndi Lauper. Probably eighties instead of nineties. I love ‘Sisters of Avalon’ and ‘Unhook the Stars’ is still a huge song favourite of mine. So both markers definitely whetted my appetite. And then it dropped. The first couple of tracks were distinctly eighties, loud, glossy, heavily synth-driven and left me kind of speechless. As I worked my way through the eleven tracks, I couldn’t begin to visualise Outlaw out front, in places like the Cluny or The Caves, performing any of the songs on this album. A disconcerting listen. Check out the Boston-like (1976) guitar finish on the last track ‘When You Feel it’. The familiar warmth, humility and humour missing in action, I couldn’t relate to the lyrics much either. Nice hat though.

Can’t Live Without It: “Angeleno” (2015)

An album cover can be deceptive. Don’t let a jacket Mr Lofgren (circa 1979) would be proud to wear, or the Raylan Givens autistic-pose above a Los Angeles skyline, once home to the once great Dwight Yoakam… in any way put you off. Any album produced by Ry Cooder & Son is worth a listen. It is hard to believe “Angeleno” is now ten years old. Outlaw’s record was an instant bona fide country classic on release. Sure, there are four refried tracks from his first album “Nobody Loves” but recording them with highly respected session musicians, mixed with the Cooders’ warm production (surely) enhanced the originals. And “Nobody Loves” has never been available to download. The studio musicians and production definitely enhanced the existing talents of Molly Jenson on backing vocals and Jeremy Long’s beautiful pedal steel playing. Then there’s the added bonus of hearing a shedload of mariachi instruments arranged by the legendary Jesús “Chuy” Guzmán. And… there’s ‘Ghost Town’, already on his (recommended) 2014 self-titled EP, now the quite beautiful, perfect opening to the B side. While listening to this album in the car I have been known to intentionally miss the turn off into our estate. Hope you enjoy the contrast. 

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Andy Short

I have seen Sam a few times and except for his constant moaning about lack of air conditioning at the Crescent in York ( he was touring during a hot spell) his banter and performances have been great. Love “Angeleno”, close run thing with “Tenderheart” but the right choice

Mark Whitfield

I do actually really like a couple of tracks from “Popular Mechanics” (Polyamorous and Daydreaming) and I think he wasn’t alone in veering off in this direction, John Mayer did it too in 21, but agree “Angeleno” is a magnificent album. “Who Do You Think You Are” is one of my favourite songs ever recorded.