Back in the early '90s, I spent a year in the business affairs department at Virgin Records. One day, I got a call from an indie filmmaker who had just made a movie called Ruby in Paradise with a then-unknown Ashley Judd. They really REALLY wanted to use a Sam Phillips song called “Raised on Promises” in the movie. I helped them get that done and talked them into including a second song of hers, as well. And thus began my love for Sam Phillips which was richly rewarded in 1994 with the Grammy-nominated Martinis & Bikinis.
With its jangly guitars, cryptic lyrics, and, yes, Beatles-esque vibe, Martinis & Bikinis is instantly likable. It has that familiar, yet fresh thing going for it, along with Sam's indelibly distinct voice and impeccably prescient song craft. As one reviewer noted, “To capture even a fraction of the same creative frisson as the Beatles is no small accomplishment.” Phillips has certainly cleared that bar. Add on some psychedelic string arrangements from the legendary Van Dyke Parks and you've got yourself a record, folks! Apparently, one of Tom Waits's favorites.
As AllMusic.com writes of Martinis' tip of its Beatles hat, “The difference between Phillips and the vast majority of her pop-revisionist contemporaries, however, is that she never coasts on the fumes of her influences, but turns them on their head and gives them new life – regardless of the approach, her impassioned, spiritually charged songs remain the product of a singular vision.”
Because of its absolutely classic production replete hard pans that deserve good headphones, this record could've just as easily been made in 1969 or 2019 instead of halfway between the two. That it was made at a time when no one else would have dared shows that a little gumption and a lot of talent is a recipe for musical success that will stand the test of time.
Hear the whole episode on April 22 at 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm PT.
