When The Lights Come Up

‘When the Lights Come Up’ is Sam’s fourth album. He shed the C-Minus Project name following his debut ‘Less Than Perfect Day’ in 2003 and I’ve never really asked him why. It is probably because Sam has a great name that is repetition at it’s best! Why he didn’t use it all along I will never know.

A trip to the States in 2008 was very fruitful, with Sam writing one of the standouts on the new album ‘When the Lights Come Up’ in America. Titled ‘Twin Cities’ after some great experiences in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Sam channels Glen Campbell with soaring strings and a chorus to die for! It is one of the best songs I have heard in 2011 and like the chorus sentiment states, a song that I will never forget.

‘When The Lights Come Up’ is a damn fine album. It is Sam’s greatest release to date and one I am exceptionally proud to be a part of. I love everything about it! While the 90s style production reminds me of some of my favourite records of that period, it has plenty of light and shade. One minute it is powering along, the next it is gentle and retrospective. It has a towering opener in ‘Movie Of Your Life’, a bubbly single in ‘Good Things’ that makes you actually feel good all over and plenty of tender moments on songs such as ‘Jennifer Don’t Cry’.

Like all great albums, it takes you on a journey. Is it a journey for you? I believe it will be. Please take the time to listen and make your mind up for yourself.

Aaron Curnow Spunk Records & friend of Sam Shinazzi 

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