专辑简介

by Richard FossFans of the band Plan 9 are generally dismissive of this album, which they say makes the band sound too modern and mainstream. This is true but misses the point; on this album Plan 9 obviously wanted to get away from the '60s revival band rut, and they succeeded in that very well. Ham and Sam Jammin' sounds like an album by a talented but erratic garage rock band capable of mini-masterpieces like the 47-second opening cut and catchy straight-ahead rockers, but also of some truly dreadful filler. The first half of the album has the best material and greatest variety, with the second half sounding like outtakes and half-realized ideas. There is plenty of character and talent here, which makes it more of a shame when it is squandered. Eric Stumpo had his moments both as a lyricist and arranger, but regrettably not necessarily at the same time. Ham and Sam Jammin' had lots of character and virtuosity, along with a quirky sense of humor and some catchy songs. What it didn't have was a coherent sound, and that was what doomed it.