The Samples began their career in Boulder, Colo., more than 12 years ago. Formed by Sean Kelly and Andy Sheldon -- two friends hailing from Burlington, Vt., the band spent the last decade wrangling with the majors, working through lineup shifts and touring extensively. All the while, they’ve established themselves as a very fine and well-respected group of musicians.

The Samples played their first gig on Easter Sunday in 1987 and released their self-titled debut in 1989. Soon after, Arista Records signed them and re-released their record. However, poor relations between the two ended the agreement and The Samples went back to their grass-roots approach of putting out records on their own. In 1992, the newly founded Boulder-based label What Are Records? signed the band and released No Room, which was soon followed by other classics.

Kelly's voice and The Samples' sound are unique. Blending poppy jazz, rock, folk, country and bits of reggae flavor, the music is hooky and melodic yet elastic enough for the five-piece (Kelly, Sheldon, Alex Matson, Rob Somers and Sam Young), to journey into non-self-indulgent live improvisational jaunts. From bouncy reggae to charging rock, the diverse musical influences that The Samples use to craft their music seem to have helped the band hit their mark with music enthusiasts who can do without the aggression, anger and posing of many of today's more popular artists.

"Another Bargain" was recorded for a limited-edition CD called Tan Mule, which is only available through the W.A.R? website. Penned by Kelly and former guitarist Charles Hambleton, the track is a melodic, folky and acoustic ballad that distinguishes itself from many of the band's more popular songs. When recording "Another Bargain" in Boulder in 1997, The Samples recruited original member Hambleton to sit in during the studio sessions and asked W.A.R? founder Rob Gordon to fill in on the bass duties for an absent Sheldon. The result is an exclusive track that should not be missed by Samples' fans -– or anyone else for that matter.

"Another Bargain" will pleasantly surprise band loyals and may just change the minds of those who are less than thrilled by their previous efforts. This offering could be one of The Samples' finest moments; don't pass on the opportunity to hear it.

-- Country Stan

Country Stan is a staff writer and creative manager/A&R for Musicblitz. He is a former artist and repertoire manager with Loosegroove Records and worked with Curtis Management in artist development for Rage Against the Machine, L7 and Cypress Hill.