This here is a one-man outfit. For me, making songs is like building houses. And I'm not very good with a hammer, and you might be able to tell if you're a carpenter, but I'll be goddamned if you can't live in it when it's done.
PRESS PRESS PRESS PRESS PRESS, YESS!:
“The Cinnamon Phase is just one of those albums you have to hear to believe. every song shows it’s own and blows you away. Sounds kind of like, you should listen to it.” - Become A Robot , http://www.becomearobot.com
“An introspective and enchanting electronic tour de force. There is a song for every month and a story behind every song; a feeling driving every cleverly written phrase of words”” - Northwest Bands, http://www.northwestbands.com
"Best of the Year: This is an album so personal – its liner notes could be mistaken for a journal or scrapbook—that you’ll probably either get annoyed or immediately get in line. Well get in line, ‘cause these diary entries take the form of totally infectious little DIY synth jams: playful and thoughtful." - The Big Takeover, http://www.thebigtakeover.com
“Highly recommended if you like The Unicorns, Grumpy Bear and/or Casiotone for the Painfully Alone.” - Ian the Iceberg, https://iantheiceberg.wordpress.com
“An album that’s meant to be the sole object of your attention...A well of relevant and honest lyrics beneath its tinny-electronica surface. Tastefully sparse arrangements play second synthesizer to Beebe’s pleasantly droning vocals...I almost froze in my sweltering office from the cold chill that went down my spine whilst listening to it.” - Harmonium, http://www.harmoniummusic.com
"Best Album of the Year: "The Cinnamon Phase" by Black Bear: This is perhaps one of the best indie albums in the past five years.
Sam Beebe, the genius behind this one-man-band, is the epitome of what music should encompass, bringing in meaningful music with electronica-pop. While Black Bear creates something that goes beyond symbolism and metaphors, it divulges into personality and makes contention seem trivial and harmony possible.
Navigating through the tracks, you will be contorted into a realm of awe as you sink deeper into true musical bliss." - The Rebel Yell, http://www.unlvrebelyell.com
“This album almost sounds as if Bright Eyes teamed up with Ladytron to write covers of unreleased Unicorns tracks.” -Mog, http://mog.com
“The pleasant kind of surprise that can only come from an indie release. This is strongly suggested for fans of The Unicorns, The Hidden Cameras or Grumpy Bear.” You Ain’t No Picasso, http://www.youaintnopicasso.com
“Bubbly electronic indie music which isn't dissimilar to Nick Common mixed up with a little bit of a Casiotone for the Painfully Alone feel and then a cherry on top” - SKATTERBRAIN, http://blownbythewind.blogspot.com
“Black Bear, like Bears, took me completely by surprise. His album, The Cinnamon Phase, became an instant favorite of mine this year after my first couple listens... I'm telling you, this album is absolutely wonderful.” - Where Is Your Mind?, http://whereisyourmind.com
I enjoy your music! and the lyrics are great! The lyrics to Black Bear kinda remind me of Thoreau's Walden lol. thanks for making beautiful music. - Audrey
Hey I just got your album in the mail! Thank you so much for the prompt service and sweet little letter. Can you do me a fave? I need an almost full size photo of the album cover for my iTunes... Can you post one to your photo archive? I'd love you forever. What you do is beautiful. Independent Achievement is a wonderful feeling, Congrats!
Hey man, i just saw those two videos on last. fm. You fucking nailed it. Spot on. How are things going for you in London? Patiently awaiting new stuff. :)
I had the funniest dream about you last night where I read a 5 page interview of black bear in Entertainment Weekly...where you referenced life being alot like a pile of persian kittens! ha! Congrats on the big press!
dear black bear, i hope you’re feeling fine and life is good to you...i’d like to share the material of my new cd “birth of the perfectly known stranger” with you and wanted to invite you to my site. Of cause i’m very curious what you feel and think about it...so...if you like..let me know...with the best wishes from cologne.
