Secret Samadhi, released in 1997, following Throwing Copper, is dark album in more ways than one. Coming off of such a massively successful sophomore effort, expectations were high for Secret Samadhi. Not only is the disk and insert design predominantly black, but the music is darker than Live's past work. The album, produced by Jeff Healy, certainly proved Live's ability to expand style as well as limits.

Rattlesnake- A powerful modern rock sound with all the freshness only Live can deliver.

Lakini's Juice-

This song seems to have a religious, almost pagan, theme. It suggests cleansing of the soul by any ritualistic means necessary. The guitar hook is amazing.

Graze-

Graze is about the supposed predetermined fates of all people. Everyone is diggin' in, making life difficult for others.

Century-

About the overall foulness of this era. An unsurprising message of love is suggested.

Ghost-

Ghost is about losing one's innocence. It's all about the mysterious transformation from child to adult. Desire can drive a person to demise, if not correctly managed. The boy loses rib in New Orleans is a metaphor for an innocent's overindulgence. New Orleans, of course, is generally regarded as a carefree, party city. Being from the area, I can certainly attest to that. Ghost is an amazingly dark, yet sexual song, mainly because of the sultry vocal contributions of Jennifer Charles.

Unsheathed-

This one proves that free love can never be fulfilling by its very nature. References to hippy culture.

Insomnia and the Hole in the Universe-

Chad Taylor once commented on Ed's knack for incorporating the word bagels in a rock song. This song really touches on many possible themes. It could be the thoughts of a soldier, a mother, and a brother. It seems to be about the unawareness of some people, regarding the blatantly obvious tribulations of their lives.

Turn My Head-

This one's about the power of a glance. The song surrounds a misunderstood woman who is finally understood by someone. The guitars are simple, yet haunting.

Heropsychodreamer-

About a psychotic persons confusions of life and dreams. The person becomes disturbed after being ridiculed.

Freaks-
Freaks is about people who live the freak lifestyle, but are actually no different than anyone else. Going to great lengths to make one's self a self-proclaimed freak is actually foolish, according to the song. The band sounds amazing on this track.

merica-

Like Graze, this one is about people's denial of social responsibility.

Gas Hed Goes West-

A Gas Hed is a person that adheres to their morals despite outside interference. A gas hed is a humble, focused individual who never wavers in their march, as the song describes. Another instance of the band playing very well. The sounds are great.

Overall, it's a well put together piece of work. It's different, but in a welcomed way. It's dark and edgy, with lyrics that are almost too deep for the legions of fans who bought Throwing Copper. An album, perhaps, for the true blue Live fans.

Recommended:
Yes

Great Music to Play While: Going to Sleep