Sam Llanas – Absinthe - A Good Day to Die (feat. Sammy Llanas) (1998)

Although A Good Day to Die features three members of Midwest rockers the BoDeans, the real star of the act is former BoDean Sam Llanas, who clearly lets his inner thoughts gush onto this album. The title track deals with the suicide of his brother Tom. Llanas quotes some of his advice from his older brother: "Sammy, you're smart/you got a good soul/so if you blow it I'm going to kick your ass." "It Don't Bother Me" is a dark tune that features Llanas' rich, haunted voice, and "Still Alone" is filled with sadness and desperation. Unfortunately, there are a few too many slow, dark tracks to keep the listener's attention throughout the album. Still, when Llanas gets it right, he finds the perfect balance of melody and melancholy.