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Sam Phillips — Fighting With Fire
Album: Martinis & Bikinis
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1165









Released: 1994
Length: 2:55
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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he wants to keep in contact
he wants to buy the things he doesn't understand
he wants all the credit
he wants the rights to the soul of every man

i'm not above him but i want to go
down below the surface where he lives

fighting with fire
money's the only thing he has

he wants to get down to business
it's a long way down
but he'll go the extra mile
i wonder when all this started
who left him empty hearted when he was a child
Comments (85)add comment
I have this as a 5... i might push this to a 6..... I think I'm going to flip a coin
Posted 3 months ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
thats kinda like a bo diddley beat

and that ain't diddley 
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear this I hear my mom's Buddy Holly 33RPM mono records on the Coral Label.  Something about the space in the production.  
Posted 1 year ago by mkane67    [ Reply ]
 ardent_supperter wrote:

I like the whappity-whappity rhythm.



haven't been here for awhile. almost 20 years ago. blows my mind. great music. and we're still here!
Posted 1 year ago by jumbo    [ Reply ]
Good tune! But, not one of her best.
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 solrac wrote:

would rate him higher, but sob wants concerts to get people (and $$$) for his pockets, screw catching covid, i want my money!!! FH!!!

I hate to tell you this but this person is a she

Posted 2 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
She always pulls me in, whatever I'm doing. Still a 10.
Posted 2 years ago by kcatalina    [ Reply ]
would rate him higher, but sob wants concerts to get people (and $$$) for his pockets, screw catching covid, i want my money!!! FH!!!
Posted 2 years ago by solrac    [ Reply ]
3 -
A 'HO hum', indeed .
Posted 3 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Love her voice!
Posted 4 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
Lyrics say it all, don't they?
Posted 4 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
 ch83575 wrote:
Now Playing:
Sam Phillips - Fighting With Fire
Sebadoh - On Fire
Pixies - Dig For Fire

Is this some sort of a hint?  Perhaps a call for help?  Is Paradise burning again!?  Maybe we should call the fire dept just in case... the loss of RP would be a great loss indeed.


 
The comment about Paradise burning "again" is very poignant from the perspective of 2019.
Posted 4 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

Its not just the 3 chord sequence - its the twangy sixties sound, the slow almost arpeggio style and the sixties drumming with padded sticks and no cymbals.

I am not saying they are the same - I was just pointing out some similarities to younger RP listeners who may never have heard the iconic Link Wray song that defined a generation.

Yes it may have been their attempt at a 'nod' or homage to the original and if that is the case then they have succeeded.

This song is quite good but obviously not as iconic as the Link Wray song Rumble.

Anyway, Proclivities, thanks for the info about the producer. Music is good and so is life!

Best wishes from the Emerald Isle.
 
 
Cheers, Stephen.

Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Hey, it has the clave beat!
Posted 5 years ago by retropier    [ Reply ]
Translation:
HE'S GOT EVERYTHING SHE WANTS {#Arghhh} 
Posted 5 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Jeez, it's a three-chord strumming sequence - I wouldn't be calling any lawyers.  If anything, it's a nod to that tune, T-Bone Burnett did produce this album.

 
Its not just the 3 chord sequence - its the twangy sixties sound, the slow almost arpeggio style and the sixties drumming with padded sticks and no cymbals.

I am not saying they are the same - I was just pointing out some similarities to younger RP listeners who may never have heard the iconic Link Wray song that defined a generation.

Yes it may have been their attempt at a 'nod' or homage to the original and if that is the case then they have succeeded.

This song is quite good but obviously not as iconic as the Link Wray song Rumble.

Anyway, Proclivities, thanks for the info about the producer. Music is good and so is life!

Best wishes from the Emerald Isle.
 
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Nice beat but can you dance to it.
Posted 6 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
If I hear a song by Sam Phillips every day for the rest of my life, I would be a happy man!
Posted 6 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Sorry to say Sam, but from one Phillips to another, although I quite like your song  I just can't help but hear the Link Wray and the Wraymen's song "Rumble" chords changed around slightly as the catchy riff.  

 
Jeez, it's a three-chord strumming sequence - I wouldn't be calling any lawyers.  If anything, it's a nod to that tune, T-Bone Burnett did produce this album.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Sorry to say Sam, but from one Phillips to another, although I quite like your song  I just can't help but hear the Link Wray and the Wraymen's song "Rumble" chords changed around slightly as the catchy riff.  
Posted 7 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Great choice!  Sam is the best!
Posted 7 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
I'm getting a headache.
Posted 7 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
is this song about Donald Trump?
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Horrid {#Naughty}
Posted 9 years ago by contractor07    [ Reply ]
{#Drummer}Drum's the best part.


Posted 11 years ago by rtree    [ Reply ]
6 to 8 :)
Posted 12 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
This song is unbelievably boring.
Posted 12 years ago by kmullinax    [ Reply ]
I like her older stuff but this is a good song!!!
Posted 13 years ago by mem_313    [ Reply ]
She has a goofy voice but I sure like it anyways {#Music}
Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:


Let's all give thanks that scolding one another about dredging up old posts is all we have of the long-gone and not-missed Mr. Ex.
 

Besides the great selection of high quality music, the last three posts are another enjoyble reason I listen to RP.  Thanks Bill, and all you music fans!
Posted 14 years ago by JsDad    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:

I'm sure he is honored that you dragged that 18-month-old nugget up to the top.  He's gone. Let him rest in peace or whatever he rests in.

 

Let's all give thanks that scolding one another about dredging up old posts is all we have of the long-gone and not-missed Mr. Ex.


Posted 14 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:
You're being redundant.
 
I'm sure he is honored that you dragged that 18-month-old nugget up to the top.  He's gone. Let him rest in peace or whatever he rests in.

Posted 14 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Sounds like Stevie Nicks with bronchitis.
 

You're being redundant.
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]

This is the one Sam P album I've ever had and have always thought her an acquired taste - this song I really like (for the chorus more than anything else) and I've always thought her voice interesting - definitely unique - but probably not for everyone.


Posted 14 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:

Uprising by Cats:

Elton John - Honky Cat
The Stray Cats - Stray Cat Strut

 
I had one of those around here the other day... terrible to behold.  Fur everywhere... bloody scratches down my arms... at one point I was sure I would loose an eye.  And all they wanted was canned cat food!

Love the list bond!  Funny as hell.

-Chad

Posted 14 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
 ch83575 wrote:
Now Playing:
Sam Phillips - Fighting With Fire
Sebadoh - On Fire
Pixies - Dig For Fire

Is this some sort of a hint?  Perhaps a call for help?  Is Paradise burning again!?  Maybe we should call the fire dept just in case... the loss of RP would be a great loss indeed.
 

I checked the offiice web cam and I didn't see any smoke so I think it's OK. Here are a few songs that Bill can have on standby for emergencies:

General Emergencies:

The Beatles - Help
ABBA - SOS

Fire:

Michael Franti - Yell Fire
Talking Heads - Burning Down the House
Sebadoh - On Fire
Sam Phillips - Fighting With Fire

Earthquake:

Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lotta Skakin' Goin On
Carole King - I Feel The Earth Move

Wind Storm:

Neil Young - Like a Hurricane
Bob Dylan - Blowing in the Wind

Flood:

The Tragically Hip - New Orleans is Sinking
CCR - Who'll Stop the Rain

Alien Invasion:

Klaatu - Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft
Radiohead - Subterranean Homesick Alien

Uprising by Cats:

Elton John - Honky Cat
The Stray Cats - Stray Cat Strut

Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
1-2-1-1-3-3 - looks like RP's in another 'off' period, at least for me. Mute and away to last.fm until the playlist picks up :(
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Now Playing:
Sam Phillips - Fighting With Fire
Sebadoh - On Fire
Pixies - Dig For Fire

Is this some sort of a hint?  Perhaps a call for help?  Is Paradise burning again!?  Maybe we should call the fire dept just in case... the loss of RP would be a great loss indeed.


Posted 14 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
I think this was the first album I bought after hearing a song from it on RP (this song).
Posted 14 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
Great album.
Posted 14 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:  And the album title too!
I like the percussion in this song.  The album cover's good too!!
 


Posted 14 years ago by Cachatons    [ Reply ]
I like the percussion in this song.  The album cover's good too!!
Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
BORING {#Headache}
Posted 15 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
DougReed wrote:
jhketon wrote:
I respect T Bone a lot and I am not very familiar with "Sam" but I did not hear anything extraordinary here

He must have, ... This is his wife :-)
Uh....was his wife. {#Cool}


Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
jhketon wrote:
I respect T Bone a lot and I am not very familiar with "Sam" but I did not hear anything extraordinary here

He must have, ... This is his wife :-)


Posted 15 years ago by DougReed    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Stevie Nicks with bronchitis.
Posted 15 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
I respect T Bone a lot and I am not very familiar with "Sam" but I did not hear anything extraordinary here
Posted 15 years ago by jhketon    [ Reply ]
TheFriendlyCat wrote:
I really like her voice and this song! I feel like I have heard her before, but on Gilmore Girls... anyone know if she's done any soundtrack work for that show?
I read an article about her somewhere this month and yes, I believe that was mentioned in there... This is an excellent cd, btw...
Posted 15 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
I really like her voice and this song! I feel like I have heard her before, but on Gilmore Girls... anyone know if she's done any soundtrack work for that show?
Posted 16 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
I liked Martinis and Bikinis but preferred Cruel Intentions a lot more. Cruel Intentions was, in fact, the last cassette I bought before I switched over to CDs. First time I heard her was a striking rendition of the Christmas carol "A Midnight Clear" at the end of the indie anti-war movie of the same name. I sat through the credits at the end just to find out her name. I've been a fan ever since.
Posted 16 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
Tireux_De_Roche wrote:
Great use of stereo separation! Sounds great.
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Roverfish wrote:
I'm glad this is the Sam Phillips we're listening to. . . . . . rather than this one
In the words of Yoda "There is another"(click here)
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
Is that Lindsay Bluth FÃŒnke?
Posted 17 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
awful, amateur night at the campus coffee house stuff
Posted 17 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Great use of stereo separation! Sounds great.
Posted 17 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
Love the percussion.
Posted 17 years ago by fjordless    [ Reply ]
Rough voice, but catchy rhythm
Posted 17 years ago by Ennis    [ Reply ]
A really good song from a really great album.
Posted 17 years ago by KermitDfrog    [ Reply ]
dump some cold water on this fire..
Posted 17 years ago by BeetNik    [ Reply ]
Love the bizarre cover art, song was pretty good too.
Posted 17 years ago by davezilko    [ Reply ]
I like that plain simple,lack of effects electric guitar sound...
Posted 17 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
You can't tell if it sucks? I can't tell if you're just hateful! Go listen somewhere else if you're going to base your musical opinions on an artist's looks or country of origin! milchschnitte wrote:
bad music. bad rythm. bad lyrics. ugly girl. country. this song sucks a lot i can't tell …
Posted 17 years ago by sasa1170    [ Reply ]
bad music. bad rythm. bad lyrics. ugly girl. country. this song sucks a lot i can't tell …
Posted 18 years ago by milchschnitte    [ Reply ]
Is it just me, or is there a very slight hint of Link Wray's "Rumble" in the rhythm guitar? Great song and voice! :)
Posted 18 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
to describe the voice with one single german word: GEIL !!!
Posted 18 years ago by rolf    [ Reply ]
I'm glad this is the Sam Phillips we're listening to......rather than this one .......................................... On the cover, I'm the pair of shoes on the right, by the way. ;-) Love her voice...definitely likeable.
Posted 18 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Joyfulchristine wrote:
I noticed it right away. It sounds maybe like one Blue Man on prozac, but I can dig it.
Reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel's "Cecilia"...
Posted 18 years ago by the_om    [ Reply ]
In the past week: Sam Phillips All Night 2 Edge of the World 1 Five Colors 1 I Need Love 1 Private Storm 1 Go Down 1 Fighting With Fire 1 I want MORE Sam Phillips :)
Posted 18 years ago by Coppertop    [ Reply ]
Love it. More Sam, please (Cruel inventions maybe?)
Posted 19 years ago by theodore    [ Reply ]
A wee bit heavy on the rotation, but still a solid track. I really like her voice. Excellent.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Another new one on me. I'm getting a remedial education thanks to RP! "I hear violins..."
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Cool, Sam and Shawn within 4 tunes of each other! More of the same please!
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
The whippity-whappity is especially cool with headphones. It's more of a whippity (left side) whappity (right side) if you know what I mean.
Posted 19 years ago by tg3k    [ Reply ]
ardent_supperter wrote:
I like the whappity-whappity rhythm.
I noticed it right away. It sounds maybe like one Blue Man on prozac, but I can dig it.
Posted 19 years ago by Joyfulchristine    [ Reply ]
Not my cup of tea. 3.
Posted 19 years ago by Gordon    [ Reply ]
Definitely Sam's finest
Posted 19 years ago by GGendeman    [ Reply ]
I just bought this (again) used. Love this womans voice. especially baby i can't please you , i can't please you... :roll:
Posted 20 years ago by mem_313    [ Reply ]
This is a great album!!!!
Posted 20 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
ardent_supperter wrote:
I like the whappity-whappity rhythm.
And I like the twangy guitar. Headphones, baby!
Posted 20 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
ardent_supperter wrote:
I like the whappity-whappity rhythm.
ditto. totally. got the bass up, love it.
Posted 20 years ago by Pilgrim301    [ Reply ]
I like the whappity-whappity rhythm.
Posted 20 years ago by ardent_supperter    [ Reply ]
I may be hearing things, but don\'t the opening few chords of this appear somewhere in the movie Pulp Fiction??
Posted 20 years ago by eddief    [ Reply ]
Picked this CD up for 5 bucks used at the local megachain... a bargain for such a good album if I do say so myself. Another to the RIAA...
Posted 21 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
Ooh, I get to be first! I just love this album. Every song is wonderful. There are so many Beatles references that it\'s fun to try and identify them all. My only minor gripe is when songs end with a fade-out. It\'s like the artist and/or producer (Sam\'s hubby) are too lazy to end the song properly. Now, listening to this today on RP, Bill has appropriately followed this song with a Beatles tune.
Posted 21 years ago by El_Monty    [ Reply ]