The Thousand Yard Stairs (Formerly of Superdrag & Guided by Voices) - For Your Consideration

Artiest/Band:  The Thousand Yard Stairs New Album:  For Your Consideration Release: July 29, 2026 Label: Bandcamp Format: LP/CD/ Digital Genre: Pop/Rock The standout track, “Waiting On A Holiday,” features Guided By Voices guitarist Doug Gillard.

 

The Thousand Yard Stairs (Formerly of Superdrag & Guided by Voices) - For Your Consideration

In 2004, after his departure from Superdrag, Sam Powers went into the home studio of his former Who Hit John? bandmate/best friend Dean Bratcher and recorded this six song EP. Unreleased until now, it's a timeless collection of power pop and rock classics.

The six songs here are a showcase of the songwriting, singing, and multi-instrumental capabilities that Sam exhibited with beloved 90's Nashville power pop heroes Who Hit John?, and later displayed on Superdrag's original swan song, "Last Call For Vitriol." Sam played bass on Guided By Voices' last full blown European tour, and wrote, sang, and played bass and guitar for the Nashville-based trio Century Club. Sam is still writing killer jams and living in Nashville with his awesome wife, Laura.

Sam is a Nashville‑based musician best known for his work in the 1990s power‑pop scene, having played bass with Guided By Voices on their 2003 European tour as well as Superdrag. He also co‑founded Who Hit John? and later worked with Century Club.

In 2004, shortly after leaving Superdrag, Sam recorded six songs in the home studio of his former Who Hit John? bandmate and close friend Dean Bratcher. The resulting EP, The Thousand Yard Stairs, was shelved for over two decades before finally being released just weeks ago.

The standout track, “Waiting On A Holiday,” features Guided By Voices guitarist Doug Gillard.

credits

• All songs C and P Sam Powers, 2004
  
  Recorded and produced by Dean Bratcher and Sam Powers at No Budget Studios, East Nashville, TN
  
  Sam Powers - vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, bass, keys, percussion
  Dean Bratcher - drums
  Cory McAfee - guitar on "Withdrawn"
  Doug Gillard - guitar on "Waiting For a Holiday"

[Back to TOP]