"This record was given to me by a friend who is a fan of the band. I'd never heard of them myself (I listen mostly to older music... Beatles, Can, Brian Eno, etc), but from the first listen I could tell I would like it. The musicianship is spectacular (how often do you hear songs in 7/4 on a pop record nevertheless two of them!). The cyclical patterns and intricate guitar picking make the album stand out from most pop bands, while the drumming (and ocasional trumpet solo)add to the overall ambiance. The vocals are also quite distinct and quite touching on the better tracks (especially "stay home" and "for sure" but "never meant" is also great). I'd recommend this record to anyone looking for a glimmer of hope that pop music today still has something to offer. A wonderful record...! (which leaves this listener eager for more)."
Simply Hypnotic
cvlind4 | 11/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The guitarist in my old band once shared the best suggestion with me. To listen to American Fooball. I am forever in his debt- for this alone. This album by American Football is one of the most remarkable things that I have ever heard. These songs are completely emotional, and stunningly heartbreaking. When I first heard it, I instantly grew to love it. I wanted to hear it constantly. I began playing it over and over and it never left my CD player for months on end. The beautiful guitar work, the extremely talented drumming, the soft spoken lyrics, and the pure comfort of this recording made me an instant fan. I was horrified to hear that they had dismembered, even before the record was put out. But I strongly urge everyone to listen and purchase this album. Unfortunately, this music is too impresive for words. You seriously must experience it first hand- and you won't be disappointed."
"well that's life....
revspin | Seattle | 12/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...so, so short." This is a beautiful cd. Coming from someone whose cd collection consists of mostly loud, abrasive, and technical music (oh, how I love you DEP), I believe it speaks for itself that this 9-song cd has managed to stay in my music rotation since I discovered this "emo" band about a year ago. That label, which I noticed has been used to describe this band in a few other reviews, does kind of a disservice to AF. I mean, it's soft, completely melodic and such...but the music is so superior to what "emo" bands today are churning out en masse. There are even trumpet parts in a couple tracks. Can you imagine anyone trying to play brass in [insert generic present-day emo band]? Heads would explode. Put it on when the lady-friend is over. She'll dig it too.
"
I'd give this as many stars as i was allowed...
Wes | Boone, NC USA | 06/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had to come on here and write a review after looking over some of the other reviews that said that this music was "boring"...and especially the people who said it wasn't "brilliant" or "unique." Granted, this is just my opinion, but...
I think that American Football is quite possibly one of the most unique and brilliant bands I've ever heard. I don't see how people can lump them in with "emo," because they are focusing on playing all sorts of weird time signatures and weird tunings, instead of just crying and whining about their last girlfriend. The "boring" part I could understand because their music is very soft and very slow. But show them some respect, the music is complex and creative, and really in a world all its own.
Personally, I think this CD is beautiful and extremely well put together. I recommend everyone (who can tolerate music that is pretty soft) to pick up this CD, the American Football EP, and anything from Owen as well."
Rediscovering this album's genius
cvlind4 | Newton, MA United States | 06/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As I was going through my CD collection about a month ago, I came across American Footbal. I hadn't listened to it in probably two years but as soon as I heard that opening guitar line, I felt chills. This is an amazing album, truly emotional without being "emo." Highly reccomended as well as anything by the band Compound Red."