California

3.2 - Most of us have had that one co-worker who's always inviting the office to see his band perform. He's a nice guy and does good work. So, finally, a group of you decide some Wednesday evening to go see him perform. The gig's fairly close to the office and it's on the early side so it's not such a huge commitment. Plus, what else are you going to do on a Wednesday night? After the show, you offer him hearty pats on the back. "Good work, man! Didn't know we had a rockstar in our midst," you quip as you wave goodbye.

I can't believe this needs to be said, but "this isn't on Spotify" isn't remotely a legitimate criticism of an album. Spotify is a cancer on music (even more so than the rest of the industry) and is for soccer moms and other "I like to have something on in the background" casuals. If you have such limited resources that your only place to listen to music is Spotify and YouTube ("o noes, there are ads, whatever will I do!??"), that's your problem. In fact, reviews that mention Spotify should be discarded outright. If that includes this review, then fine. OK now that we've gotten that out of the way, this is not a bad album. I'd never heard of it before; while it didn't really grab me, the songwriting is solid and it does anticipate, by a few years, one of the dominating radio sounds of the early 90s.

You can find this album on YouTube, but I don’t recommend you waste your time.

Harddd pass on this one. Another one of the "why is this album on the list" albums. Not sure what is redeemable about it. I guess it sounds sincere, but it doesnt sound good. I cant sing, and neither can the vocalist of the band.

If Bruce Springsteen wasnt for dads, but for alcoholic sad dads.

Feels extremely dated, like a band trying to play Toad The Wet Sprocket. I'd read a review suggesting this was like slowcore. It is not, and it it's Not for me.

Pretty boring. Some ok stuff but nothing really here.

underrated; should be on spotify

Never heard of American Music Club before, and that seems to be a mistake. California is a great showcase of songwriting and blending of americana, indie and post-punk with a great highlight in 'Pale and Skinny Girl'.

This album was not on available on spotify.

American Music Club, the discerning NME-reading hipster's choice back when I was only an eager young apprentice. I tried to like them, but could never discern much of a tune. Returning today, it's fine - best bits sound like Miracle Legion which is about as feeble an endorsement as I can be bothered to give

This isn't on Spotify, so I had to buy it via Bandcamp (you can also listen to the album there): https://americanmusicclub1.bandcamp.com/album/california-digi-only-release And it was worth it! Reminds me of Radiohead and Talk Talk, and a little Elliot Smith. Digging those chord progressions.

Incredible album which sounds well ahead of its time (I'm starting to realise that my favourite 80s albums are ones that don't sound like they were released in the 80s). Seems like they've had far reaching and significant influence on everyone from Elbow to Brand New and Slint. Even a bit of REM (see Western Sky) but I suppose they lean more toward contemporaries. Strong blues attack mid album breakdown in Bad Liquor demonstrates solid range. Outstanding song writing goes without saying.

The lack of a streaming option should not be a reason to remove an album from a list. Mediocrity and unoriginality should. California by American Music Club fits both categories. I found it on YT and gave it a listen. Its post-punk tones fit in with something you'd expect from Morissey and while not a terrible album, I don't understand what makes it a must listen? 3/5

I think there are better, similar 80’s indie records that could’ve taken this spot on the list. Example: The Feelies’ “The Good Earth” “California” isn’t a bad record, but, for me, it moves at a lethargic pace and kind of feels subdued just for the sake of being subdued. Go listen to The Feelies and report back, I guarantee you’ll have more fun with that one.

Q were always crushing over Mark Eitzel and AMC. Also Karl Wallinger and World Party Thing is, without radio play, there was little to no way of figuring out what they were like. Now I know. Judging from this, they weren't really worth the wait. For me, that is. Perfectly competent tv movie soundtrack music.

I don't like country or bluegrass or whatever. I can expound but that's not important. I feel bad because I simply cannot give this album a snowball's chance in hell. Firefly turned me off so much that I'll probably never achieve an erection again. It's like someol garage band played what they think Rush sounds like and read the menu to a barbecue joint over the music. I listened to the second track in the album, Somewhere. I suspect that the person on drums is taking out their aggression instead of keeping rhythm. Objectively, the music is passable. I simply hate it. This is my rating and if you don't like it, you'll have to live with that.

Couldnt listen on spotify found on you tube and fell off my chair... 30 minutes later when i came round youtube was playing a video about replacing a broken motor on a washing machine. Why? My washing machine was fine, washing better than ever, in that moment there with the warm dribble working its way down my chin i realised i was still on the floor. Moments later upright, alert I made my self a nice cup of tea and relaxed.

I have listened to one song from American Music Club - a cover of The Carpenters’ Goodbye To Love that appeared on a tribute album in 1994. It was a fantastic cover that I have loved ever since. I never looked into the artist. What took me so long?! These guys are fantastic. I love the music. The steel guitar. The rock guitar. The acoustic guitar. The deep lead singer’s voice that cracks at all the right moments. The songcraft. Everything about this album is fantastic. It took a bit of effort to find somewhere to listen to this album. My first listen was to a YouTube playlist a friend found. I loved it so much that after that first listen, preparing to listen again, I decided to go use the Bandcamp link said friend provided and pay £10 + tax to be able to download MP3s to my Music app. A fantastic keeper! So many great songs, picking a favorite is tough. But Western Sky just keeps haunting me…

Ah. A real "blind spot" in my knowledge of household names in music from the last six decades or so. At last. Of course there have been lots of acts I only had surface familiarity with during the completion of this project (and it's not because I listened to a couple of key LPs from them that my knowledge really significantly deepened). But the acts I have *never* listened to are rare, and this is what I signed for here. I was aware of who Mark Eitzel and his first major band were. But if my memory serves, I had never sat down to give a spin to any song of his. My first impression is of American Music Club's *California* is that it is the sort of record you need to spend time with to fully appreciate its merits, a little bland at first sight, but gaining colors as you dig further. Not the sort of album you fall in love with right away. Not "catchy" enough on first listens. But you can sure feel it has potential as a "slow grower", and this for many reasons... The first reason is "contextual". Striking albums released in 1988 are not so numerous compared to most other years (only found less than 10 absolute keepers in that year). And this record offers something that was lacking in my 1988 list: some gracious, pretty dignified strand of Americana (Cowboy Junkies admittedly released a rougher rendition of that tradition in 1988, but its "messy" nature is leagues away from "California"'s glossy production values). The second reason is the wide array of stylistic touches lurking beyond said Americana surface, giving a scope to this record that pretty impressive. In a way, this album can feel as a very "American" response to the pop-rock of mid-career Talk Talk, with a bit of REM thrown in for good (American) measure. Yet this second take doesn't even dig enough. Which leads us to the third reason I want to spend more time with this album, i.e. its "prophetic" nature: early whiffs of Slint's post-rock and Silver Jews or Wilco's post-country-rock distinctly tickled my nostrils here -- maybe mixed with Arab Strap and Red House Painters's abrasive and "confessional" storytelling put into music. And this peculiar formula gives somewhat "timeless" assets to this LP -- a couple of typically eighties production values notwithstanding. Saying that the band's music foretells "slowcore" is a stretch however. But it's not because contemporary critics are misguided in their retrospective takes of "California" that you should bear a grudge against it. My only real doubt is about Mark Eitzel's vocal performance, which oscillates between somewhat "forced" and stilted inflexions to suddenly quite odd, more "slacker"-like moments, impeding on the necessary cohesion you need to feel for something as important as vocals. But I feel that if the songs stay long enough with me, these are the sorts of passing flaws that can actually become endearing in the long run. Will the songs stay with me, though? When I listen to the gently cinematic "Western Sky", or the ascetic-yet-terrifically evocative "Jenny", I have an inkling that they will. Only time will tell, though. Hence why I want to give a tentative "good grade" to this record, even if I can't give a perfect one. There might be some even better records in the *real* "American music club" that I have never listened to, after all. 3.5/5 grade for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4. 8.5/10 grade for more general purposes (5 + 3.5). Number of albums left to review: 26 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 419 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 248 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 311

This came completely out of nowhere. Never even came close to hear about American Music Club. Beautiful, varied and never hiding even an ounce of emotion. This is not the last time, I have visited their discography.

This is one of the better - and earlier - grunge-adjacent roots rock LPs I’ve heard, not far from REM, but with flurries of howling guitar that remind me of the pretty great Thin White Rope. This is not music I’d dine with, but I’m content to share a few minutes at the espresso bar.

Meh-ican Music Club, amiright?

Not worth enduring the YouTube ads for.

Didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Wish it was on streaming so more people could find it.

San Francisco-based, poetic Alt-rock with echoes of jangle-pop, a Paisley Underground approach to Americana. R.E.M. was the most commercially successful of the folk rock weirdoes, but there were other equally talented and morose new romantics Winter Hours and American Music Club. Mark Eitzel had been a name in the back issues of my Rolling Stone magazines and the used copy of Spin's Alternative Record Guide that expanded by tastes in many unanticipated directions. But, until this list recommended California by American Music Club, which is only available digitally via their bandcamp these days, that I connected the name Eitzel to an unfamiliar album and band. There is a slight twang on the passionate "Lonely" but it still sounds like the Byrds and honestly Winter Hours is the best comparison for the persistent swirling melancholy. Other reviewers have evoked the ghost of Nick Drake and music periodicals which branded Eitzel the best songwriter of 1991 see visions of U2, neither sounds apt to me. "Bad Liquor" is a manic and grinding hardcore take on honky-tonk music, ominous bass, harmonica solo, gritty and shouting vocals I am reminded of Lone Justice with their underground Americana grit-punk spirit. Mark Eitzel is a profound storyteller, wandering the San Francisco streets from a dissatisfying sexual encounter to a brief connection with a serial killer who wonders what song he is whistling. "Jenny" is a bleak acoustic guitar song, it reminds me of adolescent Kristin Hersh (The Letter and Delicate Cutters). Western Sky is uplifting by comparison and reminds me of the Magnetic Fields, except the beauty of the object has also been tarnished. This is a somber and sad affair, not likely to inspire a lot of repeat listening. "Highway 5" more road weary blues with feedback "a beautiful California landscape dead ends in the sky." The closing "Last Harbor" is all Red House Painters, but Eitzel doesn't sound like his Slowcore or Sadcore peers, there is a sweet timidity and self-loathing to his voice and lyrics.

Pleasant

It was worth going out of the way to search it! The first song started a bit worryingly generic, but as the album went on it developed a sense of unique personality

4.5

Their best work. A sad, but real album, full of melancholic songs, but the occasional upbeat one. The last song is a real tear-jerker.

i need to buy this album on cd. this is beautiful i haven't heard music so good in a while. such mellow and cool tracks. the guitar is beautiful.

вау!

AMC bring back so many memories. Western Sky is a perfect song. I don’t hear too many references to them any more, so I’m glad they’re represented here.

I actually really liked the sound of this. 4/5

Really enjoyed this, I definitely enjoyed American Music Club's sound! The album was kinda fire tbh and western sky has a really nice feel to it

Sounds super ahead of its time. Excited to go back to this one. 3.5/5

Good album. Never heard of them before. Not on radio Playlist.

It may have been the point to have a generic sounding band name, but it certainly does not help this band stand apart. Bad Liquor is a bad song. Not sure why it was included on the album, as 11 tracks would have been fine and there's no reason an outtake (any outtake) could not have been included if 11 tracks were deemed insufficient. I am not 100% sure how this album ended up in the book. Not because I did not enjoy it, rather was this a hugely influential album? I had not ever heard of this band and this feels like some of the college radio station music I listened to when I was in college. The songwriting is fairly strong and the lead singer's voice could be an acquired taste. I enjoyed: Firefly Somewhere Lonely Blue and Grey Shirt (best song on the album) Now You're Defeated Jenny Western Sky Last Harbor This is not on Spotify, so it makes it more difficult (for me, at least) to listen to regularly but I enjoyed the album.

De zang verraadt iets over het decennium waarin het gemaakt is, maar verder is het redelijk tijdloze countryrock, niet onvergelijkbaar met bijvoorbeeld Chris Isaak. Niet per sé opvallend, maar eigenlijk best goed. Ik hou wel van platen die een sfeertje neer kunnen zetten.

I weirdly liked this one Some songs were a bit bland, or had weird lyrics. But the good songs were really good! Balanced out to an overall enjoyable album 4 ⭐️

Never heard of them. Not something I would pick, but I enjoyed the album. Somehow it just resonates with me. I read the reviews. A lot of people think it's boring. I don't agree, but I understand. Favorite song: somewhere.

Don't have that much to say, honestly. It's just fine, so 3.5 bumped up to 4 it is.

I thought this sounded firmly from the mid nineties, not from the late 80s, so I guess they were ahead of their time. I quite enjoyed it, kinda soft rock, almost reminded me a little of Springsteen, or counting crows, or maybe even tuung in parts?? I liked "Jenny", "western sky", "last harbour" I think this is at least a 3.5.

I went into this listen feeling snide for whatever reason, so it is begrudgingly that I say that I liked this. It's brisk and breezy and almost painfully sincere. Call me a sucker, but it works for me.

This was an unexpectedly enjoyable album. Honestly, this is what REM should sound like. Shame REM got famous while American Music Club faded somewhat into obscurity.

album wasn't available but the rest of their songs slap

Daft name for a band, but a good album

Compelling, bracy and intermittently lovely. The opening cut is warm and approachable, setting a mood of near-lightness (or at least not pure bleakness as one expects). Hard to overrate the influence of this release – one hears Wilco, Sun Kil Moon, Counting Crows, Buffalo Tom, etc. "Firefly" and "Last Harbor" and "Blue and Grey Shirt" are the peak tracks here. An under-appreciated (if minor) masterpiece that suits this list and needs to get on to streaming services soon.

Interesting Americana guitar parts but with more apathetic vocalist. Not what I was expecting! There's parts that remind me of Bruce Springsteen, like "Somewhere" sounds like "Born to Run" in a good way. I'm also hearing a lot of "Okkervil River" in this band which I'm happy about. This band came out first but "Now You're Defeated" sounds like it could be a song in both band's catalogues. I really enjoy how dynamic the tracks are. The third song, "Laughingstock" is really soft and mild compared to the first two tracks and this is something I really appreciate so early in a rock album. I often dislike when rock bands try other things but then shove those tracks to the ends of records. I really didn't know what to expect song after song but as I was listening I did however start to get an expectation that the next track would also be good. I do feel bad because this album could easily be skimmed over for me; it appeared on a Monday, and a day when I was traveling / returning home from a trip, so it's Tuesday when I'm listening to it and already looking at the generated albums list to make sure that I'm not skipping or forgetting an album. Not only should this album be given proper attention, I think it should be in a rotation for me. It's really really solid and I'm only bummed that it comes in at around 40 minutes in total duration; I want more! It's a clear 4/5 and I'm really happy to discover the band. The distorted guitar parts in the chorus of "Highway 5" confirmed that it's a high 4 for me when I heard them.

Very enjoyable!! reminds me kind of REM and replacements combined maybe. Definitely a great midwest vibe to it... makes me want to find it on cd since its not on spotify.

The song starts out strong. “Marcello Semeraro” I seriously thought this track was a Springsteen track between the voice and music. I’m enjoying this album. I’m curious how I have never heard of this band. Ok. This was a great album. It does not sound like the 80s even a little. It could be from almost any time, and I hear Radio Head in here. I wonder if this album had an influence on them.

I’ll admit, I’d never heard of American Music Club until today. With that name, I might have overlooked them entirely if California hadn’t been included in the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Though missing from most streaming services, the album is available on Bandcamp—so there’s no excuse not to give it a listen. Once I finally pressed play, I was gripped by AMC’s haunting, spacious sound. These tracks feel delicate yet temperamental with an almost cinematic quality. Mark Eitzel’s vocals have an intimate, confessional edge, shifting from a weary whisper to a cathartic wail that perfectly complements the album’s sombre themes. The arrangements mirror his emotional intensity, creating a slow, reflective experience where melancholic melodies dominate, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to sink in. Guitarist Vudi’s reverb-soaked riffs and subtle strumming lend texture without stealing focus, letting Eitzel’s voice and introspective lyrics shine. Highlights like “Firefly” and the gorgeous “Western Sky” capture the album’s sense of longing and disillusionment, while “Blue and Grey Shirt” digs into themes of love and regret. The closer, “Last Harbor,” leaves a lingering sense of melancholy. At times, this feels like the sound R.E.M. might have pursued without major-label polish, though Eitzel’s lyrical approach is far darker than Michael Stipes'. Recorded with minimal production, California is intentionally sparse, capturing heartbreak and self-reflection against the ghostly backdrop of a fading California dream. In a parallel universe, this band are probably huge, but conversely, their underdog status makes them more appealing to me. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? Sure Would this release make my personal list? I'm still processing it, but I've enjoyed listening to it. Will I be listening to it again? For sure

\"Laughingstock\" is a beautiful tune. As is "Blue and Grey Shirt," "Now You're Defeated," "Jenny," (possibly my fave), and "Last Harbor" (or maybe it's this one). All the beautiful tunes are great, there are just some less-than-great ones mixed in. I'm gonna go ahead and round up to 4 stars because this album is getting an unnecessarily bad rap. Also because they are not on Spotify and Spotify can go to hell.

I quite enjoyed the album.

Couldnt find this album anywhere so just listened instead to their stuff generally. This was quite up my street. Nice easy Weat Coast vibe. A bit nondescript. Just enough rock, folk, punk, loose mush to keep most happy ish. Admittedly it’s been done a thousand times, and probably quite a bit better by others later on, but decent and I would listen again.

Enjoyable :) I liked this more than I thought I would

Very British sounding folk tinged indie Gonna listen to more of their stuff Not something I expected to like but this list can be full of surprises sometimes.

pretty fire big fan

Gutes Indie Album. Es lohnte sich die Recherche in YouTube und das Reinhören. Gelungene abwechslungsreiche Kompositionen einer Band der die Musik wichtiger erscheint als das Business. Der Song „Jenny“ ist grandios, gefühlstarrk und authentisch. Ich würde es auf jedenfall Wiederhören.

Too bad this isn't available to stream because I enjoyed it a decent amount. My favorite was Western Sky. It's a softer indie rock album, a style I like much more than the Dinosaur Jrs. and Lemonheads of this era. Good song writing, the others I liked here were Lonely and Firefly.

this band has 11 thousand monthly listeners on spotify. this album isn’t even on spotify - had to listen on youtube. and it ended up being REALLY GOOD and it’s a shame i’ll probably never go back to it since it isn’t streaming anywhere. maybe i’ll check out their other stuff

Reminds me of groups like American Football or Pinegrove. Really liked it, though wish it was on Spotify, haha.

4/5

didn't listen to this earlier bc its not on streaming services. im not sure if me not being able to put this on Spotify is making me want this more or what but I feel like I would totally listen to some of these songs. I liked this

Had never heard of them before but I really enjoyed this album. Great vibe. Great for a long drive. Firefly was my favorite

I like the lyrical themes, and kind of like the overall sound as well, but I just find the playing and singing style a bit boring and repetitive for my taste. I like more variation within the form of a song. A few songs, like Highway 5, do have a bit more going on instrumentally, if not in form. I was going to give this a 3, but I liked the last few songs, and I have a feeling it might grow on me and work well if I'm in a bit more of a laidback, meditative mood, so I'll bump it up to a 4.

Good

Enjoyed this one a lot, I'm a sucker for folky Americana and pedal steel guitars.

I liked this album. Good early-mid 90's softer type rock. The guitar strum is so recognizable to the era along with the intentional lyrics that speak of times and people gone by. Best song is Western Sky. Honorable Mention: Jenny

I had no idea what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Lonely, Jenny

Not on spotify obvs, which I get, but it is still a shame, might have to buy a CD... I do enjoy it, and I think I could like it more if i could listen to it more.

Hidden gem

Indie slowcore.

being hard to get made it better?

Couldn't load on spotify, but listened to it on youtube and thoroughly liked it

Really good!!

It was hard to track this one down -- it's not on Spotify so I ended up streaming it from random YouTube uploads, not exactly the best way to listen to something new. I was impressed! I liked the tunes, found them reminiscent of Wilco, and then looked at the year, and wowzers, this was way ahead of its time. Definitely a great inclusion on the 1001 and a band I'm going to have to check out more thoroughly.

Good enough that I should have heard of it before, but never heard of them before.... 5/5: Blue & Grey Shirt, Jenny, 4/5: Firefly, Somewhere, Laughingstock, Lonely, Pale Skinny Girl, Now You're Defeated, Rating: 4/5

Not on Spotify, had to find on YouTube.

Sadly not on the streams where I am (at least not any more). AMC feel like a band that time forgot. They're so good, but never got their due credit. First time listening to this album and it's really good.

Indie slowcore.

Beautiful in many different ways. Definitely a slow burn, but satisfying when you warm up to it

De va nog rätt swäg

Solid indie-rock from Mark Eitzel and his band. An easy listen that is straightforward and low key, though not terribly exciting, has some fine moments with above average songwriting. This style of music isn't something I would normally rate high, but it's so much more satisfying that a majority of the albums that made this list. Nice to see it recognized.

Genre: Indie rock, slow-core Americana 1988 Standouts: Jenny, Laughingstock, Pale Skinny Girl, Firefly, Somewhere, Blue and Grey Shirt, Now You're Defeated Really need to hear more of this! 3.5

Reminds me of the Trashcan Sinatras. This isn't a bad thing.

This album was great but oh my god it was so annoying to find

This album wasn't on Apple Music which is a shame. I did find it on YouTube music but it was a fan playlist. I did really like this album and wished I could find it easier.

This one is really special, I can feel that It's bot on spotify sadly, but it is at least a strong 4

Un clàssic perdut entre les obres de culte del rock alternatiu nordamericà. Va ser publicat al 1988, però no pot sonar menys associat al seu contexte. De fet, sona totalment atemporal, una petita joia a conservar fruit del geni de Mark Eitzel, probablement en un moment personal força obscur, però a la vegada en el seu moment artístic més brillant

Spotify does not have this album, I hate that. Had to listen on Youtube which cut up the flow with stupid ads every so often. Despite that, I quite liked this album! It felt like a perfect blend of indie/alternative with little splashes of country and blues throughout. It did not feel like an album from 1988, that's for damn sure. This could have very well been released in 2010 or 2014 instead and it would have fit right in. They were either lightyears ahead of their time or genuine time travellers who decided to go back to the 80's to enjoy life again at a simpler time and just chill, making music. And if that's the case, please SHARE YOUR BACK TO THE 80'S TIME MACHINE WITH ME!!! I wanna go too.

It was difficult to hear all of it as it's not on any streaming services, which is a shame because this is one of those rare finds that I think I would like a lot. I might download it and listen properly.

Anachronistically evocative, this sure as sugar doesn’t sound like 1988. Slow/sadcore pioneers, eh? Maybe that’s why this sounds like the logical stepping stone between Husker Dū and Elliott Smith. Some of these tracks gave me goosebumps. That’s good, right? How have I never heard of them??

Enjoyable.

This album sounds like a lot of other things (Elliot Smith comes to mind at certain points on the album because of the lead vocalist's voice), but it certainly doesn't sound like it came out in 1988. I would have put it at least 5 years later than that. I liked the album, but didn't love it, but it deserves a lot of credit for doing the folky alt-country thing much earlier than a lot of the other bands that ended up sounding like them in the decade after this 4/5

Hard to find, but I found most of it on YouTube. I had never heard of these guys, but this was a nice surprise. Really nice!

Probably my fav of theirs.

Quite liked this one

Pretty solid americana adjacent music. Weird mix of 80s style vocals and more countrified vocals. Like this alot. Reminds me of Counting Crows.