Reviews (page 3 of 6)
Nirvana and the Wallflowers had a baby and it's this band.
Fint! Men en del trista låtar
Listened on YouTube. Liked the first song, but most felt fairly forgettable
Liked 2nd half of album more.
It almost made me appreciate steel guitar. But it felt like boring Counting Crows/Nine Days
Chris Isaak meets mark kozelek which I would think I would really like but it didn’t really grab me and I can’t put my finger on why. Somewhere between 3 and 4
Decent. Matchbox Twenty-core.
No longer available on Spotify. No worries. Full album on YouTube. I actually bought this record when it came out. Seem to recall some tie to Game Theory or perhaps because it was on Frontier records. I had bought Engine and thought that record was great. It was in the sweet spot of college rock at that time. They had started to incorporate the country rock sounds that were all the rage then. This record is quieter - like John Doe of X but mellower. You can definitely hear it on track like Laughingstock which could have been lifted from a late period X record. Bad liquor has a little Reverend Horton Heat/Supersuckers edge to it. Overall this is an engaging record brought to life by Eitzel’s rich vocals and clever lyrics. Check out Lonely, Jenny and Western Sky. As an album in a period where this particular guitar sound and composition were common, it did stand out a bit. I’m not sure it belongs on this list but it is certainly an underrated gem.
Started out strong but kind of struggled to find its genre. Decent listen
Ugh not available on Spotify. Off to YouTube. I’m always intreaguwd when it’s something I never heard of during the time when I was very in with music. No clue what to expect. This as a good little acoustic based rock and roll record. I’d listen again. But can’t.
I can’t get California on Spotify. I listened to Everclear instead. I liked it. Strong 3.
Nothing remarkable imo
I read a review on how this sounds like the band of that co-worker who keeps inviting you to their shows in the local bar, and then when you go, you nod along, and slap him on the shoulder afterwards. This really sounds like that. Nice.
another one that was just fine
This project is really helping to check off the list of all the bands I’ve heard of but never got a chance to hear. Although this album came out at a time when I was fully immersed in the act of listening to music, I can tell just by the sound of this that I would not have encountered this because I was in high school and I didn’t have any friends that listened to stuff like this at the time. I bet I would have heard it though if I was in college and into listening to campus radio. It’s a real nice mix of some sort of folk, country, and rock. Yeah I’m digging this more and more as the album goes on. It would have been cool to see them live back in the day. Ok I’m sold on these guys and I’ve gotta check out some more of their albums! ps I love the photo on this album cover! I would like to know more about it but came up empty online however I did get to do a bit of a deep dive on the photographer Bobby Neel Adams and his stuff is great! Now I want to find some of his photo books if they’re available anywhere. Ah art! So tough on my wallet!
It was okay. I don't think it was particularly transformative so I question it's inclusion on this list.
Really fun unexpected find for me.
Some reviews are I think are quite harsh. It's not a bad album. I mean, it's not a particularly strong or notable album - I don't know why it's on the list - but it's not bad. It feels kinda generic, with average songwriting, average instrumentation, and predictable style changes as the album bears on to keep your attention. It's like if your cousin who loved R.E.M started a local band four years ago who have played two shows. This is that album. There's a lot worse influences than R.E.M, and it's listenable to the point of lasting through it without any strong feelings. No negative, no positive. An album.
Pretty good
Eigenlijk is het wel een geinig album. Het is vanalles door elkaar. Het begint met een Amerikaanse country variant van Britse jaren '80 New Wave en daarna krijgen we nog wat Morrissey, U2, R.E.M., misschien zelfs een vleugje The Cure en weet ik wat nog meer allemaal. Vooral de zanger geeft het een nogal Brits randje, met z'n overgeacteerde dramazang. Ik erger me vreemd genoeg niet echt aan hem. Vandaar m'n conclusie 'wel geinig'. Maar die woorden geven ook wel een beetje aan dat dit na één keer luisteren in de grote vergeetbak met een flinke lading andere 3 sterrenalbums gestopt kan worden. Dit blijft bij mij niet plakken. Ik ben dit over een uur al vergeten. En het is voor mij dan niet leuk genoeg om het nog een keer aan te zetten. Maar wel drie sterren dus, gewoon een oké album.
It's alright. The only memorable tracks for me were Western Sky, Firefly, and the closer. Bad Liquor seems out of place. 5/10
3.5
I'm actually finding *California* kinda dull... Not bad, just dull. (6.8) ★★★
I was somewhat familiar with American Music Club, though I'm not sure I ever listened to a full album before. I thought it was a pretty cool album that was kind of ahead of it's time -- they remind me a lot of Red House Painters, who wouldn't surface until years later. "Firefly", "Laughingstock", and "Blue & Grey Shirt" were some of the highlights for me. 3.5 stars.
3.5
Better than I expected.
Started off strong, but by the end, it was a bit too slow and emo.
He verdorie, we moeten weer van de Spotify af. Opzich geen ramp, bijna alle muziek ooit staat op YouTube,dus ik kan gewoon door, maar mn FAVO en 1001 lijst is zo incompleet en dat is wel even pittig. Wel een nadeel; ik verwacht dan ook altijd wel iets van een album als ik er extra moeite voor moet doen. De muziek dan, want daarvoor zijn we hier; Het is prima I guess? Het voelt allemaal een beetje als middle of the road rock. Denk dat als je dit aan zet in een bar dat iedereen het prima vind, zonder zich echt te irriteren aan de muziek. Je zal weinig mensen hebben die puur voor je muziek blijven komen, maar ook niemand wegsturen omdat jij zo nodig krautrock moet draaien. Tenzij Bad Liquor op komt, dan zal je hele bar wakker schrikken en misschien toch weg gaan. Wat een ontzettende clash met blue and grey shirt daarvoor! Een nummer dat namelijk net zo spannend is als een shirt met blauwe en grijze kleuren, gaaaaaap... Nee ik ben hier niet helemaal weg van, maar moet toch zeggen dat het niet een irritatie album is geworden. Ik heb me eerder echt kapot zitten irriteren aan matige albums, maar bij deze viel me dat mee. De zang is prettig en instrumentaal is het prima. Alleen alles bij elkaar vind ik het gewoon niet zo heel erg spannend. FAVO: Lonely
3 out of 5. This was a comfortable album and I agree with others on here that it seems like a precursor to college radio rock.
3.2
Interesting
A bit of a struggle to find this, but it is on YouTube. It is a strong 3, verging on a 4.
Sure. This didn't wow me, and its always a little disappointing when an album isn't available on a streaming service (I found an Youtube playlist with the album here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUohHmj0S8O4AN4YgKVmQOMEX942Xs1C&si=GtlYwP-AS3uTAKLA)
Perfectly pleasant. Bit basic but fine
Alright. Nothing stood out to me. Quickly forgot all the I heard
No standouts
3 Something about the singer of this band really reminded me of Matt Berninger of The National. Hell, even lyrically and thematically this felt reminiscent of the group - I guess this is like their folksy, alt-country equivalents. That said, this didn’t grab me quite like The National’s music does, and I don’t really have a strong reason as to why - this just feels sort of lacking in comparison. Like, each song is pretty good, but I feel like it’s almost immediately forgotten as soon as it’s over, which leaves me without much to say here. In some ways, I could get behind an argument that this kind of thing is the natural evolution of Bob Dylan’s style of music, but it doesn’t contain quite the same charm for me. There’s some sort of charm here for sure, but it’s not a very strong or distinct one - but I guess what else can you expect from a group that goes by “American Music Club”? TL;DR Pleasant, but forgettable. The best part was the guy’s voice. Though I’ve gotta say, one of my listenings to this was at nighttime during a heavy rain, and I’ve gotta say, based on my limited time with this album, that is almost certainly the best way to experience it. I almost bumped up a half point because of it, but after listening again the next day… nah.
Had never heard of this band before. This was a pleasant and easy listen.
2,5
Ihan tuntematon entuudestaan, mutta kivan positiivinen ylläri. Hyvää folkrokkia. Pari vähän erikoisempaa biisiä oli levyllä, mitkä ei sopinut kokonaisuuteen imo. Vaikka muuten todella ajatonta folkkia niin kivasti laulusta silti huokui kasari. Aika keskipätevää matskua.
Ihan mukavaa rock and/or rollia. Ei nyt varsinaisesti mikään biisi jäänyt päähän soimaan, mutta parilla kuuntelulla paranisi varmasti. Vahva kolmonen.
Päästiin semmosen äärelle taas vaihteeks, joka ei ole ennestään itelle tuttua. Tässä on paljon elementtejä, joista tykkään ja tietynlainen melankolinen rockpoppi, jota varsinkin alkupään biisit edustavat maittaa. Jotenkin tästä on vähän vaikea saada otetta ja toki kun on täysin uusi tuttavuus, niin on vaikea antaa tuomiota puolesta tai vastaan. Mietin tätä kuunnellessa, että voisi kuunnella lisääkin, mutta se taitaa vaatia fyysisen rieskan ostamista (kun ei Spotify tätä tarjoile), joten eiköhän tämä jää sitten tähän. Sillain tässä nyt kuulee saundimaailmassa ja yleisessä ilmeessä samaa, mihin on 90-luvun indierokpopeissa törmännyt. Ehkä tämä siis toimii ja on toiminut niille jonkin asteisena esikuvana ja on sillä löytänyt paikkansa listalla albumeista jotka pitäisi kuulla ennen kuin viikatemies käy kylässä. Suorilta en innostunut kaikista levyn veisuista, joten mennään tasapaksulla arvosanalla.
Taas kategoriaan "siinähän tuo meni" Toisaalta kyllä nousi hetkittäin sellainen fiilis, että jos kuuntelisi enemmän tai sattuisi jotenkin lähtökohtaisesti nappaamaan paremmin, tällä voisi olla enemmänkin tarjottavaa kuulijalle
I can’t find it 3/5 because I don’t wanna judge
A fresh but unfortunately untoasted bagel. Fine, but could be a lot better. Second half was interesting, though, so maybe a half toasted bagel?
Decent
American Music Club’s California is a fascinating listen — you can hear the early seeds of alt-country before the sound was fully defined. Tracks like “Bad Liquor” point directly toward what bands like Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt would refine a few years later. The steel guitar on the opener sets a great tone, and the record carries a certain raw, pioneering spirit. That said, the vocals don’t fully land for me, and the record feels more like groundwork than the finished form. I respect it a lot and enjoyed the listen, but it stays at 3 stars for me — an important stepping stone more than a core favorite.
nice
Had never heard of this band... Heard that it was Americana which sounds like something I would like. In the end it was decent but it didn't really grab me.
I couldn’t find the album so I listened to some of their top tracks. I enjoyed it
ok but kind of forgoit it 3/5
3/5
This felt like a weird inclusion. Fine, nice, not exciting. 3/5
i liked that. it didn’t necessarily stand out from the one zillion other bands that i already listen to that sound just like it but i enjoyed listening to it. i could hear a connection to the national in particular, and in that sense it sounded much more contemporary. fav tracks: somewhere; laughingstock; pale & skinny girl
Didn’t honestly understand why this album was meant to be on here, like the first song was pretty good and then it fizzled out. The list guys need to look up Australian Rock because holy cow they make a lot more significant stuff then this random American rock band. Middle of the road nothingness.
Pretty good. Another nice album that I wouldn’t have listened to by a band I’m not familiar with had it not been on the 1001 list.
I was surprised how much I liked this - I had it on whilst working and wanted to actively listen.
Never listened to this band, so going in totally blind. Overall this felt a little extra sad and had some songs that were a little too dramatic (Highway 5 & Jenny). Bad Liquor was also a sharp left turn from anything else on the album. I did really enjoy Firefly, Somewhat and Western Sky. Lyrics-wise overall they were pretty good and had some interesting sounds in the music. But breaking it down it is more specific songs I like, but not the overall album or band. They were just a bit too dramatic and sad overall to be boosted any higher.
Had to seek this one out on YouTube. I really like their sound! It feels like very down home comfort music. It didn't wow me into 4 territory, but it was a pleasant listen.
Nije mi ko onih par kasnijih ali mi je dobar
Not blowing my skirt up. It's something I'd maybe listen to on day three of a four day bender.
Eh, alright.
Like an REM Pink Floyd. Lol. Lots of potential here
Not bad
really wish the entire album sounded like the last three songs.
An interesting album that I've never heard of nor the group. I really enjoyed the alt-country tunes on this album, but the rest of it was very whiny-sounding singing. Music was pleasant enough. 3.08 / 5 Stars
Another album of perfectly cromulent music - a lot of it faded into the background or undershot my expectations based on the genre tags, though there were some standouts like Highway 5.
Totally normal, regular album. There was definitely stuff on here I enjoyed, but I didn't feel that they did anything really adventurous or interesting. Perhaps bland but I did enjoy it for what it was.
I got a bit of a Replacements vibe on Somewhere, which isn't a bad thing, but sums up that this album is 1980s US alt rock to a fault.
First hidden gem feeling. preferred the softer tracks. 3.5.
This sounded like a band called American Music Club (in a good way) (I think?)
Very much a middle-of-the-road sad/indie rock album. Didn't love it, didn't hate it - it has solid energy, and Mark Eitzel's vocals are passionate and appropriately gritty. That said, it didn't really offer any amount of 'secret sauce' to make me want to revisit it anytime soon.
I almost feel like I owe this one an apology. I was totally unimpressed by the first track and thought this’d definitely be a 2-star album. Starting with “laughingstock,” though, the slow, wistful tone caught my attention. The album feels weirdly inconsistent in quality and tone, and while I had the sense by the end that the good outweighed the bad, it was too spotty and the highs not high enough to inspire a rating higher than 3. Still, though, this was a better and more interesting listen than I first assumed it would be. Favorites: Pale skinny girl, Jenny, Highway 5, last harbor
I definitely hear the markings of many 1990s sounds in here!
Interesting that this is among the few albums that isn't available on Spotify. I wonder if it's because this band is too obscure or because they're taking a stand against Spotify? Anyhow, this album sounds like typical 90's alt rock, though given that it was released in 1988 I suppose it may have been a little ahead of its time?
Couldn’t tell you why but I kinda dug this one.
I haven’t been sleeping well and the first thing I do in the morning is listen to these albums so when I say it felt like a fever dream, it has nothing to do with the music and more my state of mind.
Well, I would have listened to it ... but unavailable on Spotty
Interesting album having a blend of music styles.
Best Song: Sometime This is kind of whatever. It's not bad and it sure isn't great. 3/5.
This was good, but in the way that you go to a bar that has live music and you think "Hey, these guys aren't bad."
Nice, in a mediocre way. Nothing great.
Had to go digging for this album. Kinda dug it.
Enjoyable, though not very engaging. 6/10
laughingstock is good. album feels alright, nothing incredibly special by my standards.
Well, I guess it’s telling that I listened to this twice. I’d never come across this album before but was sucked in by how easy it was to listen to. Deceptively easy perhaps. This has a possibility that it would incrementally garner a higher rating every time because I feel it growing on me and I can hear so many influences that I really love. Currently stands at a 3.5.
I recognized the name of this band, but not any of the songs. From the beginning, the singer reminded me a bit of Evan Dando. The song Bad Liquor seemed like it belonged to a completely different album/band. One of the songs near the end was reminiscent of Elliott Smith and then another had a very The The/
I listened to the band's 1991 release, Everclear, as California was not available on Spotify. I don't have anything radical to uncork, it was a bit bland but never terrible. A little too self-aware, maybe? It's hovering around a 2.5, but I'm gonna go with a 3 as this was not really valid anyway.
Bueno
Acoustic indie folk with polish that is reminiscent of the Decemberists but less hooky. Good sound train for a rainy Sunday afternoon lounging around the house.
This feels like the prequel to something more famous. The whole thing has a lo-fi charm. Soft, gloomy alt with decent bones. Spins: 1 No Spotify, No Playlist Additions.
I had to look up these guys. They look/sound like that band that has a great work ethic and have had to jump between labels to get their exposure. But, at the same time, they sound like an indie version of Counting Crows. There were some nice melodies, I actually really enjoyed 'Jenny' a finger picking ballad with melodica/accordion part. However, there's nothing exciting to grip me. I only get one listen. And I'm not sure a second would make me any more excited about this. Bog standard, pop rock. 3 stars. Good on you, American Music Club for not being on Spotify!
This one had a few moments I liked, even if it didn’t totally pull me in. It’s got that slow, moody alt vibe, which worked in spots but also dragged a bit at times. “Firefly” was cool, “Blue and Grey Shirt” had that really sad, stripped down feel, and “Bad Liquor” stood out with that rockabilly sound. Those were the ones that kept me interested. Outside of those tracks, it didn’t leave much of an impression.
Not bad but didn’t need to hear this before I died.
Unexpectedly good. Stays into rawk now and again, but quickly finds its indie/avant garde way. No reason at all to call the band that.
Music existed before Spotify so if you can't be bothered to go on YouTube more fool you. This was another okay album. Folky indie which felt quite ahead of its time for the late 80s, but now sounds like a lot of things you'd hear at an open mic. Nothing particularly special but some well written songs. Bad Liquor felt out of place.
It was alright I guess. Nothing really gripping or memorable except for a weird louder song in the middle which also suddenly stopped, but that might be the YouTube version.
I like this album. That being said, I cannot imagine thinking people need to listen to this before they die. The singer kind of reminds me of Evan Dando. I enjoyed it. But again, not essential IMO.
2.7 1x catch up 11/12
Wasnt on apple music-- Single play through on youtube. Mid
Two or three pretty good tracks on this album, but I found the rest all quite mediocre.
Eh. I guess. It's a whatever sound. Sounded later than its time but I'm not missing anything here
Music was good and dark but they guy was just kinda whaling the whole time.
Pretty cool but not on Spotify
its alright but red house painters basicslly perfected the slowcore/acousticish alt rock sound so what’s the point
Started strong but too much filler later on.
Unavailable on Apple Music.
didn't stick with me
Dang. I've never heard somebody try to be Bruce Springsteen so hard. And then to call the album "California"? C'mon. Other than that, it's an enjoyable album. Not one that I would come back to, but it sounded good. The back half of the album was kinda sad and dreary.
"American Music Club? Why do I know that name?" *fires up Wiki* Oh yes, Eitzel's band pre-solo-Eitzel. Well, we know what we're going to get here and it's very pleasant indeed. Was this radically different from any other AMC / Eitzel albums? Not really, so a slightly odd inclusion on the list, but enjoyed returning to it regardless.
Bad liquor y Now you're defeated fueron mis canciones favoritas. Lástima que este album no esté en ninguna plataforma para escucharlo (lo escuché en youtube). Mucho de este album podría existir en el soundtrack de una película feel good. Me da mucha nostalgia por una época que no me tocó vivir.
Not sure why this one is included. It's a hard ok. 2.5.
Never heard of these guys, but not bad! This album was 1988 but it sounds like something from a decade later. Lead singer was kind of off for me, not bad but didn't quite hit the mark. There was some genre-smashing too: some folkier stuff, some harder rock sounding. Enjoyed the slide guitar in "Firefly" and wish there had been more. The beginning of the album hooked me but then lost me a bit by the end. Standouts were "Firefly" "Somewhere" "Lonely" and maybe "Bad Liquor" There were a couple slower songs I didn't quite gel with, but some others I really liked. Hard to chose between 3 or 4 stars on this one but it's gotta be 3. It all just needed a little more. But the bones of this album I think are really nice.
Can’t find it
Très correct, c'est le genre de musique que quand tu tombe dessus à la radio, tu reste sur le poste, de peur de tomber sur pire.
Nice listening, simplistic melodies and lyrics
nice little folky indie stuff but not much to note
3.5/5
The whole album was unavailable on Spotify, which is something that I don't think I've seen before. I had to go on YouTube and listen to it there, but luckily it was a short listen. Overall, not a bad album, pretty chill and nice for background listen.
Feels ahead of its time but not did grab me. Did make me check out the rest of their catalog though! Recommend "sick of food"
Highway 5 was great
As if the Cure decided to be brooding with a country vibe.
It's alright!
ok
tava esperando um trem bem ruim foi uma viagem ok!!
# Album Name: California # Artist: AMC # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Very mid americana # Top Tunes: # Would I listen to it again? Nah
underrated; enjoyable to listen to as whole album but no songs stood out much
Decent, not sure I'll go back to it again with it not being on Spotify though
Had to find this on YouTube* since Spotify didn't have it, but it was delightful. Folksy overall, with a huge variety of different sounds--reminds me of Beck. Tracks seem to explore the whole mood wheel. Definitely a artistic triumph! *: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUmXZEPwsTE
Decent album, does become background music 3/5
I can definitely see the vision here, there are lots of great ideas by clearly very talented people. I just think it's quite held back by very dated production and overall as a product feels very of its time.
with more listenings it can be more than 3
Das Album California der US-amerikanischen Band American Music Club wurde 1988 veröffentlicht. Die Aufnahmen fanden im Studio D in Sausalito, Kalifornien statt. Die Gruppe um Sänger und Songschreiber Mark Eitzel bewegt sich stilistisch zwischen Alternative Rock, Folk und Slowcore. Charakteristisch sind die ruhigen, introspektiven Arrangements und die oft melancholische Stimmung. Zu den bekannteren Titeln zählen „Firefly“, „Western Sky“ und „Blue and Grey Shirt“, die exemplarisch für den zurückgenommenen, erzählenden Stil der Band stehen. Die Veröffentlichung markiert einen frühen Höhepunkt im Schaffen der Band, bei dem sich ihre besondere Handschrift bereits deutlich zeigt. Wer sich für nachdenkliche, gitarrenbetonte Musik abseits des Mainstreams interessiert, findet hier einen guten Einstiegspunkt.
Thought I put on a Barenaked Ladies album by mistake. These fellas are getting a lot of hate in some other folks’ reviews. They’re alright tho.
decent album, nothing that really stands out to me. Only one song I actively didn't like. Most of them are easy listening background type songs to me.
Laughingstock // Bad Liquor // Highway 5 //
A nice sort of folky rock collection that seems like it might have set the stage for later, more successful groups like Counting Crows. An easy listen.
The first half of this album wasn't great in my opinion. The band sounded like an early barenaked ladies. Then bad liquor was a big surprise, and the second half actually was a big step up. Avg: 2.7/5 -> 3/5
Was pretty hard to find due to the fact that it's not on any streaming services but it was a pretty solid country album and I am appreciative of Mark Eitzel's meaningful lyricism throughout.
Album not available on Spotify
It’s perfectly pleasant, but nothing more. Reminded me of Counting Crowd in parts, and Sheryl Crow. Quite a crow heavy review, really.
It’s fine but I don’t know why it’s on this list. If you want a good example of a band in the 80s being ahead of their time you can listen to Violent Femmes and have a way better time
Some lovely moments and I enjoyed the instrumentals a lot in places, but this brand of almost-country, Nick Cave meets the Smiths melancholia didn’t really do it for me.
Pleasant.
when this is bad its really really bad. unfortunate
ok
No!!! More metal, to my ears predictable but not completely meritless. Don’t think I’ll listen again though.
"Jenny". Melancholy ambience
I did not feel much here. Not sure why it’s on the list.
A real deep-cut here. I've never heard of this album or this band. Honestly not that bad. It's a shame that this album isn't more accessible because I think it could really find an audience. Favorite track: Highway 5
This came completely out of nowhere. Never even came close to hear about American Music Club.
Easily track downable on Youtube and a nice slice of eighties college rock, from the stable of Green on Red, Long Ryders, Bodeans, Smithereens, Replacements and so on. If you like them you'll like this.
I did not find this on Spotify
Klinkt als iets wat mijn pa zou luisteren. Sad, 90s rock. Dus dit vond ik ook wel vrij goed. Kende het niet, maar klinkt wel oké. 3.2
boh su spotify non c’è
Solid indie album with great lyrics for some songs.
Some incredibly strong songs here but the record is too inconsistant. Way too many songs are forgettable. But god damn "Jenny" and "Highway 5" are bangers
I did like it. But nothing memorable. Would listen again very easy smooth soft rock music in places
It was aight? Easy listen
Favorite Track: Jenny
They had indie rock in the 80s? Just kidding, kinda. This is so indie it wasn't on spotify! Unfortunately, I like it. A little bit of a folksy/country voice, but definite indie guitar and lyrics. 'Western Song' apparently is Nick Drake inspired, and I hear it, as well as Pearl Jam inspiring, which I guess I hear also. Pleasant. A nice pleasant streak this week.
California is yet another one of those albums that is fine albeit unremarkable. Its just another alt rock album from the 80s that wasn't really doing anything to help it stand out from it's many peers. Many of the songs also just tend to copy paste the same exact formula to the point where they just tend to get a bit forgettable. Bad Liquor is one of the more fun tracks seeing as it's one of the few (if not the only one) that deviates from the formula and it manages to still be a pretty good track. That is however only one track and it is pretty short so i would not say it is enough to elevate this album any higher than 3 stars. Best Song: Bad Liquor Worst Song: Laughingstock
A tiny bit country, a little bit goth? Hard to describe the genre of this. It wasn't all that exciting or memorable though. It wasn't on Apple Music, so I had to listen on YouTube.
I liked it. It was different to what I expected. Also, I’m always glad to find things that are not on Spotify.
Sounds like something my dad would have had on a cassette tape when I was a kid (positive). I actually do like this. It's quiet but the instrumental aspect is solid. "Jenny" and "Last Harbor" were really lovely. At the end of the day it didn't blow me away, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Toch zelden dat er iets voorbij komt, waar je zelfs in de verste verste ooit van hebt gehoord. Voordeel is, dat je dan verrast kan worden. Het is een 80s album, dus ik verwacht veel bombarie. Maar de eerste klanken geven iets heel anders weg. Ik hoor gelijk een slide guitar en een iets knauwende stem. Ik ga er even voor zitten. Ik zit te bedenken op wat voor andere artiesten ik dit vind lijken. Ik kom tot een mengeling van Counting Crows, Claw Boys Claw, Tears for Fears, Spandau Ballet. Als ik had moeten gokken, dan had ik eerder de 90s gegokt dan 80s (ondanks de Tears for Fears en Spandau Ballet associatie). Ondanks dat ik het best mee vind vallen, had het me ook niks verbaasd als dit een Nederlands bandje was geweest. Je hoort gewoon dat het net niet de kwaliteit heeft. Het stoort me allemaal niet, maar het beklijft ook niet. Te weinig catchy hooks of interessante riffs. Ben bang dat dit toch meer in de hoek vergeetbare 3 gaat zitten.
Mellow alt-america
Some country-tinged folksy rock that is almost certainly inspired by Neil Young, but in a style reminiscent of early REM. The album, conceptually, is a miserable breakup album that can effectively be divided into two halves: a sober half and a drunken half. I'll let you guess which track divides the two. I'm of two minds. I like the arc that this album follows and much of the songwriting on display strikes a nice balance between vulnerable introspection and warm melancholy (occasionally channeling the Smiths!) But the production takes away some of the rawness that should really embody this kind of album. Every song is a little too clean, lacking a keen sense of grit. I also think American Music Club doesn't quite find its own identity in this album, as most of the songs here only seem to harken to other more well-established bands from around the same time. There are good ingredients to California, but the finished product falls a bit short.
drei bis vier. schön, aber naja
Cozy album with some real nice guitarwork.
I guess I must be in the backwaters of this project, as this is the second day in a row getting a strangely obscure album (yesterday's was "Bitte Orca" by Dirty Projectors). Thankfully, this album isn't as grating as "Bitte Orca", but it's also not all that distinctive either. And it's in the running for one of the shortest Wikipedia entries, which is usually not a great sign. Most of the songs didn't really stand out to me, but I thought "Laughingstock" was a good tune. According to the "1001 Albums" entry, they've been labeled "the most criminally underrated band in the world." I'm not sure any crimes were committed in downplaying their potential, to be honest, but I'm also not sure why they didn't get more exposure beyond a cult following in Europe, as there's nothing too harsh or offensive about this album, and it definitely has that 80s/90s indie sound down pat. Interesting that they compared themselves to REM "constantly"; I suspect that bred a lot of resentment when REM took off and they didn't. And interesting too that frontman Mark Eitzel started off doing punk, as this album seems very *un*-punk (except "Bad liquor" I suppose).
solid rock though I don't feel compelled to listen again.
5.8/10
Interesting variety
Not bad. It’s mostly just okay with one stand out track. Odd that this seems to be their only non-streaming album
Reminded me of Gram Parsons, only with more pop and punk influances. The upbeat songs work better
The first listen didn't stick with me, but I enjoyed the second go-around quite a bit. Feels nice and vibey, like driving through a desert at sunset. 3 stars.
On par with the Beatles
***An ok album
Pretty good in places
It was nice
There's room on my mood palate for low-key, kind of melancholy stuff like this. At first I was thinking it was kind of bland but I get the vibe that this would grow on me with subsequent listens.
I’m at a 3. I dunno, I just sort of bounced off of this album, not for a lack of trying. I think the instrumentation does a fabulous job of finding & maintaining a mood on this album on every track, and I consider that the highlight. If nothing else, this is a really nice 41 minutes of easy listening, and it’s probably really easy to get entranced by the soundscapes to the point of enjoyment. They’re genuinely a few years ahead of schedule, and give a good preview of some of the more contemporary / indie stylings of the 90s to come. However, for my ears, which are just too attentive to the vocals & lyrics, I simply bounced off of this because they do kill the mood / vibe on some of the tracks for me. It’s not because they’re outright bad – they never really dip lower than “painfully unimpressive”. The reason I bounced off of this album is because the lead singer’s vocals, combined with the usually mediocre lyrics, make the entire thing feel like it’s a cover band of another artist trying to do original material, and while I absolutely know it’s not the case, there’s just something about it, when it all combines, that creates that weird anachronistic effect. This is an album from 1988, that sounds like the mid-90s, but evokes other bands in such a way that it feels like the tribute bands & rip-off acts of those more popular ones, and it’s a stigma that my brain could never really shake off. It certainly doesn’t help that the guy’s vocals reminded me the most of Morrissey, which is “hit and miss” at best, and “pathetically whiny” at worst. Past that, I wrote down “a guy at the bar who’s convinced he can do a great Michael Stipe impression,” and I fear I’m starting to get a little mean. I suppose I’ll end my mean streak by saying that “The laughing stock proves that the world is made of rock” sounds like a poorly translated quote from a foreign philosopher that this guy desperately thought sounded cool. It feels like a Morrissey line. My sincerest apologies to this guy – I simply think Morrissey is a tool. I’ll give this album credit where credit is due though – it does break the stigma of “cover band doing original material” a few times, namely on “Blue & Grey Shirt” and “Western Sky”, both of which I really liked, the latter especially so. This truly isn’t a bad album, it’s just painfully unimpressive to my ears. It’s not that compelling lyrically or vocally, but for 1988, I’m impressed by how much these guys had their finger on the pulse in terms of the instrumentation. I don’t know how many other “slowcore” albums are on the list, but I feel like it’s a genre I could enjoy. I just don’t think this one, with American Morrissey and a lot of strange lyrics in tow, is the one that’s gonna break through for me. It’s a 3 for me, but I can understand how it could be a 4 or even a 5 for someone else.
This was really nice, felt like it could be a more current alt-country album than one from 1988. I like the singer's voice and think this one could grow on me with more listens.
I was hoping for more of a country sound, opening with pedal steel guitar on Firefly. Instead, this is more of an indie rock album with some sprinkling of country throughout. I don't really find much of this that unique, particularly the opener. To be fair though, it probably was for the 80s as I never would've guessed it was that old. Still, much of the album actually reminds me a fair amount of Wilco, who I'd prefer to listen to. More lowkey moments like Laughingstock and Pale and Skinny Girl are quite strong and manage to have some personality though, I wish there was more of that style. The vocals are okay, but they occasionally have a strained sound that I find slightly annoying when he's really belting out the lyrics (Now You're Defeated immediately comes to mind). Again, more toned-down moments like Laughingstock are where Mark Eitzel's vocals are at their best Not a bad album, just not that noteworthy Highlights: Laughingstock, Pale and Skinny Girl
Gosh this is like Counting Crows at times. Although not as good. Firefly is nice. Actually, all the songs are nice. Mostly inoffensive, sounds like Christian Rock. "Bad Liquor" sounds a bit like a sermon. I'm conflicted, like Jesus was with the lads and the fish and bread - do I give this album 2 stars, or 3 stars? I guess 3, because of the Not on Spotify, so won't come back to this album.
This was actually better than expected. I assumed that because it wasn’t on any min streaming services it was going to be kind of bad, but it was intriguing and different. I wasn’t bored, which is a common trend, and thought it was quite interesting but not too quirky or hard to listen to.
I have no feelings about this album good or bad.
genre: country/folk, i dont love men singing but this was nice background music
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.
California is an album soaked in sadness, but it wears that sadness so consistently that it eventually starts to blur. There is a raw, wounded honesty running through it, and at its best it feels brave in how openly it leans into despair. Mark Eitzel’s voice is fragile and exposed, carrying real emotional weight, yet the album often settles into the same emotional register for so long that individual songs struggle to stand apart. The songwriting is literate and observant, full of self-loathing, regret, and small, cutting details, but the arrangements rarely give those lyrics room to breathe. Everything is drenched in a similar haze of melancholy, mid-tempo pacing, and muted dynamics, which can make the album feel heavier than it needs to be. Instead of building contrast or release, it doubles down on its misery, and over time that intensity becomes numbing rather than cathartic. At its core, California is an album you respect more than you love. There is sincerity here, and a sense that the pain being expressed is real rather than performative, but it is also emotionally exhausting in a way that limits repeat listens. It captures a particular state of mind very effectively, but it does not offer much beyond that single mood. Three out of five feels fair for a record that is compelling in moments, admirable in intent, but ultimately too one-dimensional to fully resonate.
This album is not available on the streaming platforms…?
Not on spotify, solid enough folk rock
Not available on spotify
I'll give this a better rating when I can figure out what the fuck is happening on the cover
Couldn’t find California on Apple but was intrigued by a different album. I’ll return to them but I think they’re really good 3.5
2.75
Classic Americana, songs of death and loss and tears and yearning with nods to Springsteen along the way.
This was pleasant. I'd listen again if it ever makes it to Spotify
I thought it was going to be some new wave album and it wasn’t, so that’s cool. Still, it’s good, but not something I’m dying to relisten to anytime soon.
Aivan kelpo klassikko-rock-levy, ei enempää eikä vähempää.
Album 602 of 1001 American Music Club -California (1988) Rating : 3.5 / 5 This is a pretty good album. An introspective and melancholic tone. I appreciated the emotional depth and the band's ability to convey a sense of despair and longing. Nice chill album to relax with.
There was a chunk of this that felt like a mediocre Morrissey impersonator singing over new country. Some decent compositions. I probably won't come back.
Good but not quite great. Really feel like the B side was better than the beginning, liked the melancholy bluesy feel to it.
Unfortunately this isn't available to listen to in Spotify. I did find it in youtube though. I like it! (new to me)
Strong album of Americana and folk rock. Some twang, some hard rock (“Bad Liquor” was a banger!) and a gritty style. The lead singer reminded me of a newer artist I like called David Nance.
Overall: 5/10 This isn't a bad album, but it feels lackluster compared to so many other great albums in this list. They're like R.E.M. with a bland vocalist, and if you saw my review from yesterday you would know that I'm not a huge fan of R.E.M. I got some enjoyment from this but it doesn't belong in the list when so many other great albums we're passed over for this. Fav Song: Laughingstock Least Fav Song: Bad Liquor
I enjoyed every song on this fine Americana-Indie album. I am annoyed that Tidal doesn't haveit, something I don't understand, so I had to listen to it on Youtube. Oh well that inconvenience aside. A very nice album...just annoying that I can't stream it in my usual way. 3.5 stars
Firefly or somewhere
This feels like a Midwest emo mixed with modest mouse mixed with bedhead. Not bad, a little self serious. High 3.
Another band I've never heard of. Album is fine but nothing stands out to me.
decent
This sounds like a precursor to alt country, but it's missing something that didn't allow me to get fully into it. Good songs.
Meh…singers voice was odd.
After quite a good run of truly great albums I listened to Ameriican Music Club blind. Never heard of them and didn't know any of their songs. I had the initial impression they were a country act, which would explain my main reason for not having heard them, but they veer towards contemporary and folk which made it kind of strange that I had NEVER heard of them... But I suppose while listening I had the impression they were like a popular local band that had a small fanbase where you were asked to go listen and enjoy an evening out in that neighborhood but afterwords kind of forget their name because they were "yeah, OK." But not on your to buy list. This feeling never changed for me and as the album came to a close I felt like "yeah, OK." so now I heard them.
This album started off very well. The first few tracks came and went and I was thinking to myself that this will be an easy four stars at least. Pretty sounding, American soft rock and I was enjoying it. Then the middle of the album was much of the exact same and my excitement started to wane slightly. Come the end of the album I was slightly disappointed. I feel like after listening to this, you would be better listening to a few songs as and when you feel like it. Any of them will do, they're pretty similar. The sum of its parts are better than the album as a whole. Could maybe have shaved off 10 minutes to make it a stronger collection of tracks. If any of the songs here came up on shuffle, I wouldn't skip them. However, listening to the whole thing, it got very samey towards the end and loses a star because of it.
This was decent, probably not something that I would listen to regularly, but it was pleasant enough.
Didn't find the album on Spotify, but I did get to listen to it after some searching. Nothing really stood out to me, but it was an okay listen.
Middle of the road americana. There are some nice moments on this and I feel it could grow on me. Faves: Pale Skinny Girl, Bad Liquor, Last Harbour
Hmmm, a bit bland - didn't really grab me and I gave it a third spin because my attention slid right off it on the second. I think I either want it to be a bit more chill, or even relax into full on slowcore, or to be a bit more intense and rocking. "Bad Liquor" was presumably included as a gag track but I'd have liked a lot more of the album to be like that! Fave track - "Blue and Grey Shirt" for being nearest the dreamy end of things.
Western Sky and Firefly and the highlights to me. Not on Apple Music or Spotify
Fairly middle of the road stuff but was quite surprised this as an 80’s album as it had the sound of a 90’s band. It was alright, nothing amazing but equally not terrible. Hard to completely judge in hindsight it may have been a revelation at the time. However so many other bands did this type of music but better in the years after this albums release. And I think I’d rather listen to those bands.
Bruce Springsteen meets the Posies! So many good alternative U.S. indie bands emerged before (Husker Du), around 88(Dinosaur Jr, Screaming Trees), or after (Nirvana etc) that is difficult to see where these guys fit in. Inoffensive stuff on this album but in general it is pretty dull. There is the odd occasion when they get it right but it never kicks on. So glad that those that followed took the Husker Du influence rather than the American Music Club one.
Never heard of them and I rolled my eyes when the first alt/country song started, but it grew on me a lot. It’s has a nice brooding dark vibe. He’s a good vocalist and the guitar parts while simple had some nice builds and subtlety. I think the really interesting part is the fact it’s from 1988, yet sounds so 90s. Classic case of ‘it’s ahead of its time’, this and/or whatever scene was around at that time that I wasn’t aware of clearly had an influence.
Man I had to go to you tube, not spotify and I don't remember much, just competent but not spectacular rock.
First time hearing these guys,decent songwriting,sounded like Indie old timey music but got boring for me after twenty minutes
Wow! Hard to have an opinion on that. Did they invent being middle of the road? Otherwise I’m struggling to see what they add to this project. Unless this dude got to like 996 and just couldn’t be bothered to think of the last few? 2.5
Managed to track this down on YouTube and had a slightly cursory listen. Some lovely melodic tracks; I think my favourite was Pale Skinny Girl. Reminded me of what Suzanne Vega was doing (better) on her first two albums. Some tracks drifted a bit too aimlessly for me but overall deserves 3 stars.
This album was good. I liked how it remained consistent while sometimes amping up the energy when needed. Definitely something I would listen to again. My favorite songs were Somewhere, Lonely, Bad Liquor, and Western Sky.
If you mix Springsteen, Hawley, Replacements, a smidge of Morrisey, and a squirt of steel guitar it's a little bland but will fill you up.
good
This was lovely
This feels so ahead of its time, and I enjoyed listening, but I won’t be putting this into my rotation because it’s so melancholy, the last song especially. I also love how most of the songs are about women, as they should be 😌 Standout track: - Firefly 4/5
Liked: Firefly, Lonely, Western Sky, Last Harbour.
It was fine
Decent album that improved as it went on.
This is a band I never heard of. Easy listening and I particularly liked the track "Lonely".
This is a pretty good bluesy-rock album. I'm not infatuated, but if I could put together something like this I'd be chuffed
"Nondescript", the album. This is so generic and low stakes, honestly. It's listenable enough, just, you know, in a boring way. 2.5 rounded up.
Nice
Had to listen via youtube as it was not available on Spotify in my region for whatever reason. I can here a bit of The Smiths in their music. Like the vocals.
Really pleasant sounding country/ alternative. More background than 'listening' music for me I think.
I could hear a bunch of different bands in this. For example: The Smits, Nicolas Cavern & the Okay Seeds, and David Mathias Group. The latter half when it became much slower and melancholic was the best part. 6/10
Fine by me
Sleepy, sometimes in a nice way. Bad Liquor spoils a nice, relaxing time.
I couldn't find this album on Apple Music, so I listened to the Essentials playlist. I band I had never heard of before that this suggestion has made me decide to listen to more to them.
The numbers of this release were not available on Spotify
The kind of album you'd blast in your back garden on a sombre but sunny Sunday
áferðarfallegt fólkpopp. háði þessu að ég heyrði þetta á túbunni, er ekki á spottanum. gef þessu 3,5.
3/5. Pretty catchy indie-country album with some ballads throughout. And the vocals are interesting at first but become more likeable on continued listens. Although I did enjoy it, not sure I would listen to it again. It definitely was unfortunate I could only hear 9 of the 12 songs on YouTube. Hard to rate it higher than 2 since I didn't experience the whole thing the best way. Giving it a 3 though for the potential. Best Song: Western Skies, Firefly, Lonely
no thoughts mid i think? 5/10
5/10 - It would be a 6 but -1 for not being on spotify. It was an alright album but nothing crazy. I did not pay the most attention because for me to listen to this again has to be fantastic and it just was not. I liked the first song a decent bit but it just went downhill as it went on.
Totally unrelated but should've given deja vu a 5. That album slaps
🎧You can here this band’s influence on Counting Crows. Favorite track: Somewhere
Pleasant. Inoffensive.
Not a bad album by any means, but felt like it needed to do a bit more to grab me. One for a lazy afternoon perhaps.
A nice indie rock and americana album. Nothing too special. I never really understood the hype about Mark Eitzel. His work is fine, but none of his songs are all that great.
Folky, but had some rock and punky stuff thrown in
Never heard of these fellas. It's a pretty chill album with some country vibes. Some of it is haunting. I like Pale and Skinny Girl. Nothing groundbreaking here, but good, mellow music.
It's alright, my only complaint has nothing to do with the music, just that I couldn't listen to it on spotify
Album not available on any streaming service I use, so I listened to the top 5 songs on Spotify. I would listen to more of their stuff.
Pain in the ass listening on YouTube. Not a bad album. Voice and lyrics sound amateurish at times but the band has a nice sound.
youtube moment firefly kinda cute? sini stimm erinneret mich chli a the smiths aber nüt herusragends speziells bis jz somewhere gfalltmer sehr, au wenn sini stimm mengiisch chli weak isch laughinstock sehr schön aber er flüsteret die wörter mengisch eifach uhh de churzi break hani sehr geil gfunde lonely kinda langwilig BAD LIQUOR danke für de cooli übergang hanan346 hahahah sehr zemmegwüret iwie, bad liquor wo recht abgaht, es paar akustischi schnulzene und denn wieder country last harbour sehr schön als closener hetmer meh gfalle als ich denkt han, recht vill abwechslig und glaub vill lauft au über d lyrics woni jz aber nöd gross ahgluegt han.
Listen to it twice today. It was all right but not memorable enough for me to be able to tell you about any of the songs. Probably not going to leave it on my phone but I'll leave it on the hard drive
I listened to Everclear and Songs of Love Live by Mark Eitzel because this album was not available on Spotify. It's a shame because I really enjoyed those two albums and would love to listen to this one. The songwriting is fantastic and Mark's voice is really interesting, almost like an understandable eddie vedder. Will definitely listen to some more of their stuff.
Okay. Very much faded into the background.
Ok album, didn't grab me after 1 listen. Folk indie rock, which was ok, just didn't engage me. Unavailable on any streaming platform except tangentially via Youtube Music playlists. 3/5.
Another in a string of forgettable albums recently. I don't see how this album ended up on the list. It is also strangely the first one I've come across that isn't on Spotify, even though other American Music Club albums are on there? I will say there is an interesting range of styles and genres found on this album. It started out very folksy/country, and then turned to Counting Crows-esque, and ended with indie alternative vibes.
Decent country tinted college rock. It kind of feels like The Replacements Lite.
3☆/5
I'd never heard of this band before. It was fine, but nothing amazing.
It was fine, I don't know that I was in the mood for this style. I may revisit later.
wasn’t on spotify so i found it on youtube. pretty good but probably won’t listen again
Couldn't find this album on Apple Music. Listened to some of their other stuff - not bad, but nothing special.
Couldn't find the album on spotify, but listened to their album San Francisco. It was alright.
Hard album to rate, I really like some of the music, arrangements and vibe of a few tracks but then there was a few that sounded like drunks playing in a dumpster. I don't get the inconsistency of this band.
An almost alt-country record with several good tracks. Moody, wistful.
It was missing something for me.
Totally fine music. Nothing stood out, nothing made me want to turn it off.
Eh.... when the only notable thing about this album is that it is in this book then you know it's going to be unremarkable. And surprise... it was unremarkable! Not terrible but nothing I haven't heard before.
Not sure why it's on the list but fine enough
indie thing
A decent late 90's-early 00's alternative kind of sound. Not all that imaginative though
I didn’t mind this at all. It’s got some truly lovely arrangements on it along with a liberal dose of country twang throughout. The songs are mostly of a slower tempo and generally pensive, but there are a couple of rockers thrown in for good measure. Finding this is perfect for a cold Winter’s afternoon in front of the heater.
Started out as boring soft rock but warmed up a bit at Bad Liquor.
The album was hard to find but ultimately just average.
Listened a bit on you tube, yeah I'd listen again, just annoying not on Spotify
Can’t listen
Day137 - why is a must hear album so hers to find? it does sound pretty good, kinda like bruce springsteen and richard thompson
I haven't heard about this band before - it was a pretty nice indie, slowcore album from the late 1980s that sounds more like early/mid 1990s, it was ahead of time by a few years. A pleasant album overall.
this was just ok. i have heard way better alt-country.
this is almost really good. the music is almost interesting enough and i almost really like his voice but everything sounds slightly off. i will definitely return to this (would be a lot more interested in doing so if i didnt have to listen to this on bandcamp) as it feels a lot like something id enjoy but with it being a bit too slow for my liking it only gets a strong 6/10.
Jangle pop with Springsteen vibes, especially in the passionate vocals (though there is some gothiness in the vocals too). Definitely sets a somber mood. Highlights: "Firefly" (nice steel guitar), "Laughingstock" and "Last Harbor" (slower, nice arpeggiated guitar), "Western Sky" (nice midtempo jangle) Notable: "Bad Liquor" (big difference in tone compared to the songs up to this point), "Jenny" (tone is like Elliott Smith)
It’s fine but kind of a snoozer (2.5/5)
It's exciting when something I've never heard of before pops up on the list, then usually disappointing when I quickly understand why. This actually was pretty interesting. Probably doesn't belong here but it's listenable.
I like the line "if I have to be this lonely I might as well be alone". But overall, I didn't like the album. It was one click too country, or else several clicks short, to work for me. It landed in an uncanny valley I don't enjoy. I liked the last three songs best.
American Music Club was a San Francisco based country/folk/rock band. California is the band's third album, and is the product of a solid, consistent band. These are good, but not-particularly noteworthy songs.
Listened on YouTube and had one advert so I count that as a win. This album was like a dream I was trying to remember but every time I tried to grasp onto memory it dissipated in my hands. Who did it remind me of? Everyone and no one. Will intend to listen to other albums but I’m not making any promises.
Quite like this.
Comparing this to the early R.E.M. is apt. Elements of Rock, Country and Folk are there, the songs are nice as well. But that's about it. 3/5