Search - American Girls :: In the Whiskey Ya-Ya's

Better than most, but subpar for the girls

Anthony Robinson | Eugene, Oregon | 12/26/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For those who've never heard of the American Girls, this album provides a welcome blast of air. Smart pop music that doesn't sound hokey or contrived, a little rough around the edges, and fresh. This IS what they should be playing on those "alternative" stations these days. Hell, they should be playing the Girls on all rock stations. BUT (and you knew there was a but), this album simply doesn't measure up to the last two--as a long time fan, I was actually very disappointed on the first few listens. Essentially, they've packaged a few really good songs with a more than a few filler tracks. And I agree with another reviewer who bemoans the crisper production values. This album, soundwise, simply pales next to "Welcom to Our Love Sick Porch," badly recorded (and sometimes off-key) vocals and all...I first saw the girls open up for Matthew Sweet in Eugene, Oregon, in February 1995. What I loved about them was their roughness, and their anything-goes aesthetic. At the time, most of them were long-haired, wearing shorts and t-shirts. They played LONG shows, took requests, and HAD FUN. After the departure of the first drummer, Anthony, and the brilliant singer-songwriter Mike Johnson (who has a gorgeous album out under the title Reclinerland)...someone decided they needed to streamline their image. Everyone got haircuts and matching suits. They cut the high and low ends from their musical bellcurve and began playing all their songs in the same mid-tempo, straight-ahead rock and roll mode. It's still better than most young indie rock bands doing a similar thing, but it's simply not what they are capable of. I overheard at one show a couple years back (shortly after the "change") a fan remark: "So, when did you guys turn into Bush?"All gripes aside, buy this album. It's worth it, despite its shortcomings. But if you can get ahold of either of their first two offerings, do so---you'll be pleased."

Go for an earlier album...

Anthony Robinson | 10/20/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I think this album lacks the texture and soul of their earlier recordings. They used to care more about the music and less about the production in the earlier years. I also miss the other vocalist (whatever became of him?) and the poppier drumming. Lovesick Porch all the way."

The last good American Girls album.

Stan | 03/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ever heard of Reclinerland? That's the project of ex-American Girls singer-songwriter Mike Johnson, who was the force behind the really good songs on "In The Whiskey Ya-Ya's". He was also the one who gave this band any sort of personality. The rest of the band kicked him out because apparently they felt he was impeding their progress towards becoming huge rock stars, mostly by writing good songs that wouldn't fit into the rotation at one of those "alt.rock" stations. Anyway, "In the Whiskey Ya-Ya's" is worth checking out, and Reclinerland is really quite excellent. I've heard a promo copy of the American Girls forthcoming "Like the Movies, Only Slower", their first album without the only guy in the band who had talent. The new album is HORRIBLE, but it'll probably sell."