Search - American Steel :: Jagged Thoughts

My favorite album

11/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i gave away this CD to a friend who I know will appreciate it, came online to buy another. I find the combination of imaginative, deeply evocative lyrics with the satisfying, varied sound to "wear well." I've listened to the CD many, many times and never tire of it, new details and connections keep emerging. I saw this band once in Berkeley, and they sound even better in person, excellent musicians. I especially love the last song on the CD, "Day to Night", with its beautiful summation at the end,balances much of the punk nihilism of some of the rest of the lyrics and suggests resolution of the theme (bitter breakups) of the rest of the album. Hate to see this group disband, I hope they regroup in some way, especially since each of their previous albums offer a distinct style-probably they have lots more creativity where that came from."

Holy Cow

andrew | Ohio | 09/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"American steel has changed a lot since their first self-titled record (an AWESOME punk rock record), and they've come a long way. I supose since they broke up not too long after releasing this record, this could be considered the culmination of American Steel. The four-chord punk-steady of past records has been replaced with thoughtful, slow, brooding songs like Rainy Day, New Religion, and Jagged Thoughts. While all the tracks aren't slow, brooding, and thoughtful, the overall tone of the record is. However, there are also upbeat songs with rocksteady and keyboard backings, and a couple hard rockers too. This record has it all.My only complaint would be that maybe it's too thoughtful sometimes, it's not loud enough. Don't expect any Long Days or Loaded Guns. The lyrics are as thoughtful, and strangely relevant, as ever. Some of the best lyrics i've ever heard.The members of American Steel have reformed in a new band, minus the drummer... they haven't begun recording yet but I've heard they've played a couple shows in chicago. It's my opinion that these guys will be a great influental band in punk and rock n roll on the same level as the clash or the ramones."