Before American Football, bassist Mike Kinsella (Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc) and drummer Steve Lamos played in The One Up Downstairs with Dave and Alan Johnson (both of Very Secretary). The One Up Downstairs recorded a 3-song 7" which was to be released by Polyvinyl. Prior to the single's release, however, the group disbanded and despite having recorded material, the single was never released. Soon after, Steve and Mike began practicing with guitarist Steve Holmes and American Football was born. After writing and practicing for about one year, they released a 3-song CDEP on Polyvinyl in October 1998. The band played a few shows around the Midwest and then recorded a self-titled album which Polyvinyl released in September 1999. Following the release, American Football played a few more shows in the Midwest and one show at New York University.
Despite little touring and with only an EP behind them, these nine songs showcased the trio's uncanny songwriting abilities.
Over the years, there have been literally hundreds of requests for the American Football album to be made available on vinyl. Well, your requests have been answered.
"The sounds [American Football] produce are so maddeningly benign, in fact, that it takes all of my will power not to lay back and smile gleefully" - Pitchfork
"Mike (Kinsella) is gifted with a piercing cry that perforates American Football's nine songs, and minimal bass lines and sheepish yet skillful drumming abet the band's sparse, gently cascading guitar work." - CMJ
"American Football demonstrate real songwriting setting the perfect mood changes with solid musical precision." - Skratch
"Dark and brooding guitars jangle while the oft reflective, spacey vocals warble against the lively horn embellishments." - DIW
"With Mike Kinsella on board you know the song writing is top notch and each song more graceful than the next." - Heckler
"Kinsella's main strength seems to be in drifting, floating waves of melody, and American Football makes good on this in a pretty impressive way." - AMG
"These nine songs weave together almost seamlessly and create a beautiful flow and environment." - Heckler
Selections:
1. Never Meant
2. The Summer Ends
3. Honestly?
4. For Sure
5. You Know I Should Be Leaving Soon
6. But the Regrets Are Killing Me
7. I'll See You When We're Both Not So Emotional
8. Stay Home
9. The One With The Wurlitzer
Despite little touring and with only an EP behind them, these nine songs showcased the trio's uncanny songwriting abilities.
Over the years, there have been literally hundreds of requests for the American Football album to be made available on vinyl. Well, your requests have been answered.
"The sounds [American Football] produce are so maddeningly benign, in fact, that it takes all of my will power not to lay back and smile gleefully" - Pitchfork
"Mike (Kinsella) is gifted with a piercing cry that perforates American Football's nine songs, and minimal bass lines and sheepish yet skillful drumming abet the band's sparse, gently cascading guitar work." - CMJ
"American Football demonstrate real songwriting setting the perfect mood changes with solid musical precision." - Skratch
"Dark and brooding guitars jangle while the oft reflective, spacey vocals warble against the lively horn embellishments." - DIW
"With Mike Kinsella on board you know the song writing is top notch and each song more graceful than the next." - Heckler
"Kinsella's main strength seems to be in drifting, floating waves of melody, and American Football makes good on this in a pretty impressive way." - AMG
"These nine songs weave together almost seamlessly and create a beautiful flow and environment." - Heckler
Selections:
1. Never Meant
2. The Summer Ends
3. Honestly?
4. For Sure
5. You Know I Should Be Leaving Soon
6. But the Regrets Are Killing Me
7. I'll See You When We're Both Not So Emotional
8. Stay Home
9. The One With The Wurlitzer
