(here we go again)
Before we delve into this album, let me give you a tad bit of enlightenment, only because I can confidently say that this is not a band that many of you have heard of, or perhaps you have if you are a fan of the Polyvinyl Co. label.
(American Football, 1998)
American Football was a brief alternative/emo/math-rock band, consisting of the majestic trio of indie-legend, Mike Kinsella (of Owen fame), Steve Lamos, and Steve Holmes. This band was almost exclusively a side project, with all three members involved in different projects for Polyvinyl, before merging to form this group. The band recorded this album in late 1997-early 1998 before recording their full-length, self titled LP, American Football, which I will be reviewing next week. The band was praised almost universally for their The group performed a few live shows locally split a year after the second album's release after becoming nothing more than a studio project.
(The band performing live in 1998. This is, perhaps, the only footage of the band peforming)
I was contemplating even reviewing this. I felt it was sort of unfair to review a three track, twelve minute EP like I would a full length album. But alas, I am giving this album a 10/10*.
Yes, a 10/10*.
This is what I would like to call a "seasonal album". Oh what is that? Well sit down and I'm gon' learn ya.
A seasonal album is an album that sounds better/worse at a certain point of the year. This could also apply to emotions, people, surroundings, pretty much anything you can associate an emotion to. I'm supposing that the time of year that it is now in Central New Jersey, (winter, fucking cold.) can contribute to the feelings I have towards this album.
Now, I'm not some pretentious dork who will cry and jack off listening to Hawthorne Heights because they may talk about something I have encountered in my life, but I can definitely relate to a song sometimes and have a feeling stick out. I listened to this album walking down the cold dead streets of my development to go to the 7-11 up the street to buy some beef patties and green tea (a favorite for me. If any of you ladies want to please me one day, take a note.)
I exited my home, shortly after downloading the album for $3.87 (LIKE COME ON), wrapped my scarf, and pressed play. The first song on this album is called "The One with The Tambourine". I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with a soft guitar and drum combo, given that the number one term associated with this group is EMO, which is synonymous nowadays with
oh jesus....
ANYWAY. "The Boy With The Tambourine" has a very soft tone, with silky, dramatic vocals to compliment it. I can't really gather the meaning behind the lyrics, besides it being about a break up with a true love and wishing to forget about them. Either way, it is very nicely done. It's pretty sounding. I like pretty sounds. Ehhhhhhhh prettyyfdcdz
The next up was "Letters and Packages". The song is a pint slower and melancholic compared to the track before. The same premise of break up stuff occurs here, however, you get the impression of him not being whiny like certain bands nowadays, but rather just desperate and actually upset about it. The lyrics appear to be regarding (who I believe is) Mike as a thirteen year old, brokenhearted and innocent, just wishing he and his love were older, and perhaps it could have worked out. I have had my heart broken and have the spot on feeling he is conveying. At this point in the listening, I pause the album, as I have reached my destination. I got my beef patties and tea and was ready to move on.
The next track was "Five Silent Miles". This track was an instrumental, and if anything, the music spoke for itself. It's a sigh of defeat. It is very slow, very sad, and very fitting for the cloudy, cold weather that befell my silent neighborhood. I didn't cry or anything, but I felt hollowed. This actually felt like it moved me. It seems that everything around me was synced to what I was listening to. Then after much build and four minutes of sound track, we are left with a *tsst*, and silence. I used the next three minutes reflecting on what I have listened to. I went back inside, went up to my room, and played it at least twice.
The thing about this is I'm not sure if I would have felt the same effect if I listened to this in July at noon as I would in December at noon. So, I will have to come back and update this once the equinox takes place and I could come back to it.
As for now, this album is a 10/10, and I highly encourage BUYING this album. It's only four bucks. Maybe you will get the same effect? Who knows. I recommend listening to this from start to finish alone on a cold day. Walk around a bit. Just experience it.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/american-football-ep/id30634400
Stay blessed, kids.
*as of December 22nd, 2013