Customer Reviews

American Flyer/Spirit of a Woman

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There's no arguing the superb (and diverse) mix of talent in this band, but the execution is something less than inspiring, particularly on the second album, Spirit of a Woman. Both albums are easy to listen to and display excellent writing, playing, and singing. Just the same, there's a shortage of real fire behind it, and I find my attention wandering well before it's over. If I would point out a particular flaw, I'd say the somewhat overblown arrangements may have been the wrong ingredient for an otherwise perfect recipe. Some songs, in my opinion, could have been stripped of their glossy orchestration to reveal much more personal and satisfying portraits. Too much layering suggests a lack of confidence in their material. To the contrary, they're great songs swimming in superfluous production.

If you appreciate Craig Fuller (Little Feast,Pure Prarie League)and Steve Katz (BS&T) vocals and harmonies--then this cd of its only 2 albums is a definite must. I have both albums on LP which are rare and hard to fine--when they came out on CD I did not hestiate to buy this one. The songs are mostly love songs up tempo and slow with incrediable lyrics. Too bad the albums did not get the airplay they deserved. The vocals are excellent--blended well together--I think people would love to hear this 2 cd set on a frequent basis--it puts your mind at ease znd makes you think of the love you have had in your life. Very emotional. You should also check out the recent release of Pure Prairie League's new album with Craig Fuller back as lead singer--excellent and also check out the 3 albums he made with Little Feat between 1989 and 1994 before they got the girl lead singer. Little Feat is not the same without Craig Fuller. Also check out the first 4 BS & T albums with Steve Katz as lead singer on a few cuts--simply amazing--the man can sing and write!!! Don't miss this album!!!!!

Unsurpassed vocals. Amazing lyrics. Outstanding music.
Put it altogether and the experience is breath taking.
Ashame they never caught on.
Oh, what they might have done and what we don't know we missed!

Craig Fuller, Eric Kaz and Steve Katz, and Doug Yule had in mind being a "super group," one of those seventies hypes that made legends of damned fine musicians. American Flyer was a prodigious effort, complete with well crafted songs and great harmonies. But what went wrong? None of the members managed in this aggregation to match the efforts of the groups they came from, i.e., Pure Prairie League, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Velvet Underground. The two AF albums seem more of individual efforts with little of the musical synergy seventies groups were famous for.
But if you've never heard these albums, and you have a bit of rock-a-billy or country rock in your soul, you'll love 'em.

They just failed to jell. One, could've been personalities, after all look what was happening with Souther-Hillman-Furay at virtually the same time, Two, weak label, UA. Now, if they had been on Asylum with Geffen's management, and been a bit more SHF than CSN, or more Eagles than Bread, they might have had a chance. Still, if you love Eric Kaz's more Countrified songs ("I'm Blowing Away", "Love Has No Pride", "Keep On Trying" - hmmm very suspiciously like the Meisner, or was it Frey song on the first Eagles album) and the warm and wonderful Country Rock vocals of Craig Lee Fuller, then this - or at least the first album produced by George Martin, should be in your collection.

A lot of emphasis on the ballads, of which they sounded like almost any other group of the same genre at the same time, but check out the Country Rockers where Fuller takes the helm.

Glad Craig Lee is back with Pure Prarie League as for me, he was the true hero of that band (not his more famous successor Vince Gill) and of Little Feat too. Check out THEIR last release.

From someone who DEFINITELY knows his Country Rock.

One of my favorite albums ever was Bustin' Out by Pure Praire League, and I loved Craig Fullers songs and voice. I'd forgotten about the band American Flyer, with Craig Fuller, and that they were labeled as a 'country rock super group'. Boy was I disappointed. What Steve Katz from Blood sweat & tears is doing on this album is beyond me. I usually find something on a double album that I like a little, but aside from a couple songs that are just O.K., this album is one I wish I hadn't spent the money on. It just lays there, no edge and little emotion. Fullers remake of 'Call Me, Tell Me' is nice, but no where near as moving as the original.

Have the albums. It was great to get on CD. Excellent quality. Pure Praire League spin off group.

I give this cd four stars: five stars for the first album (American Flyer reaching #87 on BB album charts in 1976) and three for the follow up album (Spirit of a Woman reaching #171 in 1977). This interesting combination of musicians deserved so much more than a rather obscure note in music history. The first album is the real gem in my opinion: a nice collection of soft rock, not unlike Bread, CSN and America. Beautiful harmonies with beautiful string arrangements by George Martin work the best with these guys like my favourite songs 'Light of your love' 'Such a beautiful feeling' 'Let me down easy' (their only hit reaching #80 in 1976). To tell you the truth the second album hasn't got any songs that really stick because these songs are less pop and more country. In fact I only let the cd play the first 12 songs, but these songs are definitely worth your money!

I agree 100% with the above comments. American Flyer's music was superb ! If you like them you may also adore music by the group AMERICA.