Customer Reviews

Art in America

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone wishing to hear new music from our band may wish to visit our Myspace website at: www.myspace.com/artinamerica

Chris Flynn
Art in America

I like Art In America. Sure, it's not "real" prog, but a prog inspired pop. In a sense, Art in America parallels ELO or maybe KLAATU. It's actually a rare thing to find a group that does pop music this way. It's a shame they only put out one album. Most groups put out at the least, two records. Art in America is unique in making Harp as a main instrument in a pop rock band. This gives them a unique sound. If you like the Buggles and were not totally turned off by 90125, then give Art In America a try.

This self-titled album is a memorable slice of 80's rock that never managed to make an impact on the charts back in '83. This trio has a sound similar to Rush, but the addition of the harp gives them their unique sound. The title track is superb (I remember the video). Other highly recommended tracks are "If I Could Fly", "Undercover Lover", "The Line" & "Won't It Be Strange". Glad to see that the Renaissance label is reviving a lot of forgotten 80's artists that otherwise would never see the digital light of day.

This album was a breath of fresh air in 1983 and it still is, here in 2003! I cannot believe 20 yrs. have passed!

For any of you considering buying this (I read today 7/25/03- that this CD is being re-mastered w/MANY bonus tracks from the aborted 2nd album as well as live tracks from this one); if you like Beatles, Yes, you will love Art In America. They cross the two. Progressive with sweet hooks, melodies and arrangements. The weakest song is "If Only I Could Fly", but it's still a fine, catchy song. It's all upward from there! This is a GREAT album.

This band should have been HUGE. Too bad the music industry is what it is... Long Live Art In America!

Anyone wishing to contact the band can do so @CROOTNIK@aol.com And no I'm not trying to sell you anything !

I saw Art In America perform live in a club in Hamtramk Michigan before they were on record. My jaw dropped when they hit the first chord and noticed that each musician was performing at least two sections of music. one on 12 string guitar vocals and bass peddles. The guitarist was playing lead with his fingers and rhythm with his thumb, as well as vocals. Sashoni playing the harp was knocking on the body of the harp for additional percussion while picking a melody as well as vocals, and the drummer was keeping two overlapping beats and banging out a melody on the tuned kit drums. Other than the live harp this sounds like a Yes arrangement. Oops I forgot to mention this album was engineered by the Yes sound master Eddy, (are you ready,) Offord. who also worked with ELP and King Chrimson. The collection is a lot more pop than you may expect but still unique. If you have never heard them go to the site and listen to some sound bites. I have the origianl vinyl and picked up the CD from the origianl distributor before it was available on Amazon. I will be in line if they release new material. It is worth a little time to check it out for yourself.

This is a must-have album for any definitive '80s rock collection. Highly recommended. Lyrics actually mean something. And can you believe it was the band's first album. They wuz robbed when they didn't get a stab at a follow-up album. Wonder where they all are now?

Saw this band w/Bill Bruford at Harpo's in Detroit back in the day. Loved them, so I searched for their product. Lead singer reminds me now of Neil Finn. Flynn brothers-Finn brothers- Kinda spooky! Great guitar solo by none other than guest Steve Morse on an equally great song- "Undercover Lover". Haven't heard these songs in YEARS! Found out moments ago that this title was available now. Been searching for years for a copy of this recording as mine is pretty scratched up! My fave is "Brett & Hibby". Hey Chris, Dan, Shishonee, you folks still making tunes?? Sure would like to see you again. Gotta go see if I can get me a copy!! Thanks for the memories!!uncletom1@webtv.netADDED 12/11/02Been trying to contact you Chris, but your mailbox is full I think. Really enjoyed our correspondence, and am ANXIOUSLY awaiting the new songs and live stuff you mentioned for a possible new album!! Hope all is well Bud! T.W.

I love this album. Every song has a memorable hook. Never really fit in with the other music of its early 80's period. Sounds hopeful, upbeat, catchy. "Brett & Hibby" is my favorite track.

If you like the days when you could understand what the artist sang, the lyrics actually had a meaning, the songs had great melodies, the voices and instrumentation were incredible..... combine all that with alternating ballads and rockers... and you have AIA. The only review here so far not 5 stars was the comment by Chris Flynn, one of the band members. Well, Chris, if you happen to read this.... please give us your new email so we can pester you about trying to release some more music. Or at least tell us where we can get a copy of "From the vaults", a cd containing previously unreleased material, which seems to be in very short supply....And this time give yourself a well-deserved 5 stars.