Dirt Band/American Dream [Import, Original recording remastered]

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: Bgo - Beat Goes on
• ASIN: B00000JOR3
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,339 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #76 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > Contemporary Folk

Track Listings

1. In for the Night

2. Wild Nights

3. For a Little While

4. Lights

5. Escaping Reality

6. Whoa Babe

7. White Russia

8. You Can't Stop Loving Me Now

9. On the Loose

10. Angel

11. An American Dream

12. In Her Eyes

13. Take Me Back

14. Jas'moon

15. Dance the Night Away

16. New Orleans

17. Happy Feet

18. Do You Feel the Way That I Do

19. What's on Your Mind

20. Wolverton Mountain

Editorial Reviews

In 1999, BGO reissued the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's 1978 and 1979 albums, The Dirt Band and American Dream, as a CD two-fer. These were the first two (of three) albums they recorded as the Dirt Band, which is what they renamed themselves when they were diminished to the trio of Jeff Hanna, John McEuen, and Jimmie Fadden, who rebuilt them as a Californian soft rock outfit. That's the key to these two albums -- those who are too attached to the sound of Will the Circle Be Unbroken will find this too slick, but those who prefer Californian soft rock will be glad these two underappreciated records have finally made their way to CD. Neither record is perfect -- the instrumentals don't quite work, for instance, and the boogie numbers on American Dream aren't great -- but they're both very appealing, thanks to the highly polished, stylized production and a good set of songs highlighted by their hit version of Rodney Crowell's "An American Dream." The rest of these two records delivers on the promise of that single, so if you enjoyed the hit, this is certainly worth seeking out. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not their best, but pretty darned good., September 10, 2003

By 

Richard D. Hodgson (Madera, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dirt Band/American Dream (Audio CD)

This CD represents the transitional period for the Dirt Band between their earlier, great bluegrass-flavored country rock, and much of the Nashville-country stuff they did later on. There are definite signs of the slicker, more commercial direction they were to head for on their later releases, especially on the "American Dream" album, but the best material here is really great. Out of print for many years, these two albums (now on one CD) are definitely worth seeking out for fans of the NGDB or anyone who likes quality country-rock. Though not quite up to some of their very best work (check out "Symphonion Dream", for example, or the "Uncle Charlie" album-- not to mention "Stars & Stipes", "Dirt, Silver & Gold" or any of the "Circle" albums), the musicianship on these albums is still superb, and there are some great songs here. "On The Loose" alone is worth the price of admission. In addition, the sound quality is excellent (kudos to BGO Records). If you're a rabid fan of this band (as I am), this CD is a must.

3.0 out of 5 stars Not the best - still some nice moments, November 2, 2007

By 

D. Smith (Baton Rouge, LA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dirt Band/American Dream (Audio CD)

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is an amazing ensemble. For over 4 decades they have captured the heart and soul of Americana or American roots music. Still, everyone stumbles sometimes, and these two albums show that the band was at a loss of direction. There are some amazing moments here and there - the first appearances of future member Bob Carpenter, guest turns by members of Louisiana's LeRoux, and the band is rounded out by the stellar talents of fiddler/hornman Al Garth and drummer/percussionist extraordinaire Merel Bregante (both former Loggins and Messinga members, as well as times spent in Sunshine Company, Poco, and other formidable bands).

These were uncertain times and a lot of bands were found scratching their heads as they tried to stay relevant. Thankfully, the NGDB HAS stayed relevant. As I said, there's some nice stuff here in with some dated-sounding attempts at entering the purely pop pantheon. But, it's worth having in every collection of NGDB music and there are some tunes that shouldn't be overlooked.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Dirt Band/An American Dream - Trash, May 12, 2007

By 

Terry Gilliam "Beach comer" (Normandy, TN United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dirt Band/American Dream (Audio CD)

I am disappointed with this CD. I bought the CD for the title track which proved to be the only track worth listening to in my opinion. I have been a long term fan of The Dirt Band but this CD is not one of their best. If you are looking for happy island style music I suggest sticking with Buffett.