Customer Reviews

Jagged Thoughts

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

i gave away this CD to a friend who I know will appreciate it, came online to buy another. I find the combination of imaginative, deeply evocative lyrics with the satisfying, varied sound to "wear well." I've listened to the CD many, many times and never tire of it, new details and connections keep emerging. I saw this band once in Berkeley, and they sound even better in person, excellent musicians. I especially love the last song on the CD, "Day to Night", with its beautiful summation at the end,balances much of the punk nihilism of some of the rest of the lyrics and suggests resolution of the theme (bitter breakups) of the rest of the album. Hate to see this group disband, I hope they regroup in some way, especially since each of their previous albums offer a distinct style-probably they have lots more creativity where that came from.

American steel has changed a lot since their first self-titled record (an AWESOME punk rock record), and they've come a long way. I supose since they broke up not too long after releasing this record, this could be considered the culmination of American Steel. The four-chord punk-steady of past records has been replaced with thoughtful, slow, brooding songs like Rainy Day, New Religion, and Jagged Thoughts. While all the tracks aren't slow, brooding, and thoughtful, the overall tone of the record is. However, there are also upbeat songs with rocksteady and keyboard backings, and a couple hard rockers too. This record has it all.

My only complaint would be that maybe it's too thoughtful sometimes, it's not loud enough. Don't expect any Long Days or Loaded Guns.

The lyrics are as thoughtful, and strangely relevant, as ever. Some of the best lyrics i've ever heard.

The members of American Steel have reformed in a new band, minus the drummer... they haven't begun recording yet but I've heard they've played a couple shows in chicago. It's my opinion that these guys will be a great influental band in punk and rock n roll on the same level as the clash or the ramones.

This is probably the best album you never heard of. Many of my friends who don't necessarily see eye to eye with me on music, have heard this album playing in my car and said, "Who is this? American Steel? 'Never heard of 'em, but this is awesome, can you burn me some of their stuff?" I'll burn them a few tracks and a few weeks later I'll get the call:"What's the name of that album again? I gotta go get it!"

With their two previous albums ( one self titled, the second "Rogue's March"), American Steel was a rowdy, in your face punk band. Both of these albums are good, but aren't going to win anyone over who doesn't already love punk rock.But there was something special there in the catchy song writing and smoke and wiskey scarred vocals. Something unique that set them apart from the crowd. Great story telling and passionate energy.

With "Jagged Thoughts", American Steel broke through in a big way. It's not just pounding drums, shredding guitars, and bleeding vocal chords - it's all that with an amazing pop sensability, folky story lines, and an "oldies" rock n' roll rythm. Think the Clash covering the song "Tears of A Clown".How many albums are agressive and still make you want to dance?

Romance, passion, broken hearts, smoking, drinking, down trodden, and up lifting. If that's not rock n' roll, I don't know what is.

Listen to the 6th track "Maria". That song more than any other seems to win everyone over.

Sadly, after "jagged Thoughts", American Steel called it a day.
But they didn't break up actually. They became the band Communique. But don't be expecting American Steel here. Communique combines a lot of the same elements as they did in American Steel, but with a much more stylized, "modern rock" feel. In my opinion it's equally as good, but some may not be willing to make the transition.

Why don't you ever hear bands like this on the radio? I've listened to this album many, many times and i keep hearing new nuances in the lyrics, appreciating the melodies and balance of songs. it "wears" extremely well. i especially like the last song, "day to night", with its atonement at the end for all the bitterness of the songs before (they apparently are about a bad breakup), deeply felt and imaginative. excellent musicianship, exceptional album.

If you haven't listened to American Steel before, you have no idea what you are missing! They are completely amazing. Their sound has matured so much over the past few years. Ruairi's rough vocals are still present but in more mellowed out songs like I Don't Mind and Day to Night(my personal favorites from the album). I have all 3 American Steel albums and it's really hard to choose which is the best..each has its own amazing sound. ...

the cd was a big change for me. i normally listen to poppy hip-hop or even sometimes a little alternitive, but my friend made me listen to this and i fell in love. i bought the cd about a week later and i love it. its so intense and engaging and i would recommend it to anyone who loves good punk i guess.

This album is a perfect example of how unpopular, out of the main stream bands can make music that anyone can enjoy. If you dont like it, you are probably a poser with no taste. Only listen to punk, only listen to rap, you are close minding and dont know what good music is. Any kind of music can be good, just have to realize that they all can be good although different types. Pisses me off to see people bash this band because its not "punk". This is an album that anyone with taste would like, and even people w/o good taste would like it.

i know i will get called a 'poser,' but this is actually pretty good. it's a huge departure from the first two amsteel albums, but good in it's own manner. their first album on new disorder (which i think is now out of print) is absolutely incredible...sounds like what the 'life won't wait' era rancid would sound like if rancid played it right...a cross of incredibly gruff punk rock with glass-sharred vocals and hints of ska. this is just really laid back, almost alternative, but 'there's a new life' sounds exactly like their older stuff. unfortunately, ruairi's voice isn't half as rough as before.

Seems like another bad has been lost. What used to be an excellent punk band has now turned into your adverage emo band. Don't even bother with this album, go get Roges march or S/T. This band should have changed their name before ruining their music.