Jagged Thoughts

American Steel

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 19, 2001)
• Original Release Date: June 19, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Lookout Records
• ASIN: B00005KAOL
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #89,799 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars my favorite album, November 9, 2002

By A Customer

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Holy Cow, September 24, 2002

By	andrew (Ohio) - See all my reviews

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Punk Rock Romance, August 17, 2005

By	dredpirateroberts (Lemon Grove, CA) - See all my reviews

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.