American Gothic

American Gothic

5 Responses to “American Gothic”

1. A. Fogey says:

   April 30, 2010 at 1:03 pm

   We bought this because we were talking about records we knew from college, and while we remembered enjoying it, we couldn’t really remember any of the music. Now the music and lyrics seem sophomoric, embarrassing, and not really worth listening to again.
   Rating: 1 / 5
2. ace moonbeam says:

   April 30, 2010 at 2:05 pm

   David Ackles’ music didn’t sound like anything else I’d ever heard. His influences were mostly from non-rock sources which are easier to appreciate now than when I first heard the album — music always seems headier when you can’t connect it to anything you know. I listen to this album about once a year and as I’ve got older it makes a lot more sense. I am grateful that all Ackles’ albums eventually came out on CD and I was able to get clean copies of them. I’m not sure the music will make much of an impact with younger people, but this album is worth a taste if you’re looking for something to stretch your musical palate. Then hang onto it and listen to it every now and then, and see if by the time you’re 50 you don’t think David Acles was some kind of genius.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. William R. Nicholas says:

   April 30, 2010 at 2:19 pm

   David Ackels was one of those early FM folk singers that you heard in the late 1960s and early 70s. He dropped off the air as wonderful progressive radio gave way to mediocore AOR.

   American Gotic is his most well known album, and captures his style; a kind of Brechtian barauqe that talked about the human condition. The album caught the attention of DJs back then for “Ballad Of The Ship Of State,” an anti-war ballad that worked in Vietnam protest sets.

   This is a dark record, but the complicated arrangements and consistent sense of mood make this well worth your time and money.
   Rating: 4 / 5
4. John L. Bradley says:

   April 30, 2010 at 2:48 pm

   The first time I ever heard Bruce Springsteen (Greetings from Asbury Park), I immediately thought “This guy stole his whole song writing style from David Ackles.” I hadn’t listened to Ackles in a long time but that’s the comparison I drew. Why David Ackles never made it big is beyond me but thank heaven he made this album.
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. R. Kyle says:

   April 30, 2010 at 3:13 pm

   I first heard “Montana Song” as a kid in the 70’s. I never knew what album the song came from until just recently. When I found the download available, I grabbed it, I admit griping a bit because I was unsure whether I’d care for the rest of the album or not.

   ‘Different’ is just the beginning of the description for this album. If you’re reading Bernie Taupin production and expecting rock, this is much more orchestral. Consider that most of the sidemen on this collection are from the London Philharmonic. Actually, this CD could be easily made into a Broadway play.

   Favorites, obviously “Montana Song.” “Ship of State” is as timely take on the American political scene today as it was in the 70s. Then, there’s “American Gothic” itself. “Billy Whitecloud” talks about the city experiences of a rez Indian coming to town.

   The artist may be an acquired taste, but I can tell you, I’ve had that taste for 30 years and it’s still good. Give the selections a listen and see what you think.

   Rebecca Kyle, July 2008

   Rating: 5 / 5