I asked Lee Roehrig, maker of the incredible Mix CD Club mix, “Irony is for Suckers” if he would be so kind as to write an Absolutely Essential piece for us. Here is what he wrote. Thanks Lee!
American Steel “Jagged Thoughts” CD
When you think of Lookout Records surely classic albums by Green Day, Operation Ivy and Screeching Weasel immediately come to mind. However a lesser known band when compared to those standards released an album in June 2001 that I hold in the same company.
American Steel “Jagged Thoughts” cannot only be defined as a great Lookout album or as a great punk rock album; it’s a great album period. While the first two albums the band produced (“S/T” and the equally amazing “Rogues March”) offered a faster yet still melodic approach to Bay Area punk rock, this album slowed down the tempo a bit and showed a more refined, soulful sound.
Make no mistake about it; this was the bands “London Calling” if you will, an album that broadened the definition of what punk rock sounds like. It’s always a fine line when a band decides to change its sound especially when the old sound worked so damn well. However the album isn’t overly ambitious and after one listen you will find yourself singing along and perhaps wearing down the repeat button. The vocals are so genuine and unique, the lyrics thoughtful and beautiful, and the music has a level of warmth and shines so bright.
On a personal level the album represents a growth for me and my tastes musically. As a child music was always playing around my household or on car rides from point a to b. There were no labels or genres to my young ears, just sounds that fascinated me to no end. However as I hit those crucial teenage years I started to listen to things that only fit into a certain category. A certain “punk rock bible” (Maximumrocknroll) was my guide and anyone not gaining the approval of the elite was not worth my time. As I grew older and supposedly wiser, I learned again to trust those child’s ears. It was freeing to enjoy music again for the sake of enjoying music. The teenage version of myself might have scoffed at this album but I know the child in me would have celebrated the contrasting and vibrant sounds offered. I can honestly say this album is in my top ten favorite albums of all time and it never grows old or sounds dated.
No matter what genre or genres of music you enjoy, this album has something for you. If this album were released today it would probably have a huge sticker proclaiming “If you love Against Me!, The Clash or The Police you will LOVE this!” Don’t trust stickers on cds. Don’t trust reviews. Don’t even trust a single word I’ve said. Just listen to this album and trust your ears. The child inside will thank you.