The album they never thought they would make. And now it’s ten years old.
When American Football’s first self titled album (known now as LP1) was released in 1999, it was four friends in college making music never expecting to return to the band. They released the album through Polyvinyl and everyone went their separate ways. Some stayed in college, some moved to Chicago to further their music careers.
By 2014 the band was back together playing the album for nostalgia and found a new life to the band. In 2016 they recorded a new album and named it American Football, known as LP2, and released it in October of 2016.
The album itself has nods to LP1 in its guitar work, Lamos’ trumpet parts, Kinsella’s vocal parts. But this album is not LP1. LP1 was 4 kids recording on what musical instruments and amps they had around. LP2 is the creation of musicians who have lived into adulthood. Healthy habits formed, destructive behaviors still waiting to be addressed. And the introspection that comes with that reality.
Gone is the wonder of what life will become in LP1, LP2 shows four men with careers and family joining together to create something new. Reunited by the nostalgia of making music together while knowing the hours making music with no responsibilities are behind them.
Songs like "Home Is Where The Haunt Is" starts with an acoustic guitar perfectly layered with electric guitar and drums to get the pace of the song going. "I’ve Been Gone for So Long" plays with tempos with a world of guitars surrounding you. "I Need A Drink (or Two or Three)" tells a story of a middle aged man struggling to understand how to be alone with their own thoughts and accept who they have become.
Steve Lamos was nice enough to be on The Imperfect Dads (episode 155) and his excitement to still play concerts and gratitude that something he created inspires people is something he is in awe of. This band, while being extremely influential, is filled with the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.
While different, more polished, and established than LP1 sounds, LP2 shouldn’t be forgotten. If you’ve only checked out LP1, don’t sleep on LP2.