Throughout 2024, American Football have been celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut eponymous album, often referred to as LP1. On October 18th, they will release a remastered version of the record. While a covers album featuring Manchester Orchestra, Iron & Wine, Ethel Cain, Blondshell and more will be released on the same day. Both albums will be released through Polyvinyl Records Co.
The remastered ‘American Football’ is the result of a years-long hunt for the original Digital Audio Tapes, and has been remastered by original mastering engineer Jonathan Pines. Its vinyl release will come packaged in spot embossed and silver foil gatefold with a 24-page booklet.
Over the past 25 years, ‘American Football‘ has influenced and inspired a host of bands and acts, across numerous genres, countries, and generations. ‘American Football (Covers)’ promises to celebrate this with nine acts covering each song from the record. The first of these, ‘Never Meant’, has been reworked by Iron & Wine. Sam Beam’s take on ‘Never Meant’ maintains the harmoniousness of the original, and combines it with an earthly folk quality. You can hear Iron & Wine‘ss version of ‘Never Meant’, along with the remastered version below.
“My neighbour Brad Cook (producer) and I have been circling each other hoping to work on something for a bit,” shared Iron & Wine‘s Sam Beam. “When I was asked about this project, it felt like the perfect opportunity. Especially a song that I knew meant a lot to American Football’s fans. Honoured to be part of this and hoping we did it justice.”
“When the first Iron & Wine record came out, it threaded the needle between Townes Van Zandt and Elliott Smith,” said American Football‘s Steve Lamos when commenting on Iron & Wine‘s involvement.. “It felt like if Nick Drake grew up with us listening to Fugazi before pivoting to making bedroom art folk. In other words, it was exactly what we would have been making if our first record came out when we were 28 instead of 22. Sam Beam is an incredible songwriter and interpreter of song, and it is beyond flattering that he would take the time to interpret one of ours.”
‘American Football’ LP1 25th Anniversary Remaster & Covers Track Listing
1. Never Meant
2. The Summer Ends
3. Honestly?
4. For Sure
5. You Know I Should Be Leaving Soon
6. But the Regrets Are Killing Me
7. I’ll See You When We’re Both Not So Emotional
8. Stay Home
9. The One With the Wurlitzer
1. Iron & Wine – Never Meant2. Blondshell – The Summer Ends
3. Novo Amor & Lowswimmer – Honestly?
4. Ethel Cain – For Sure
5. Yvette Young – You Know I Should Be Leaving Soon
6. Girl Ultra – But the Regrets Are Killing Me
7. M.A.G.S. – I’ll See You When We’re Both Not So Emotional
8. Manchester Orchestra – Stay Home
9. John McEntire – The One With the Wurlitzer
American Football will be back in the UK next month for a run of headline shows. Support comes from Hello Mary.
September
11th Rock City, Nottingham
12th Barrowlannd Ballroom, Glasgow
13th SWX, Bristol
14th Roundhouse, London
