American Tears: Branded Bad
Greg Shaw, Phonograph Record, August 1974
There's something intriguing about a new group that manages to make a powerful impression without falling into any easily defined category. That's how I feel about American Tears, whose first album has importance written all over it, yet eludes my attempts to pin down what makes it so special.
Total word count of piece: 361
Best Databases: RBP is Runner-up in Best Niche category
Video: Johnny Marr talks about Rock's Backpages
RBP on Spotify: The Very Best of 40-year-old Virgin
RBP Album Club, June 13th: Miki Berenyi and Lucy O'Brien celebrate a Blondie classic
Essential Listening: Green Day grilled by Roy Trakin
RBP Album Club, July 11th: Nick Hornby and Nick Coleman celebrate Southside Johnny's debut
Essential Reading: Bud Scoppa's 1971 Byrds classic