THE MILWAUKEES: American Anthems vol. 1

The Milwaukees

American Anthems vol. 1

© 2007 the Milwaukees (859700272909)

CD coming back in stock soon.

If you want us to email you the minute this CD arrives, enter your name and email address here. We will not give or sell your info to anyone, and will not use it for any other reason than to tell you when it arrives.

With their third full length, the boys from Jersey focused on writing durable songs and memorable melodies while creating an accessible collection of rock gems.

notes

The songs on AMERICAN ANTHEMS, vol. 1 are snapshots of American life, experienced by a band that has criss-crossed the U.S. enough times to kill four vans and has gained a complete perspective by touring all over the world. THE MILWAUKEES have been propositioned to “make out” with Mormons in Utah, honored with an Illinois college after-party marked by a fan streaking naked past a police officer, and have been “banned for life” from Canada.

“We were born and raised in the country that gave birth to rock and roll and we are celebrating that tradition and chasing the dream,” says frontman and resident ringleader Dylan St. Clark (Guitar/Vox), whose supporting cast in THE MILWAUKEES is Jeff Nordstedt (Guitar), Patrick “the Mayor” Fusco (Backbeat) and Donovan Cain (Low End). “The album is both proud and critical. Our goal was not get on a soapbox and preach. We’ll paint the pictures and tell the stories and let the listeners decide.”

Produced with the band by Wayne Dorell, AMERICAN ANTHEMS vol. 1 displays the maturity of a band comfortably immersed in a thrilling new level of confidence. THE MILWAUKEES no longer are encumbered by the trendy tendencies of youthful inexperience. In that respect, the new CD may be a stylistic departure, but it’s the logical step in the band’s ongoing quest to make urgent music that’s melodically memorable.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:
"What was the last great American rock band? Nirvana? Guns N Roses? The Milwaukees have too much fun to be the former, a bit too much discipline for the latter; they’re neither mopey art-punks nor drug-addled rock stars. But imagine, if you can, something in between – a band that blends the artistic vision of early-Nineties Seattle with the raunchy abandon of the Sunset Strip, and then throws in a hand full of Mississippi mud and a big chunk of Jersey pride. The Milwaukees – who, for the uninitiated, have long been one of the Garden State’s most committed and resourceful indie-rock bands – aren’t being ironic with the title American Anthems. That’s what they’re shooting for here, and more often than not, they hit the bullseye. “Moonshaker” kickstarts the album with a sassy horn section and a big brassy chorus seemingly lifted from Exile On Main Street. “Breakup Song” keeps the energy level throbbing, with a soaring chorus that’s pure Milwaukees. “Highway To The Sun” takes it down a notch, as one of several slower tracks that seek the seemingly impossible task of restoring respectability to the power ballad; trust me, you’ll be waving your lighter over your head to this one. Tracks like “Crown Royal,” “Oak Ridge,” “Bullet Train,” and “American Girl” infuse tasty roots-rock into the mix, as frontman Dylan Clark subtly weaves images of highways, trains, the names of American cities, and even the phrase “American anthems” throughout the lyrics. Just to drive home the point of the album’s title, “Save Me” erupts as Clark’s inevitable Springsteen homage, with its inspired wordplay, romantic imagery, and Patti Scialfa-esque tambourine rings (all that’s missing is Roy Bittan’s tinkling piano;) an American anthem, indeed. Kudos to guitarist Jeff Norstedt, who trades economical but tasty riffs with Clark as well as providing seamless backup harmonies; bassist Donovan Cain, whose nimble countermelodies keep things flowing; and drummer Pat Fusco, who anchors the band’s sound with power and precision. Personally, I would have liked one more gritty rocker like “Moonshaker” to bookend the collection (although the Zep-meets-Abbey Road swagger of “Rich And Famous” comes close;) but for that, we’ll have to wait for Vol. 2. Other than that quibble, the Milwaukees’ American Anthems, Vol. 1 stands tall as one of the most ambitious, well-written, and sharply produced products of the American indie underground that you’re likely to hear this – or any - year." -Jersey Beat

“[The Milwaukees] distinguish themselves from the rest of the rock crowd by actually expressing some emotion, rather than just peering inward, they charge forward with energy and nice melodies and harmonies. Good stuff.” —Time Out New York

“The Milwaukees create adventurous music that is complex and viscerally gripping.” —Newark Star Ledger

“[The Milwaukees] lash out with a power punch that’ll leave most listeners completely breathless.” —The Aquarian Weekly

“The songs maintain an overriding melodicism that permeates every track.” — Exclaim (Canada)

“Live, the Milwaukees brought a raw, emotive energy to their repertoire that had heads nodding and heart strings twanging throughout the dingy venue. The singer’s agonised yelp seemed a lot more genuine than the stylised screams of the previous bands, and the band as a whole emitted an air of togetherness, maturity and pure talent that should surely see them along to widespread underground if not commercial success.” — BBC (UK)

“One of the last and finest practitioners of good ol’ rock and roll, The Milwaukees never disappoint…. These are the sounds of work-a-day men from Jersey, sweating over what they love and building some immensely beautiful work. Do yourself a favor and experience it.” — Lollipop

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • author: Jammers

    Baby Suri would listen to it

  • rockin
    author: Tim

    This album F'in rocks. One of my favorite albums of the year. Been in my car cd player for weeks. Buy it now, you wont be disappointed!

email

Please log in to email this artist.