American Hi-Fi
Acoustic
(Rude Records)
Why aren’t more bands doing this?
In celebration of 15 years since the release of their acclaimed self-titled album, American Hi-Fi has re-recorded every track of their debut in acoustic form (something most bands can’t manage; generally they pick and choose). The resulting collection is quite glorious and thoroughly memorable. As fun as the originals are (even today, after all these years), hearing them as part of a full acoustic performance is exciting and refreshing. Not a single rework sounds flat or lifeless; everything is pristinely executed and full of life. Where some artists do basic renditions, American Hi-Fi has actually recreated their songs with more than just a simple guitar. This isn’t to say the songs are as grand and elaborate as some other current acoustic outings (such as Unwritten Law’s new record, in which some songs actually sound like remixes), but they’re still expansive as far as acoustic work goes.
Acoustic is more than just a walk down memory lane; these songs have new life, and as a result, you’ll want to play them again and again. It really doesn’t matter that you already know the words by heart. That just makes it all the better. (Nathaniel Lay)
