American Football have shared details of celebrations for the 25th anniversary of their 1999 self-titled debut record, featuring a covers album and a full remastering.
Fresh from their mesmerising headline performance at Outbreak Festival earlier this summer, the emo legends have unveiled two special albums to mark the milestone.
Set to release a fully remastered version of their seminal album, the newly announced covers album is set to feature the likes of Manchester Orchestra, Iron & Wine, and Ethel Cain.
To celebrate the announcement, the band have shared Iron & Wine’s take on album opener ‘Never Meant’, which you can check out below.
Speaking on the track, Iron & Wine (real name Sam Beam) has shared:
“My neighbour Brad Cook and I have been circling each other hoping to work on something for a bit. 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.”
And speaking on Iron & Wine’s contribution to the project, American Football drummer Steve Holmes has said:
“When the first Iron & Wine record came out, it threaded the needle between Townes Van Zandt and Elliott Smith.
“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 will return to the UK later this year.
Catch them at the below dates.
SEPTEMBER
11 Nottingham – Rock City
12 Glasgow – Barrowland Ballroom
14 London – Roundhouse
See the full track-listing and artwork for ‘American Football (Covers)’ below.
1. Iron & Wine – Never Meant
2. 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