Genre: rock
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: American Flyer
Company: United Artists
Catalog: UALA 650
Year: 1976
Country/State: USA
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: minor ring wear; original textured cover and original inner sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4414
Price: $15.00
Cost: $1.00
Featuring the divergent talents of Craig Fuller
(ex-Pure Prairie League), Steve Katz (ex-Blood, Sweat and Tears), Eric Kaz
(ex-Blues Magoos) and Doug Yule (ex-Velvet Underground). American Flyer was
widely seen as a shallow attempt to form a "corporate super
group".
Signed by United Artists, the quartet's self-titled 1976 debut showcased an
above average collection of country-rock. Produced by George Martin,
material such as "Let Me Down Easy" and "Light of Your
Love" recalled Fuller's Pure Prairie League catalog, showcasing a
similar commercial, if lightweight sound. Professional, if routine, the only
real complaint stemmed from Katz's MOR crooning ("M" and
"Back In '57" - the latter previously recorded by The Eagles).
Understandably, in an era of punk and disco, "American
Flyer" was roundly slammed by critics and largely
overlooked by the buying public; sales faltering at # 87.
"American Flyer" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Light of Your Love (Eric Kaz - Craig Fuller)
2.) Such a Beautiful Feeling (Eric Kaz)
3.) Back In '57 (Steve Katz)
4.) Lady Blue Eyes (Doug Yule)
5.) Let Me Down Easy (Eric Kaz - Craig Fuller)
6.) The Woman In Your Heart (Craig Fuller)
(side 2)
1.) Love Has No Pride (Eric Kaz - Craig Fuller)
2.) Queen of All My Days (Doug Yule)
3.) Drive Away (Eric Kaz)
4.) Call Me, Tell Me (Craig Fuller)
5.) End of a Love Song (George Martin - Eric Kaz)
In it's January 2002 issue, the English music magazine Mojo selected the album for it's Buried Treasures column.
