Angie Aparo - The American (1999)

Here's another recent classic that seems to have fallen out of print. I had the privilege of seeing Angie (short for Angelo) perform a solo set in Winooski, Vt. a couple of years after this came out (hence the signed cover) and over a pint I told him that this album was in effect a greatest hits album - every track could have been a worthy chart single. He seemed to appreciate that. Much of the power and apocalyptic sound of the album is thanks to the involvement of Matt Serletic (producer of Matchbox 20 and many other alternative rock acts) and he succeeded in wringing every nuance out of the thoughtful compositions and dramatic melodies. "Cry" is the best known track, being covered later by Faith Hill, and the lead single "Spaceship" briefly impacted MTV. My favorite tracks are the MLK inspired "Memphis City Rain", the jaunty "It's Alright" and a powerful commentary on contemporary life in the USA, the haunting title track "The American". But truthfully you could put this on random play and enjoy every track, in any order. I've added two extras - "Alone" was the B-Side of the Spaceship CD Single and "Nature's Way" was included on a later covers album project but I always thought it fitted in well in terms of sound and composition.

1. Green Into Gold
2. Spaceship
3. Hush
4. Cry
5. Third Time Around
6. Free Man
7. Gravity
8. Beautiful
9. Memphis City Rain
10. Swell
11. It's Alright
12. Wonderland
13. The American
14. Alone (bonus track)
15. Nature's Way (bonus track)

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