In the ’90s, American Football emerged as one of the defining bands of Midwest emo. Now, 25 years later, the band is releasing two special renditions of their iconic self-titled debut album, further cementing their legacy as pioneers in the genre.
“American Football: (25th Anniversary Edition)” and “American Football: (Covers),” will be released on Oct. 18, consisting of songs from Manchester Orchestra, Blondshell, Ethel Cain and Iron & Wine, among others.
Cain’s haunting rendition of “For Sure” — an orchestral cover that almost doubles the length of the original song — came out Sept. 5. The song stretches out beautifully, an atmospheric whirlwind led by Cain’s voice lilting over the intricate guitar melody.
“I knew I wanted to do ‘For Sure’ immediately,” Cain said in an interview. “It’s always stood out to me every time I spin the record, and I knew exactly how I wanted to translate it into my sound.”
Cain expressed deep admiration for the band, describing their debut album as a timeless classic that has resonated with her since she first listened.
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“American Football is one of those bands that really marked such a moment in time with their debut record, a mark with so much longevity that it found me the same way at 20 years old that I imagine it found everyone else the day it was first released: as an instant classic,” she said.
“Their sonic storytelling has inspired me in more ways than I can count over the years, so being asked to contribute to this covers edition was truly an honor,” Cain said. “American Football forever.”
Iron & Wine’s cover of “Never Meant” came out in August — a balmier, more intimate version of one of American Football’s most popular songs.
“When the first Iron & Wine record came out, it threaded the needle between Townes Van Zandt and Elliott Smith,” American Football guitarist Steve Holmes said. “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.”
The 25th anniversary album “American Football,” is entirely remastered, and further enhanced by a silver and gold package.
Both the remastered album and cover album hit streaming services on Oct. 18.
