American Football are set to mark the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album with two special releases on 18th October via Polyvinyl Record Co.
The band will release a fully remastered version of their 1999 album, ‘American Football (25th Anniversary Edition)’, alongside ‘American Football (Covers)’, featuring interpretations by artists including Iron & Wine, Ethel Cain, Blondshell, and Manchester Orchestra.
To coincide with the announcement, American Football have shared a remastered version of ‘Never Meant’ alongside a cover by Iron & Wine. The latter is accompanied by a music video directed by Alec Basse and Max Moore, featuring Sam Beam’s performance projected onto the iconic American Football House in Urbana, Illinois.
Sam Beam of Iron & Wine says on his involvement: “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.”
Steve Lamos of American Football adds: “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.”
Check them out below.
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