A lazy journalist could easy get out of actually reviewing American Slang, the newest album from Gaslight Anthem. It honestly wouldn’t be that difficult to revisit reviews of The ’59 Sound, referencing the same bullet points and similarities. At the end of the day it would look something like this: One part witty Bruce Springsteen reference here, respect for the New Brunswick music scene there. Throw in 500 words about the differences between punk and radio friendly power pop bands and you’ve got copy. Yet reviews like that, made famous by trash rags like Absolute Punk and Pitchfork, run rapid as the leaders of music journalism. But, they really are just bullshit reads, hiding behind its falsely perceived elitist views of music folklore and punk history, aren’t they? I mean, seriously, do you really think “God Save the Queen” and “Rudy Can’t Fail” will be historically better pieces of art if Green Day hadn’t existed to destroy punk? 
More importantly, that mentality does nothing to actually promote a band for their accomplishments on an album they’ve worked hard to complete. I meant, if Gaslight Anthem wanted us do nothing but reference their previous albums and influences, what would be the point of even recording a new cut? Why ignore the constant lyrical content, catchy guitar riffs and strong story lines to simply state, “Hey, this album sounds like the last one.”
I mean, if you take a second and look at American Slang as a unique piece of Americana, rather than a chapter in Gaslight Anthem’s novel of a music career you’ll see it not only stands perfectly fine on its own two feet, but hits the ground running from the word go. Flooded with working class references and blue color pride, the music represents exactly what the band itself stands for; clocking into and doing what it takes to earn your paycheck. The band has earn the respect of both press and fans by touring endlessly and promoting themselves extensively along the way. That’s why they’ve landed spots on festivals stages and radio stations nation wide. It’s not selling out. It’s not taking the safe road following the success of a brilliantly constructed album. It’s not because they sound slightly similar to The Boss. It’s sticking to their roots.
Giving this band anything less than your respect for that is a cop out by the banner waving lowest form of music critics selling you their copy with insults for sake of insult.
Track Listing:
1. American Slang
2. Stay Lucky
3. Bring It On
4. The Diamond Church Street Choir
5. The Queen of Lower Chelsea
6. Orphans
7. Boxer
8. Old Haunts
9. The Spirit Of Jazz
10. We Did It When We Were Young
