TCCDM Pulls One Out..."American Gothic" - David Ackles (1972)

"American Gothic" - David Ackles (1972)

From the cover, you might think this is a rural folk-rock kind of album.  But the curtains just don't match the drapes.  On "American Gothic"...David Ackles has almost a minstrel piano songster vibe going on and performs each of his 11 original songs with drama and theatrics.  The songwriting falls somewhere in-between the Randy Newman/Harry Chapin music box.  And Ackles's voice has a warm Neil Diamond timbre that sells it all.  It's good for what it is.  I mean it's good, but the music is just not my Chock Full o' Nuts.  However, Elvis Costello and Elton John both trumpet the skill and talents of David Ackles.  Most critics loved this album, as well, with one going so far as calling it the..."Sgt Pepper of folk music."  That probably did Ackles no favors.  The album floated for a moment and then sank like a brick.

Interestingly, this album was produced by Bernie Taupin.  And if you're at all interested in this style, copies can be had for less than $10.  "American Gothic" was also included in the book...1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.  The lady on the cover is Mrs. Ackles.  I recommend checking out David Ackles on Wiki for it's quite interesting.

"American Gothic" - David Ackles (back)

Favorites include "Midnight Carousel."  "Ballad of the Ship Of State."  "Waiting for the Moving Van."  "One Night Stand."  This copy was found in a $3 box.  The record is a white-label promo with a 3" seam split on top  The front cover has a black hype sticker and a promo stamp.  Someone also wrote "Best Wishes - Joe ?" all over the front.  Is this somebody or just an idiot?!  The album came with a lyric insert.

hype sticker

lyric insert (front and back)

Elektra label promo

Cat #
EKS-75032
SIDE A  MATRIX
EKS 75032 A  RE  MM  ESR  SXT  A  2
SIDE B  MATRIX
EKS 75032 B-2  RE  MM  ESR  SXT  A  2

"Ballad Of The Ship Of State" - David Ackles - "American Gothic" (1972)

TRACKS:
A1  "American Gothic" 3:19
A2  "Love's Enough" 3:15
A3  "Ballad Of The Ship Of State" 4:16
A4  "One Night Stand" 2:47
A5  "Oh, California!" 2:37
A6  "Another Friday Night" 4:28
B1  "Family Band" 2:35
B2  "Midnight Carousel" 3:40
B3  "Waiting For The Moving Van" 3:35
B4  "Blues For Billy Whitecloud" 2:36
B5  "Montana Song" 10:05

PERSONNEL:
David Ackels - vocals, piano
London Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Robert Kirby)

Good stuff.

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