"I won't get maudlin," Ackles promises midway into the second side, locking himself inside the barn as the dappled stallion gallops to join his brothers and sisters on the open range with his mane flying free in the breeze. C- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide 1981.
Hughesy's assessment:While I wouldn't quite go that far, there's no doubt American Gothic (recorded in London with Bernie Taupin producing and Nick Drake's mate Robert Kirby doing the arrangements) exhiits a surfeit of theatrical ambition with an unwillingness to understate. Interesting, but probably one and a bit too many eggs in the omelette.
Track listing: American Gothic; Love's Enough; Ballad of the Ship of State; One Night Stand; Oh, California!; Another Friday Night; Family Band; Midnight Carousel; Waiting for the Moving Van; Blues for Billy Whitecloud; Montana Song
Highlights: Love's Enough; One Night Stand;