American Goldwing (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

On Blitzen Trapper’s sixth studio album, the Portland band dives headfirst into the record collections of its members' teenage years and delivers classic-sounding songs that are part Southern rock, part Southern funk, and part indie rock. “Might Find It Cheap” opens with the bygone biker strut of a Lynyrd Skynyrd tune. But it’s not all vintage tones here: the electric guitars crunch and distort like they were touched by the hand of J. Mascis. “Fletcher” recalls Wilco’s 1995 debut album, A.M., with twangy country rock devoid of any modern-day effects to keep everything sounding timeless. “Your Crying Eyes” starts with what could be a front-porch jam, as a distant harmonica, stomping boots, and handclaps suddenly make way for chugging twang-rock. The thick drums and electric guitars combine with a pedal steel to create something like a lost James Gang tune. The acoustic-based “My Home Town” recalls the band’s past penchant for Neil Young–flavored songs before the title track rocks out with an anthem-like fervor.