Get ready to dive into the exciting world of Greg Graffin’s first solo record, American Lesion! Released on November 7, 1997, this album was a labor of love for Greg, who played all the instruments himself. He even used his friend Bobby’s drum kit that was stored in his basement. Talk about resourceful!
The album was recorded at Polypterus Studio in Ithaca, NY from February through July, 1997. After mastering at Sterling Sound in NYC, 10,000 to 15,000 copies were pressed. The artwork for the cover was done by Joe Murray, and the mastering was handled by George Marino. Greg himself took care of the mixing and production, while Ronnie Kimball captured some amazing photographs.
So, why did Greg decide to embark on this solo project? Well, he wanted to experiment and showcase his more emotional songs that didn’t quite fit with Bad Religion’s style. The end of his marriage and the birth of his children also played a significant role in inspiring this album.
Before diving into American Lesion, Greg made sure to get the approval of his fellow Bad Religion band members. Luckily, they were all supportive of each other’s creative endeavors. Greg described the album as an insight into his writing process, giving fans a deeper understanding of his musical journey.
Now, let’s take a look at the track list. Get ready to rock out to songs like “Opinion,” “Fate’s Cruel Hand,” “Predicament,” “The Fault Line,” “When I Fail,” “Cease,” “Maybe She Will,” “The Elements,” and “In The Mirror.” These tunes are sure to get you moving and grooving!
The album’s title, American Lesion, holds a powerful meaning. Greg explained that it reflects the current climate of our business-dominated society, where anything that isn’t profitable is seen as a pariah. He believes that pursuing emotional wellness should be valued more than just chasing financial success.
The cover image of American Lesion is thought-provoking as well. It symbolizes how people from all walks of life are working tirelessly to make ends meet, losing touch with their own humanity in the process. Greg believes that our society has become obsessed with money, leaving a trail of broken hearts in its wake.
When it comes to promotion, American Lesion kept things simple. There was no fancy booklet, just a plain white rear insert with the track listing. Some versions of
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