While on vacation this Summer, I came across a single for a band that did not get enough love. The band is Y&T and the single was for “All American Boy”. The song is a cover and was written by Dave Robbins and Van Stephenson. I believe it was first recorded by Stan Bush in 1983 on his self-titled album. Van had recorded this song and it appeared on the soundtrack to the movie “The Slugger’s Wife” back in 1984/1985. Y&T got ahold of the song in 1985 as well and it was included on their album ‘Down for the Count’ with quite possibly one of the worst album covers ever as you can see below for the back cover of the single. A funny enough, the front cover of the single is taken from the back cover of the album. The song went to #48 on the mainstream rock chart.

It was the the first single off the album, but for me not a great song choice to start with a cover. It was probably a label decision, who knows, but singer/guitarist Dave Meniketti, guitarists Joey Alves, bassist Phil Kennemore and drummer Leonard Haze deserved better. The had never recorded a cover song prior and they did two on this album…definitely label pressure. The follow-up single did much better which was their big single “Summertime Girls”. Y&T is a very underrated band. If you want to learn a lot about their albums, check out Tim Durling’s book ‘Down for the Count: The Y&T Album Review’ on Amazon.

A-SIDE:

The song “All American Boy” is pure AOR which is funny because Y&T was more a hard rock band, just listen to some of their earlier albums. The band was pandering to the 80’s crowd and being a band from the 70’s, they were trying to stay alive in a changing music scene. The video is very cheesy, let’s get that out of the way. The song is pretty generic and it checks all the boxes…catchy chorus, guitar solo and a great vocals. That is the only thing the song has going for it is Dave’s vocals. Although I don’t think he feels the song since he didn’t write it, he is such a stellar singer that it comes across great. Just don’t watch the video because that kills any cred of these guys.

B-SIDE:

The B-Side of the “All American Boy” single is a non-album track called “Go For The Throat”. It was written by Y&T and really kicks ass. The song was a bonus track on their studio album from 1984 called ‘In Rock We Trust’ but not until the 2006 re-issue. So back in 1985, this was the reason to buy the single. “Go For the Throat” is a heavier rocker which is what I like from this band. This one feels more authentic then the A-Side. I love the gang vocals, Dave’s grittiness and the guitar work is exceptional. To me, this is more of what the band is then “All American Boy”. Give me original songs from them and not covers please.

If “All American Boy” was my introduction to the band I wouldn’t have been a fan. But sadly, “Summertime Girls” was my introduction and that didn’t make me a fan. However, the B-Side, “Go For The Throat”, I would’ve loved and would’ve explored this band more if I had heard it back in 1985. I didn’t get in to the band until recently thanks to Tim Durling. Go buy his book, he will appreciate it. Thanks for hanging around.