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For many singer-songwriters, breaking out from the band you were in for years is an awakening. A time to explore songs and ideas you’ve had in your head for years. For American Music Club singer Mark Eitzel, that chance came in 1996.
Today’s pick for I Own That CD! is the solo studio debut 60 Watt Silver Lining. It’s a late night walk into a watering hole, grabbing a seat at the very end of the bar and observing all the characters and stories you hear.
First, a little background on American Music Club. Formed in 1983, the San Francisco-based band released nine albums in total. Their music has been described as slowcore (a subgenre of alternative rock and indie rock. The music of slowcore artists is generally characterized by bleak lyrics, downbeat melodies, slower tempos and minimalist arrangements). In 1991, after their fifth album Everclear was released, Rolling Stone magazine named it album of the year and Eitzel was named songwriter of the year. Alas, like many bands
Going solo for Eitzel didn’t mean that lyrically he was ready to change. The dark elements of his band’s work is still there in songs like “Mission Rock Resort” and “Some Bartenders Have the Gift of Pardon”. Eitzel to me is comparable with Tom Waits. Both paint bleak pictures with dashes of humor.
The music however, changes from what was done by American Music Club. Gone for the most part are the darker tones for a jazzy lounge fusion feel. It works so well as the backdrop to Eitzel’s deep, rich voice. Songs like “Scared Heart” and “Southend On Sea” are fitting for a cool night in a jazz club. He even throws in a cool cover of the Carole King classic “No Easy Way Down”.
60 Watt Silver Lining is a poets tale of love, heartbreak, and dark times in dark places. It’s a pour something strong to drink around midnight listening experience. So grab a seat, turn the lights down and let this one flow through you, and if you’ve got a CD player, you can borrow my copy.
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