American Music Club returned to the music scene in 2004 after a ten-year hiatus with the stunning album, Love Songs for Patriots. Love Songs... was acclaimed by critics and fans alike as a triumphant return to form. Paste Magazine declared it to be, "Their best since 1991's Everclear, and a glittering statement of purpose from an institution reinvigorated." Most fans found themselves wondering how they had survived without them for so long! But still, many fans and critics alike could not help but wonder if Love Songs was a brilliant last grasp at glory, or whether it was a dawn of a whole new era for American Music Club.
Thankfully it turned out to be the latter because in 2008, Merge released American Music Club's ninth album, The Golden Age; a gorgeous collection of songs recorded in Los Angeles with Dave Trumfio at Kingsize Studios. Longtime AMC mainstays Vudi and Mark Eitzel recruited Los Angeles musicians, Sean Hoffman (bass, vocals) and Steve Didelot (drum, vocals), rehearsing for a month before heading into the studio. The Golden Age is a collection of smoky songs with a generous helping of heartache and, as always, Eitzel's powerful vocals, which always seem to cut to the quick with raw emotion by moving the listener to laugh, cry, shout, whisper, and shake an ineffectual fist at a world on the edge of apocalypse.
www.myspace.com/americanmusicclub
Thankfully it turned out to be the latter because in 2008, Merge released American Music Club's ninth album, The Golden Age; a gorgeous collection of songs recorded in Los Angeles with Dave Trumfio at Kingsize Studios. Longtime AMC mainstays Vudi and Mark Eitzel recruited Los Angeles musicians, Sean Hoffman (bass, vocals) and Steve Didelot (drum, vocals), rehearsing for a month before heading into the studio. The Golden Age is a collection of smoky songs with a generous helping of heartache and, as always, Eitzel's powerful vocals, which always seem to cut to the quick with raw emotion by moving the listener to laugh, cry, shout, whisper, and shake an ineffectual fist at a world on the edge of apocalypse.
www.myspace.com/americanmusicclub
10/29/12
When it came time to promote his new album Don’t Be a Stranger, Mark Eitzel prepared for this album by asking for advice on his career and new album from a few friends including acting coach Drew Droege, comedian and writer for Joan Rivers Nadya Ginsburg, make-up artist for Lady Gaga Billy B, character actress Grace Zabriskie and more!
Today, Rawkblog premieres the final video in the series featuring playwright Simon Stephens. Don’t miss Mark Eitzel on tour beginning this week in San Francisco!
Watch Simon Stephen’s conversation with Mark Eitzel now and catch up on the whole series.
Don’t Be a Stranger is available now in CD, LP and digital download.
Mark Eitzel on tour:
Nov 1 Berkeley, CA Starry Plough
Nov 2 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
Nov 3 Santa Monica, CA McCabe’s Guitar Shop
Nov 4 Los Angeles, CA Echo
Nov 5 Santa Cruz, CA The Crepe Place
Nov 7 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
Nov 8 Vancouver, BC Electric Owl
Nov 9 Portland, OR The Star Theater
Nov 23 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen
Nov 24 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
Nov 25 Cincinnati, OH MOTR Pub
Nov 26 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern
Nov 28 Toronto, ON Rivoli Club
Nov 29 Buffalo, NY Ninth Ward Arts
Nov 30 Northampton, MA Iron Horse Music Hall
Dec 1 Somerville, MA Johnny D’s
Dec 3 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
Dec 4 Washington, DC Black Cat Backstage
Dec 5 Baltimore, MD Golden West Cafe
Dec 6 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar
Dec 8 Raleigh, NC King’s Barcade
Jan 22 Zurich, Switzerland El Lokal
Jan 24 Frankfurt, Germany Brotfabrik
Jan 25 Hamburg, Germany Knust
Jan 29 Berlin, Germany Comet
Jan 30 Köln, Germany King Georg
Jan 31 München, Germany Feierwerk
Feb 1 Ebensee, Austria Kino
Today, Rawkblog premieres the final video in the series featuring playwright Simon Stephens. Don’t miss Mark Eitzel on tour beginning this week in San Francisco!
Watch Simon Stephen’s conversation with Mark Eitzel now and catch up on the whole series.
Don’t Be a Stranger is available now in CD, LP and digital download.
Mark Eitzel on tour:
Nov 1 Berkeley, CA Starry Plough
Nov 2 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
Nov 3 Santa Monica, CA McCabe’s Guitar Shop
Nov 4 Los Angeles, CA Echo
Nov 5 Santa Cruz, CA The Crepe Place
Nov 7 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
Nov 8 Vancouver, BC Electric Owl
Nov 9 Portland, OR The Star Theater
Nov 23 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen
Nov 24 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups
Nov 25 Cincinnati, OH MOTR Pub
Nov 26 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern
Nov 28 Toronto, ON Rivoli Club
Nov 29 Buffalo, NY Ninth Ward Arts
Nov 30 Northampton, MA Iron Horse Music Hall
Dec 1 Somerville, MA Johnny D’s
Dec 3 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
Dec 4 Washington, DC Black Cat Backstage
Dec 5 Baltimore, MD Golden West Cafe
Dec 6 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar
Dec 8 Raleigh, NC King’s Barcade
Jan 22 Zurich, Switzerland El Lokal
Jan 24 Frankfurt, Germany Brotfabrik
Jan 25 Hamburg, Germany Knust
Jan 29 Berlin, Germany Comet
Jan 30 Köln, Germany King Georg
Jan 31 München, Germany Feierwerk
Feb 1 Ebensee, Austria Kino
09/06/12
Mark Eitzel will release Don’t Be a Stranger on October 2 and is taking his band Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain on the road beginning November 1 in San Francisco.
Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain includes Kristin Sobditch (Little Fuzzy), Marc Capelle (American Music Club), Jon Langmead (Loquat), and Pete Straus (Dwarves). His live set consists of a mixture of songs from his rich catalog, including selections from American Music Club as well as newer material. Mark’s touring band will consist of piano, bass, and drums in the classic lounge style, but he also plans to “bring the chaos” in the form of his electric guitar. Renowned for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Mark’s live shows are always unique and unpredictable in the best possible way. A full list of tour dates are below with more to come!
Mark prepared for this album by asking for advice on his career and new album from a few friends including comedian Neil Hamburger, character actress Grace Zabriskie, acting coach Drew Droege, and more. We are launching the series with a consultation between Mark and Billy B. who is the make-up artist for Lady Gaga. Stay tuned for more videos as the release date gets closer!
Watch Mark Eitzel consult with Lady Gaga’s make-up artist, Billy B
Listen to “I Love You But You’re Dead” at the Merge SoundCloud page and pre-order Don’t Be A Stranger now on CD and LP in the Merge store. The first 100 pre-orders will include a signed poster. Also, “I Love You But You’re Dead” is available for purchase at iTunes and the full album with a bonus track is available for pre-order as well.
Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain on tour:
Sep 8 Brighton, UK The Palmeira
Sep 9 Winchester, UK SXSC Festival
Nov 1 Berkeley, CA Starry Plough
Nov 2 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
Nov 3 Santa Monica, CA McCabe’s Guitar Shop
Nov 4 Los Angeles, CA Echo
Nov 5 Santa Cruz, CA The Crepe Place
Nov 7 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
Nov 8 Vancouver, BC Electric Owl
Nov 9 Portland, OR The Star Theater
Jan 22 Zurich, Switzerland El Lokal
Jan 24 Frankfurt, Germany Brotfabrik
Jan 25 Hamburg, Germany Knust
Jan 29 Berlin, Germany Comet
Jan 30 Köln, Germany King Georg
Jan 31 München, Germany Feierwerk
Feb 1 Ebensee, Austria Kino
Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain includes Kristin Sobditch (Little Fuzzy), Marc Capelle (American Music Club), Jon Langmead (Loquat), and Pete Straus (Dwarves). His live set consists of a mixture of songs from his rich catalog, including selections from American Music Club as well as newer material. Mark’s touring band will consist of piano, bass, and drums in the classic lounge style, but he also plans to “bring the chaos” in the form of his electric guitar. Renowned for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Mark’s live shows are always unique and unpredictable in the best possible way. A full list of tour dates are below with more to come!
Mark prepared for this album by asking for advice on his career and new album from a few friends including comedian Neil Hamburger, character actress Grace Zabriskie, acting coach Drew Droege, and more. We are launching the series with a consultation between Mark and Billy B. who is the make-up artist for Lady Gaga. Stay tuned for more videos as the release date gets closer!
Watch Mark Eitzel consult with Lady Gaga’s make-up artist, Billy B
Listen to “I Love You But You’re Dead” at the Merge SoundCloud page and pre-order Don’t Be A Stranger now on CD and LP in the Merge store. The first 100 pre-orders will include a signed poster. Also, “I Love You But You’re Dead” is available for purchase at iTunes and the full album with a bonus track is available for pre-order as well.
Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain on tour:
Sep 8 Brighton, UK The Palmeira
Sep 9 Winchester, UK SXSC Festival
Nov 1 Berkeley, CA Starry Plough
Nov 2 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
Nov 3 Santa Monica, CA McCabe’s Guitar Shop
Nov 4 Los Angeles, CA Echo
Nov 5 Santa Cruz, CA The Crepe Place
Nov 7 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
Nov 8 Vancouver, BC Electric Owl
Nov 9 Portland, OR The Star Theater
Jan 22 Zurich, Switzerland El Lokal
Jan 24 Frankfurt, Germany Brotfabrik
Jan 25 Hamburg, Germany Knust
Jan 29 Berlin, Germany Comet
Jan 30 Köln, Germany King Georg
Jan 31 München, Germany Feierwerk
Feb 1 Ebensee, Austria Kino
08/21/12
Mark Eitzel will release his new solo album Don’t Be A Stranger on October 2. Stream the first track “I Love You But You’re Dead” now at the Merge Soundcloud page and pre-order the album on CD or LP now in the Merge store.
Mark Eitzel – “I Love You But You’re Dead” from Don’t Be A Stranger
After a string of bad luck and the implosion of his band American Music Club, Mark Eitzel fortuitously found himself in the studio with celebrated producer Sheldon Gomberg (Rickie Lee Jones, Ron Sexsmith, Ben Harper), thanks to the generosity of an old friend. Gomberg put together a band that included Attractions drummer Pete Thomas and American Music Club guitarist Vudi on a few songs, as well as a full string section and many Los Angeles musical luminaries. The organic collaboration between Mark and Sheldon resulted in a generous and beautiful record, about which Mark says, “I wanted to make an album more reminiscent of records like Harvest by Neil Young or Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake than anything I’ve previously done.” The result is Eitzel’s finest solo album in over a decade.
Mark plans to tour the US in late 2012 and Europe in early 2013 with his band Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain, whose stateside members include Kristin Sobditch (Little Fuzzy), Marc Capelle (American Music Club), Jon Langmead (Loquat), and Pete Straus (Dwarves). His live set consists of a mixture of songs from his rich catalog, including selections from American Music Club as well as newer material. Mark’s touring band will consist of piano, bass, and drums in the classic lounge style, but he also plans to “bring the chaos” in the form of his electric guitar. Renowned for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Mark’s live shows are always unique and unpredictable in the best possible way.
Don’t Be A Stranger is available for pre-order on CD and LP now in the Merge store. Also, “I Love You But You’re Dead” is available for purchase at iTunes and the full album with a bonus track is available for pre-order as well.
Mark Eitzel – “I Love You But You’re Dead” from Don’t Be A Stranger
After a string of bad luck and the implosion of his band American Music Club, Mark Eitzel fortuitously found himself in the studio with celebrated producer Sheldon Gomberg (Rickie Lee Jones, Ron Sexsmith, Ben Harper), thanks to the generosity of an old friend. Gomberg put together a band that included Attractions drummer Pete Thomas and American Music Club guitarist Vudi on a few songs, as well as a full string section and many Los Angeles musical luminaries. The organic collaboration between Mark and Sheldon resulted in a generous and beautiful record, about which Mark says, “I wanted to make an album more reminiscent of records like Harvest by Neil Young or Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake than anything I’ve previously done.” The result is Eitzel’s finest solo album in over a decade.
Mark plans to tour the US in late 2012 and Europe in early 2013 with his band Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain, whose stateside members include Kristin Sobditch (Little Fuzzy), Marc Capelle (American Music Club), Jon Langmead (Loquat), and Pete Straus (Dwarves). His live set consists of a mixture of songs from his rich catalog, including selections from American Music Club as well as newer material. Mark’s touring band will consist of piano, bass, and drums in the classic lounge style, but he also plans to “bring the chaos” in the form of his electric guitar. Renowned for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Mark’s live shows are always unique and unpredictable in the best possible way.
Don’t Be A Stranger is available for pre-order on CD and LP now in the Merge store. Also, “I Love You But You’re Dead” is available for purchase at iTunes and the full album with a bonus track is available for pre-order as well.
07/23/12
Mark Eitzel’s new solo record, Don’t Be a Stranger, will be released on CD, LP and digital by Merge Records on October 2 and by Décor Records in Europe on Sept 24.
After a string of bad luck that included a heart attack that set him back several months and the implosion of his band American Music Club, Mark Eitzel fortuitously found himself in the studio with celebrated producer Sheldon Gomberg (Rickie Lee Jones, Ron Sexsmith, Ben Harper), thanks to the generosity of an old friend. The result is Eitzel’s finest solo album in over a decade.
Mark Eitzel has released over 15 albums of original material with his band American Music Club and as a solo artist. The Guardian has called him “America’s Greatest Living Lyricist” and Rolling Stone once gave him their Songwriter of the Year award. Originally formed in 1983, American Music Club released seven albums before breaking up in 1995. They reunited in 2004 and subsequently released two albums on Merge Records, Love Songs for Patriots and The Golden Age.
Mark plans to tour the US in late 2012 and Europe in early 2013 with his band Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain, whose stateside members include Kristin Sobditch (Little Fuzzy), Marc Capelle (American Music Club), Jon Langmead (Loquat), and Pete Straus (Dwarves). His live set consists of a mixture of songs from his rich catalog, including selections from American Music Club as well as newer material. Mark’s touring band will consist of piano, bass, and drums in the classic lounge style, but he also plans to “bring the chaos” in the form of his electric guitar. Renowned for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Mark’s live shows are always unique and unpredictable in the best possible way.
After a string of bad luck that included a heart attack that set him back several months and the implosion of his band American Music Club, Mark Eitzel fortuitously found himself in the studio with celebrated producer Sheldon Gomberg (Rickie Lee Jones, Ron Sexsmith, Ben Harper), thanks to the generosity of an old friend. The result is Eitzel’s finest solo album in over a decade.
Mark Eitzel has released over 15 albums of original material with his band American Music Club and as a solo artist. The Guardian has called him “America’s Greatest Living Lyricist” and Rolling Stone once gave him their Songwriter of the Year award. Originally formed in 1983, American Music Club released seven albums before breaking up in 1995. They reunited in 2004 and subsequently released two albums on Merge Records, Love Songs for Patriots and The Golden Age.
Mark plans to tour the US in late 2012 and Europe in early 2013 with his band Mark Eitzel’s Warm Gentle Rain, whose stateside members include Kristin Sobditch (Little Fuzzy), Marc Capelle (American Music Club), Jon Langmead (Loquat), and Pete Straus (Dwarves). His live set consists of a mixture of songs from his rich catalog, including selections from American Music Club as well as newer material. Mark’s touring band will consist of piano, bass, and drums in the classic lounge style, but he also plans to “bring the chaos” in the form of his electric guitar. Renowned for his self-deprecating sense of humor, Mark’s live shows are always unique and unpredictable in the best possible way.
02/25/11
This year, we have a very exciting showcase featuring Merge freshmen and a couple of old friends! Get there early to meet newest Merge signees Times New Viking and stay late to see the only nighttime WILD FLAG show of the festival! In between, Apex Manor, Telekinesis & Wye Oak will be sharing songs from their new albums out this spring, and American Music Club & Versus will make a rare appearance in Austin for the festival.
Visit the Merge store to sample the most recent albums from all seven bands, and to pre-order their upcoming releases!
Merge @ SXSW 2011
Friday, March 18
The Parish (214 E. 6th Street)
Austin, TX
Doors at 7p
WILD FLAG 12:45a
Wye Oak 11:45p
Versus 10:45p
American Music Club 9:45p
Telekinesis 9p
Apex Manor 8:15p
Times New Viking 7:30p
Also, we are joining forces with the Home Slice Pizza “Music by the Slice” party again!
Home Slice Pizza
MXTS Party
1415 South Congress
Austin, TX
Thursday, March 17
Apex Manor 3:30 p
American Music Club 5p
Friday, March 18
Versus 1p
Saturday, March 19
Times New Viking 2:20 p
Wye Oak 3:30 p
Be sure to follow Merge on twitter and check back for more opportunities to see our bands at SXSW!
Visit the Merge store to sample the most recent albums from all seven bands, and to pre-order their upcoming releases!
Merge @ SXSW 2011
Friday, March 18
The Parish (214 E. 6th Street)
Austin, TX
Doors at 7p
WILD FLAG 12:45a
Wye Oak 11:45p
Versus 10:45p
American Music Club 9:45p
Telekinesis 9p
Apex Manor 8:15p
Times New Viking 7:30p
Also, we are joining forces with the Home Slice Pizza “Music by the Slice” party again!
Home Slice Pizza
MXTS Party
1415 South Congress
Austin, TX
Thursday, March 17
Apex Manor 3:30 p
American Music Club 5p
Friday, March 18
Versus 1p
Saturday, March 19
Times New Viking 2:20 p
Wye Oak 3:30 p
Be sure to follow Merge on twitter and check back for more opportunities to see our bands at SXSW!
XX Merge update: Line-up announced for free show at OCSC and tickets still available for She and Him
06/09/09
Hey, Merge fans! Tickets for the Cradle shows may be sold out, but you can still get tickets for the Memorial Hall show in Chapel Hill on Sunday, July 26, featuring She & Him, American Music Club, and Wye Oak. Tickets are available through eTix.com as well as the Cat’s Cradle box office, CD Alley (Chapel Hill), Schoolkids (Raleigh), Bull City Records (Durham), and the Memorial Hall box office.
Also, Orange County Social Club in Carrboro, NC will host a free outdoor show beginning at 1pm on Saturday, July 25. Enjoy live music from Tenement Halls, Portastatic, The Music Tapes, Matt Suggs, and Radar Bros. Also, frosty beverages and delicious food from Neal’s deli will be for sale.
Orange County Social Club is a private member club. Membership is not required to attend this show, but will be required if you intend to drink. Applications must be received three days before the event. For more information and to fill out an application, visit the OCSC website.
The countdown to XX Merge has begun! We have more XX Merge activities to announce soon, so stay tuned!
Also, Orange County Social Club in Carrboro, NC will host a free outdoor show beginning at 1pm on Saturday, July 25. Enjoy live music from Tenement Halls, Portastatic, The Music Tapes, Matt Suggs, and Radar Bros. Also, frosty beverages and delicious food from Neal’s deli will be for sale.
Orange County Social Club is a private member club. Membership is not required to attend this show, but will be required if you intend to drink. Applications must be received three days before the event. For more information and to fill out an application, visit the OCSC website.
The countdown to XX Merge has begun! We have more XX Merge activities to announce soon, so stay tuned!
05/28/09
Mark Eitzel will tour the east coast in July joined by AMC alumnus Marc Capelle as his pianist. Mark & Marc will perform American Music Club songs and select covers. Watch the clip (posted below) from Noise Pop in March for a little taste of what you can expect.
American Music Club will join She & Him and Wye Oak to close out XX Merge on July 26th at Memorial Hall located on UNC campus. Tickets are still available!
Mark Eizel performs American Music Club
(vocals & piano)
07.18.2009 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge
07.19.2009 Hudson, NY Jason’s Upstairs
07.20.2009 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell’s
07.21.2009 Cambridge, MA The Lizard Lounge
07.22.2009 Albany, NY The Linda at WAMC
07.23.2009 Rochester, NY Lovin Cup
07.24.2009 Hamburg, NY Marty & Susan’s House
07.25.2009 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery
07.26.2009 Chapel Hill, NC Memorial Hall XX Merge w/ She & Him and Wye Oak
07.27.2009 Arlington, VA Iota Club & Cafe
07.28.2009 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
07.29.2009 Brooklyn, NY The Bell House
Click here to view the embedded video.
American Music Club will join She & Him and Wye Oak to close out XX Merge on July 26th at Memorial Hall located on UNC campus. Tickets are still available!
Mark Eizel performs American Music Club
(vocals & piano)
07.18.2009 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge
07.19.2009 Hudson, NY Jason’s Upstairs
07.20.2009 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell’s
07.21.2009 Cambridge, MA The Lizard Lounge
07.22.2009 Albany, NY The Linda at WAMC
07.23.2009 Rochester, NY Lovin Cup
07.24.2009 Hamburg, NY Marty & Susan’s House
07.25.2009 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery
07.26.2009 Chapel Hill, NC Memorial Hall XX Merge w/ She & Him and Wye Oak
07.27.2009 Arlington, VA Iota Club & Cafe
07.28.2009 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda’s
07.29.2009 Brooklyn, NY The Bell House
Click here to view the embedded video.
The Restless Stranger :: (Reprise) 1986
Engine :: (Frontier) 1987
California :: (Frontier) 1988
United Kingdom [live] :: (Demon) 1990
Rise :: single/CD (Alias) 1991
Everclear :: (Alias) 1991
Mercury :: (Reprise) 1993
Johnny Mathis' Feet [+live] :: single/CD (Reprise) 1993
San Francisco :: (Reprise) 1994
Can You Help Me :: CD/EP (Virgin) 1994
Hello Amsterdam :: CD/EP (Warner Bros.) 1995
Love Songs for Patriots :: CD/LP (Merge) 2004
A Toast to You :: (Undertow Records/ Self-released) 2005
The Golden Age :: CD (Merge) 2008
Atwater Afternoon :: CD (Undertow Records/ Self-released) 2008
Engine :: (Frontier) 1987
California :: (Frontier) 1988
United Kingdom [live] :: (Demon) 1990
Rise :: single/CD (Alias) 1991
Everclear :: (Alias) 1991
Mercury :: (Reprise) 1993
Johnny Mathis' Feet [+live] :: single/CD (Reprise) 1993
San Francisco :: (Reprise) 1994
Can You Help Me :: CD/EP (Virgin) 1994
Hello Amsterdam :: CD/EP (Warner Bros.) 1995
Love Songs for Patriots :: CD/LP (Merge) 2004
A Toast to You :: (Undertow Records/ Self-released) 2005
The Golden Age :: CD (Merge) 2008
Atwater Afternoon :: CD (Undertow Records/ Self-released) 2008
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