Mark Eitzel

Last updated
Mark Eitzel
Mark Eitzel.jpg
Eitzel with American Music Club in 2008
Background information
Birth nameJohn Mark Eitzel
Born (1959-01-30) January 30, 1959 (age 65) [1]
Walnut Creek, California, U.S.
GenresRock
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1980–present
LabelsDecor, Cooking Vinyl, Thirsty Ear, New West, Matador, Diablo, Warner Bros.
Website markeitzel.com

Mark Eitzel (born January 30, 1959) is an American musician, best known as a songwriter and lead singer of the San Francisco band American Music Club. [2] [3]

Contents

Biography

Eitzel spent his formative years in a military family living in Okinawa, Taiwan, Ohio and the United Kingdom. [4] He moved to San Francisco in 1979, and came out as gay in 1985. [5] [6]

He started making music while he was a teenager in Southampton, England. His first band was a punk band called the Cowboys when he moved to Columbus, Ohio, at 19. They released one single in 1980. His second band was called The Naked Skinnies [7] and they released one single in 1981. He moved to San Francisco with The Naked Skinnies in 1981 where they disbanded in 1982. Eitzel formed American Music Club (AMC) in San Francisco in 1982. The band performed and created albums for twelve years. At one point, Eitzel also sang with San Francisco's Toiling Midgets, and often recorded solo work while involved in AMC.

American Music Club disbanded in 1994, and Eitzel focused on his solo career, releasing 60 Watt Silver Lining [8] in 1996. Also in 1996, Eitzel contributed to the AIDS benefit album Offbeat: A Red Hot Soundtrip produced by the Red Hot Organization. Following this, he released West in 1997, co-writing all of the songs with the R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, with whom he also toured. He followed up with Caught in a Trap and I Can't Back out 'Cause I Love You Too Much, Baby , assisted by Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth and the Yo La Tengo bass guitarist James McNew.

Eitzel released more music in 2001, beginning with a more electronic turn in The Invisible Man [9] on Matador Records. This was followed by two covers projects in 2002: Music for Courage and Confidence , [10] which was material written by other songwriters, and The Ugly American , [11] an album which included reinterpretations of American Music Club songs performed with a band of traditional and non traditional Greek musicians.

American Music Club reformed in 2003 for a sold out show at the South Bank Centre in London. In the following year, they released Love Songs For Patriots [12] and toured both the United States and Europe several times. The album received glowing reviews across the world.[ citation needed ] In 2008, the band line-up changed again and the band released The Golden Age [13] which Uncut magazine said was their best since Mercury with a 5 star album of the month review.

Eitzel released a compilation album of electronic soundtrack material in 2005, Candy Ass . [14] In 2009, Klamath was released on Decor Records. Uncut magazine said it was his best solo album yet. In 2010, the musical Marine Parade was premiered in the 2010 Brighton Festival. The musical was written by Simon Stephens and Eitzel wrote all of the music and used two of the songs from Klamath. It received good reviews. He also contributed a cover version of the Ira Gershwin song "'S Wonderful" to the soundtrack of Vidal Sassoon - The Movie. [15] The film was directed by Craig Teper, and the soundtrack was produced by David Spelman. The soundtrack also included music by the post-rock chamber ensembles Clogs (featuring Padma Newsome and Bryce Dessner of The National), Redhooker, and the Arcade Fire side project Bell Orchestre. The film had its premiere at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.

In addition to the above albums, Eitzel has also released many mail order tour CDs, his most recent[ when? ] being the limited edition (500 copies) Brannan St. , which is available at his concert dates and at the Decor records website. His eleventh solo studio album, Don’t Be a Stranger , was released in October 2012 on Merge Records and produced by Sheldon Gomberg.

Discography

With American Music Club

Solo

With Cowboys

With The Naked Skinnies

With Toiling Midgets

In collaboration

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skinny Puppy</span> Canadian industrial band

Skinny Puppy was a Canadian electro-industrial band formed in Vancouver in 1982. The group was among the founders of the industrial rock and electro-industrial genres. Initially envisioned as an experimental side-project by cEvin Key while he was in the new wave band Images in Vogue, Skinny Puppy evolved into a full-time project with the addition of vocalist Nivek Ogre. Over the course of 13 studio albums and many live tours, Key and Ogre were the only constant members. Other members have included Dwayne Goettel, Dave "Rave" Ogilvie, Bill Leeb, Mark Walk (2003–2023), and a number of guests, including Al Jourgensen (1989), Danny Carey (2004), and many others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter Buck</span> American guitarist for R.E.M., songwriter

Peter Lawrence Buck is an American musician and songwriter. He was a co-founder and the lead guitarist of the alternative rock band R.E.M. He also plays the banjo and mandolin on several R.E.M. songs. Throughout his career with R.E.M. (1980–2011), as well as during his subsequent solo career, Buck has also been at various times an official member of numerous 'side project' groups. These groups included Arthur Buck, Hindu Love Gods, The Minus 5, Tuatara, The Baseball Project, Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3, Tired Pony, The No-Ones, and Filthy Friends, each of which have released at least one full-length studio album. Additionally, the experimental combo Slow Music have released an official live concert CD. Another side project group called Full Time Men released an EP while Buck was a member. As well, ad hoc "supergroups" Bingo Hand Job, Musical Kings and Nigel & The Crosses have each commercially released one track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tuxedomoon</span> American post-punk/new wave band

Tuxedomoon is an experimental, post-punk, new wave band from San Francisco, California, United States. The band formed in the late 1970s at the beginning of the punk rock movement. Pulling influence from punk and electronic music, the group, originally consisting of Steven Brown and Blaine L. Reininger, used electronic violins, guitars, screaming vocals and synthesizers to develop a unique "cabaret no-wave" sound. Bassist Peter Principle joined the band and in 1979 they released the single "No Tears", which remains a post-punk cult classic. That year they signed to Ralph Records and released their first album, Half-Mute. Eventually, Reininger left the group, and Tuxedomoon relocated to Europe, signing to Crammed Discs and releasing Holy Wars in 1985. The band separated in the early 1990s, only to reunite later that decade. They all have remained together since releasing the album Cabin in the Sky in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mogwai</span> Scottish post-rock band

Mogwai are a Scottish post-rock band, formed in 1995 in Glasgow. The band consists of Stuart Braithwaite, Barry Burns, Dominic Aitchison, and Martin Bulloch (drums). Mogwai typically compose lengthy guitar-based instrumental pieces that feature dynamic contrast, melodic bass guitar lines, and heavy use of distortion and effects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Music Club</span> American indie rock band

American Music Club was an American, San Francisco-based indie rock band, led by singer-songwriter Mark Eitzel. Formed in 1982, the band released seven albums before splitting up in 1995. They reformed in 2003 and released two further albums.

<i>Caught in a Trap and I Cant Back Out Cause I Love You Too Much, Baby</i> 1998 studio album by Mark Eitzel

Caught in a Trap and I Can't Back Out 'Cause I Love You Too Much, Baby is the fifth solo album by the American Music Club singer/songwriter Mark Eitzel, released in 1998. A starker follow-up to his previous album, it was the first album he released for the independent label Matador Records. The album has contributions from the Sonic Youth member Steve Shelley, the guitarist Kid Congo Powers and the Yo La Tengo bass guitarist James McNew.

<i>The Invisible Man</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Mark Eitzel

The Invisible Man is a solo album by the American Music Club singer/songwriter Mark Eitzel, released by Matador Records in 2001.

<i>Everclear</i> (album) 1991 studio album by American Music Club

Everclear is the fifth studio album by American indie rock band American Music Club. It was released on October 5, 1991, on Alias Records.

Alias Records is a small American indie-rock record label based in Lexington, Kentucky.

<i>Love Songs for Patriots</i> 2004 studio album by American Music Club

Love Songs for Patriots is the eighth studio album by American indie rock band American Music Club, released on October 12, 2004, by Merge Records and Devil in the Woods in the United States and by Cooking Vinyl in Europe.

The Naked Skinnies were a new wave band from Ohio that featured Mark Eitzel, guitar and vocals, Nancy Kangas, organ; John Hricko, bass and Greg Bonnell, drums.

Toiling Midgets is a rock band from San Francisco, California formed in 1979 by members of San Francisco punk bands Sleepers and Negative Trend. They have been active on-and-off since 1979, with their early 1990s lineup getting most attention due to the involvement of Mark Eitzel of American Music Club. They reunited in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marc Bonilla</span> American guitarist and composer

Marc Henry Bonilla is an American guitarist, singer, and composer, who has worked as a sideman to artists such as Keith Emerson, Ronnie Montrose, Glenn Hughes, Edgar Winter and David Coverdale. He is currently the guitarist and lead vocalist of Asia.

Will Johnson is an American musician, singer-songwriter, author and painter who was the lead singer of the bands Centro-matic and South San Gabriel. Called "one of the most prolific artists in American indie rock", Johnson has also released solo records, and is a member of the bands Monsters of Folk, New Multitudes and Overseas, and has also performed as part of the Undertow Orchestra. He is currently a member of Jason Isbell's band, the 400 Unit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Meldal-Johnsen</span> American musician and producer (born 1970)

Justin Meldal-Johnsen is an American musician, record producer, songwriter and musical director. He is best known for his work with artists such as Poppy, Beck, Paramore, Nine Inch Nails, M83, Air, and St. Vincent.

<i>The Golden Age</i> (American Music Club album) 2008 studio album by American Music Club

The Golden Age is the 9th studio album released by San Francisco-based sadcore and slowcore band American Music Club. The album is the band's second after a 10-year hiatus that ended in 2004. The album is an effort by the band to experiment more in their music. The album was produced by Dave Trumfio, who has also worked for bands such as Wilco and My Morning Jacket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red House Painters</span> American rock band

Red House Painters were an American rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1988, before relocating to San Francisco, California. They were one of the most prominent acts associated with the slowcore/sadcore subgenre. The band was formed by primary songwriter Mark Kozelek and drummer Anthony Koutsos. Together, the pair moved to San Francisco, California, where they were joined by bassist Jerry Vessel. Guitarists Gorden Mack and Phil Carney both performed with the band during separate six-year tenures.

<i>Klamath</i> (album) 2009 studio album by Mark Eitzel

Klamath is an album by the American Music Club singer/songwriter Mark Eitzel. Released by Decor in 2009, it was his first solo album since Candy Ass, in 2005. All of the songs were written by Eitzel.

<i>Atwater Afternoon</i> 2008 studio album by American Music Club

Atwater Afternoon was a limited edition CD released by the band American Music Club and initially sold on the tour to promote their album The Golden Age. Half of it was a recording of the band rehearsing songs for the tour and the other half was studio recordings of new songs. The initial run of 300 copies came with either blank covers or covers featuring pictures drawn by the band members. Once these had sold out, it was repressed in an edition of 1500 and sold from the band's web site. Two of the original songs on the album were written by members of the band other than Mark Eitzel. Neither has been released elsewhere. The name of the album relates to the area in Los Angeles where the recording took place.

Tim Mooney was an American drummer, producer, and sound engineer. He drummed in the Sleepers, Toiling Midgets, Negative Trend, Sun Kil Moon and American Music Club.

References

  1. ↑ Deming, Mark. "Mark Eitzel". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  2. ↑ Strong, Martin Charles; Peel, John (25 October 2004). The great rock discography. Canongate U.S. pp. 37–. ISBN   978-1-84195-615-2 . Retrieved 13 August 2011.
    - Taylor, Steve (29 August 2006). A to X of Alternative Music. Continuum International Publishing Group. pp. 12–. ISBN   978-0-8264-8217-4 . Retrieved 13 August 2011.
    - Buckley, Jonathan (18 November 1999). Rock: the rough guide. Rough Guides. pp. 25–. ISBN   978-1-85828-457-6 . Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  3. ↑ San Francisco, CBS (February 22, 2023). "30th anniversary edition of Noise Pop takes over San Francisco - CBS San Francisco". www.cbsnews.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  4. ↑ Belcher, David (13 February 1998). "All on his own and more's the pithy..." Glasgow Herald . Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  5. ↑ Walsh, Ben (February 8, 2013). "American Music Club's Mark Eitzel strikes a hopeful tone". The Independent .
  6. ↑ Stevenson, Seth (December 4, 2012). "Mark Eitzel Is Making Great Music, Not Much Money". Slate .
  7. ↑ George-Warren, Holly; Romanowski, Patricia; Bashe, Patricia Romanowski; Jon Pareles (30 October 2001). The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll. Fireside. pp. 18–. ISBN   978-0-7432-0120-9 . Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  8. ↑ Eggers, Dave (8 May 1997). "Mark Eitzel". Salon .
  9. ↑ Harrington, Richard (24 May 2002). "The Melancholy Man Lightens Up". Washington Post . p. T6. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  10. ↑ Caligiuri, Jim (31 May 2002). "Mark Eitzel - Music Review". Austin Chronicle . Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  11. ↑ Sanders, Mark (13 February 2008). "American Music Club's San Francisco Fixation". SF Weekly . p. 1. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  12. ↑ Foster, Patrick (6 November 2004). "Pop Music: American Music Club". The Washington Post . p. C3. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  13. ↑ Sweeney, Eamon (4 February 2008). "A divine evening at the music club with old friends". Irish Independent . Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  14. ↑ "Spin control". Chicago Sun-Times . 27 November 2005. p. D2. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  15. ↑ "How One Man Changed The World With a Pair of Scissors". Vidal Sassoon The Movie. Archived from the original on 1 October 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
  16. ↑ "Mark Eitzel - Glory". markeitzel.com.
  17. ↑ "Mark Eitzel - Glory". Decor Records.
  18. ↑ "Mark Eitzel - The Eitzel Ordeal - The Konk Sessions". markeitzel.com.
  19. ↑ "Mark Eitzel - The Eitzel Ordeal - The Konk Sessions". Decor Records.
  20. ↑ "Hey Mr Ferryman". markeitzel.com.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.