American Music Club

I think the term I am looking for here is "absolutely".

Much as I love The Pixies all the reunion tripe around them was most disheartening. Now here's an equally great group who really have been neglected and I just can't wait.

Have to agree with the comment about Eitzel live too. Intensity and humour with beauty is a tough thing to pull off but he's done it every time I've seen him. Never seen AMC so I'm hoping for a Manchester gig.

Mike

Mike:

So, two of us... That pretty much sums up the fortunes of the criminally ignored AMC.

If anyone is reading this thread and wondering what Mike and I are on about, try the albums Everclear or Mercury.

Regards,
Davie

I know 'em -- only through two 7"s, though: "Rise" and "Over and Done". This thread prompted a re-listen. Not overwhelming, but then I guess I don't have their strongest work (by a long shot, apparently).

I'll keep my eyes open for Everclear; several sites agree with you Bhoyo that it's the one to have.

Gotta agree again.

Everclear is the one. I also heartily recommend the Invisible man by Mark Eitzel. It's a keeper.

Maybe it's just a thing about us Celts "getting" certain things that other people just never will.

Mike

"California" is the seminal one. Out of production but available second hand via amazon.com.

Personally if Everclear were the first album I heard of theirs I wouldn't really know what the fuss was about. I agree it is a very fine album though.

Alternatively a compilation album is available off the amc website.

Edwin

Any clues to what "type" of music this would be?

Always enjoy some fresh inspiration.
The Kid

..Life has just got better

Sundance:

AMC are a strange brew of rootsy American forms: rock, folk, country, some jazz, polka (kidding. Sort of). Musically, they're often compared to Red House Painters, Los Lobos, Tom Waits - all the usual maverick suspects. Lyrically is where they get more interesting. The songs are often dark, haunting, literate and complex (except when they're not!).

AMC do require some patience; few people would succumb to their charms after one listen.

Hope that clears it up.

Regards,
Davie

So next question is should I start with Everclear and jump in?
Sundance

That would be my recommendation. As Edwin said, there is a compilation, but I don't uusually care for "best ofs," especially when there aren't that many albums in the first place. For me, AMC have made five albums I couldn't be without: California, United Kingdom, Everclear, Mercury and San Francisco.

Regards,
Davie

Yup - patience, patience and then more patience. Not that there isn't instant appeal, it's just that all the best music takes a long time to really sink in in my experience. In fact I didn't fully appreciate AMC till I saw them live and witnessed them having fun between songs. I still don't really "get" Mark Eitzel's solo albums.

Edwin

Great Mark Eitzel interview in today's Guardian if anyone's interested.

Mike