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HIGH-WATER MARK
I have seen Mark Eitzel either by himself or with American Music Club at least seven times over the past 35 years. Every time there has been an abrupt mix of pathos and bathos captured in the review of the gig he played at the Moth Club back in April [Take 340, July issue]. Sadness, grief and some anger mixing it up with scatological jokes and bad alcohol. But always it is the sadness that wins out.
All this is no better demonstrated than on the live album he released in 1991, Songs Of Love, just Mark and his guitar on the stage at The Borderline. No money to bring the rest of the band over from the States. Stopping songs halfway through to apologise for crying. Too close to the desperation of the characters who live in his music. Looking for more time to try and put off the hangover of the morning after.
Every time I have seen him he has played “Western Sky”, perhaps his best song. Once in Manchester with AMC he played it twice. First time with the full band and a jaunty rhythm, second time just himself on stage playing it straight as part of the encore.