MAGNET Magazine| Music News


THEY LIKE AMERICAN MUSIC (news about an American Music Club Tribute Record)
by Doug Sell


The late American Music Club, a critically lauded San Francisco band that created stunning, melancholic music of everyday tragedy and departed love, is seeing new life breathed into its songs via an upcoming tribute album, Come On Beautiful: The Songs Of American Music Club (Big Night). The record was conceived by Willard Grant Conspiracy guitarist and devout AMC fan Paul Austin after thinking, "With all these 'songs of' CDs out there, why had no one ever done one featuring AMC?" With a stellar cast including Lambchop, Calexico, Portastatic, Steve Wynn, Paula Frazer (Tarnation), Jenny Toomey (Tsunami), Ida and the Willard Grant Conspiracy adding their own personal touches to AMC's riveting, elegant songs, it's sure to be a fan-pleasing affair. American Music Club folded in 1995 under the mounting weight of disappointing sales and internal strife, but leader Mark Eitzel -- often cited as one of the greatest living American rock songwriters -- still astounds as a solo artist. Come On Beautiful isn't only testament to Eitzel's impressive songcraft, but also to AMC's influence on fellow musicians. But before you rush to your local record store, take note: The limited-edition album is available only by mail order. "It's just something that a one-off (label) is putting out by a fan for fans," says Austin. For more information, go to http://comeonbeautiful.free.fr.