Search - Mark Eitzel :: Caught In A Trap And I Can't Back Out 'Cause I Love You Too Much, Baby

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Tod Brilliant | healdsburg, ca USA | 06/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some key dates in U.S. history: 1776-Wealthy American colonists declare independence from England. 1861-1865-The American Civil War. 1995-Singer-songwriter Mark Eitzel disbands seminal sadcore band, American Music Club. While most struggle to spot England on a map, and the Civil War lingers only in isolated pockets of the Deep South, the repercussions of A.M.C.'s demise continue to daily bombard the collective psyche of the nation. Fortunately for the faithful, on Caught In A Trap... Eitzel delivers his finest work since A.M.C.'s epochal Everclear. Joined by former Bad Seed guitarist, Kid Congo Powers, Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth and James McNew of Yo La Tengo, Eitzel nixes the piano lounge atmospherics of prior release 60Watt SilverLining in favor of a much sparer sound, making his way through much of the album accompanied only by his own inventive acoustic strummings. Eitzel's vocals have never been stronger or more emotive. Given the green light by Warner Brothers to record this side project on the condition that it have little commercial appeal, Eitzel was freed from the pressure which has always plagued his career: the pressure to create pop hits. While the tracks `Queen of No One' and `Cold Light Of Day' are pure pop genius, they typify what always kept A.M.C.'s music from widespread acceptance- they're simply too damned smart. Happily, on this Matador release, Eitzel was given license to freely expose his genius."

I just wanted to fill your soul with light...

kevin mclemore | chicago, il | 01/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"the emotional intensity and honesty of the record is astounding. it's like reading an open journal. mark eitzel holds no emotion back. "go away" is jaw dropping. the electric guitars are very atypical mark eitzel. almost noise, ala slowdive or MBV. but the lyrics are the most impressive part of the song: "all i've got is the last look you wore upon your face, and even if i live to be 1,000, that's one thing i'll never replace." possibly about the loss of his great love, to a herion overdose. "cold light of day" is also quite raw, but in a beautiful way. for the most part, the album is just mark and his acoustic guitar, which lends this intense emotional fragility that goes amazingly well with his equally fragile voice. the last two songs, despite their simplicity, just really get to my heart. every song is better than anything that was ever on the radio. honestly. at any rate, GET THIS ALBUM! give it time, though, but you will be impressed. he is the greatest songwriter, living or dead."