The Ugly American by Mark Eitzel

The Ugly American

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The Ugly American

Features

Audio CD (July 22, 2003)

Original Release Date: 2000

Number of Discs: 1

Label: Thirsty Ear

Reader Reviews
When I first heard about a Greek Mark Eitzel album, I was quick to dismiss the idea as another mediocre side-project, much like the covers album "Music for Courage and Confidence", Eitzel's last effort. While "MFCAC" was hit and miss, these Greek interpretations of Eitzel/American Music Club songs are superb. The arrangements, filled with mandolins, violins, et cetera really lend themselves to Eitzel's compositions. The only instrument that strikes me as out of place is the flute/recorder, which doesn't surface too often, thankfully. The best aspect of "The Ugly American" is Eitzel's voice. He has never sung better. His pitch is precise, his phrasing wonderful, and his overall emotion at a greater level than ever. I know it's difficult for Eitzel fans to imagine, but I actually think these versions of "Western Sky", "Last Harbor", and maybe "Will You Find Me?" are better than the originals. Eitzel has changed the lyrics to many of the songs. Sometimes these are nice simple changes, such as changing "astronaut" to "moon man" in the beautiful "Will You Find Me?". However, other songs suffer from too much change. "Here They Roll Down" suffers from such dramatic lyrical change, as well as the worst musical rearrangement on the CD. I actually find it unlistenable. The music consists of the most annoying drone immaginable and the only unchanged lyric is the repeated line "Here they roll down, til the miracle was over". "Nightwatchman" also features quite a few lyrical changes, but is still an interesting listen. Overall, this CD brings yet another dimension of longing, beautiful sadness to Mark Eitzel's songs. Old American Music Club fans will love the AMC era songs. Fans of Eitzel's solo music will love the interpretation of "Anything" and the previously unavailable (except on the limited-to-500-copies "Lover's Leap USA") "What Good is Love?". This is an exceptional track, and I can't believe it hasn't been officially released. "Love's Humming", written by the album's producer, isn't bad, but I would have much preferred an additional Eitzel/AMC track. All picky complaints aside, if you're an Eitzel fan, a fan of Greek music, or if you just love beautiful, melancholy lovesongs, "The Ugly American" is a must-have.

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