Musical Trees: The Branches That Led Me To American Music Club’s Everclear
I had to jump through hoops to get it but I am finally listening to American Music Club’s Everclear a mere 16 years after its release.
The journey to today has been long and winding, and it begins with Screaming Trees. I became a big Screaming Trees fan in the ’90s during the big grunge movement. That love of Screaming Trees led me to an even more passionate love of Mark Lanegan’s solo records.
I read a review of one of Lanegan’s solo records that mentioned Everclear and AMC as points of reference. I took notice but took no action.
My love of the work of Trees and Lanegan caused me to take interest in the solo works and side projects of multi-instrumentalist Barrett Martin. One of Barrett’s bands, Tuatara, released two albums this year. These 2007 releases were the first Tuatara records to feature vocalists. “Spark in the Wind” is a hypnotic, beautiful song from East of the Sun, sung by AMC frontman Mark Eitzel. The loop closed. I wanted this album.
Naturally, it was out of print.
That might have discouraged some people, but Fanboys only see this as a challenge. Tracking down a copy wasn’t difficult. Remembering I wanted to check this album out and having money at the same time proved to be the most significant obstacle, an obstacle I cleared Thursday. The album arrived today and I’m listening to it as I type.
I love traveling music’s tributaries. My discovery of the blues started with the Stones, back to Chuck Berry, and on through the Chess Records roster. Those currents continue to lead me different places and have started new ones all their own. I don’t know if I’ve thought much about it before, but part of the power of music is connection. I understand that today, so thanks to Screaming Trees, Mark Lanegan, Barrett Martin, and Tuatara. I really like this record. I wonder where AMC might lead me next.
Filed under: Tags: Barrett Martin, Citzen Dick, Mark Lanegan, Screaming Trees, Tuatara
