Camden Lock always is full of atmosphere however tonight it looks like something out of a World War 2 film set. Less than three days after five townhouses were burnt down right opposite the lock, the air is still heavy with the stench of smoke and dodgy burnt bongs!
I first came across Mark Eitzel and American Music Club in the early 90’s. When I first met “On a Friday” in 1992 their guitarist Johnny told me that their ambition was to be as good as AMC and as successful as Buffalo Tom. Odd comments from a 24 year old however I guess at the end of the day the record buying public determine your fate. That said it would be safe to say that without Mark Eitzel and his unique songwriting skills there would be no Cold War Kids or The National (I’ll leave out RH and Coldplay from my list). The set tonight was brilliant with many numbers from earlier records and as always the band was incredibly tight. I’ve been puzzled for a while why Mark and his erstwhile band have not been more successful. Surely if the Cowboy Junkies can sell out the Royal Albert Hall AMC should be able to sell out The Forum? Well either way if you have not heard them or don’t any of their CD’s in your collection you must check out their excellent album “The Golden Age”. They are also touring extensively in the UK and Europe over the next two months so do go and see them live. You won’t be disappointed.
Written by John Rahim
