The Restless Stranger

AMG Review of The Restless Stranger

Jason Ankeny
All Music Guide

The Restless Stranger is generally omitted from the official American Music Club discography; their first album, its existence was consistently disavowed by the bandmembers in press releases, interviews, and the like. Although it is by far the weakest release in the AMC canon, the album does have its merits; while the production and arrangements never gel with Mark Eitzel's songs, there are fleeting moments here which hint at the eclectic brilliance to come. And already Eitzel is a sharp storyteller -- years later, he would reprise the opener, "Room Above the Bar," to heartbreaking effect in an a cappella version on his solo acoustic outing Songs of Love: Live in London.