Don’t Be A Stranger, the new solo album from Mark Eitzel, sounds like a defiant last stand and the work of a man going down fighting.Eitzel’s voice is well-wore, hollow, and haunting. The open, yet intimate arrangements around it amplify the effect. Despite his gentler vocals and quieter compositions, the lyrics give Don’t Be A Stranger a sharp bite.
The album begins with Eitzel walking us through visions of the past. On “I Love You But You’re Dead” he shows us the broken promises of a run-down rock club. “The Bill Is Due” chronicles the recurring stress of the end of the month.
Eitzel sounds most sardonic on “Oh Mercy,” a song in which he inhabits a cynical party guest. He slides into the song’s brilliant chorus sounding like the greasy guy who thinks he’s the epitome of cool. After terrorizing party guests with talk of fascism, the coming doom of the USA and dirty jokes, he turns in on himself. “Who, who who, who am I? I’m a gho-o-o-ost driftin’ by,” he sings.
These dark, but funny surroundings lend weight to the moments when Don’t Be A Stranger describes the lessons learned from them. “We All Have To Find Our Own Way Out” showcases Eitzel’s voice over simple piano chords as he counsels himself to stand on his own. He’s not going down with the ship. “You know what? I’ll hold your hand, but I won’t drown.”
Don’t Be A Stranger may feel like a depressing album at first, but this is a record for folks who have taken their lumps and are still battling.
Mark Eitzel will play Kings Barcade on December 8. Tickets are $12 in advance.
The Mountain Goats just released a new album last week titled Transcendental Youth and they've followed it with a new music video or the song "Cry for Judas."
NC State has their big Pack Howl Pep Rally and Concert coming up in November and they've booked two very different artists to perform.
Indie rock and roll supergroup Diamond Rugs, featuring members of Deer Tick, Black Lips, Los Lobos and Dead Confederate, are hitting the road on a short tour this month which will culminate in a performance at the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin. On the way to Texas, the band will stop in the Triangle for a free show.
Ohio indie rock band Pomegranates are hitting the road this fall in support of their new album Heaven and will be making two stops in the Triangle.
Dave Matthews Band performed “Rooftop” and “Snow Outside” for the first time at last night’s concert in Irvine, California.
Brooklyn indie rock band White Rabbits are rolling out some late 2012 tour dates in support of their latest album Milk Famous and they'll make their way back to the Triangle in December.
Tyler Stout’s The Thing variant (2009) #46 of 65. Good condition, never been displayed- picked up from a friend of the shop who needed some cash. Sure, they COULD resell it but they’d rather it BLEW SOMEONE’S MIND when they open the tube and find this thing…er THING.
Red Hot Chili Peppers 6 color silkscreen ( with metallics) 
Kiss 
Motley Crue 
Kiss & Motley Crue 
