Mark Morriss (Spaceland, Los Angeles, 6 March 2005)

Remember Mark Morriss? Or, specifically, remember the Bluetones? You know, that "Britpop" with that 1996 release, Expecting to Fly with such hits as "Bluetonic," "Cut Some Rug," "Carn't Be Trusted" and "Slight Return"? No? Well, maybe because this band fell off the U.S. radar after their debut release, despite releasing three more albums in the UK. The U.S. has not been kind for the Bluetones, with last minute gig cancellations, lack of interest and no U.S. indie or major label picking them up at all. To test the waters, Mark Morriss came across the pond to see if any interest is left.

The first stop of his brief tour is, fittingly, L.A. The crowd at Spaceland was sparse, with only at least 40-50 people in attendance, if that. Mellow Drunk opened up and they sucked, as usual. Although they play good melodies and riffs, their songs are standard, at best, and they have no edge that distinguishes them from any other band.

Here comes Mark, with only acoustic guitar at hand. He was chatty with the sparse audience and his witty British humour and "politeness" was displayed throughout this set. His set was 1/2 acoustic, with him playing songs from the Bluetones, while the other 1/2 is from his upcoming solo album with rhythm section in tow.

Mark chose some obscure Bluetones stuff to play in his acoustic set. There were only two A-sides and they weren't even from the Bluetone's debut album, much to my dismay. "Keep The Home Fires Burnin'" and "One Speed Gearbox" were both from their third album, Science and Nature. Although I love that album, I wanted to hear songs from Expecting To Fly instead. He also did a cover of Barbara Streisand's "Woman in Love" which was brilliantly done. A couple more songs were played, and all were b-sides that I have no clue what the title are.

In his "solo project" set, Mark's music were more like The Bluetones. Lyrics are a bit cheezy, such as one regarding a blue balloon with a red penny and another about being sick. He also did an amazing rendition of Teenage Fanclub's "Alcoholiday" which sounded oh so good! His encore consisted of two songs from the Bluetones but still are b-sides. I have no freakin' clue with this guy! I wanted to yell out "Slight Return" but decided not to because of the sparse crowd.

Too bad his S.F. show is cancelled. Probably because of low ticket sales. I would have enjoyed that.

Beer Rating: 3 Beers