Memory Muscle is the debut solo album by English singer and songwriter Mark Morriss, best known as the lead vocalist of indie rock band the Bluetones. It was released on 26 May 2008 by Fullfill Records, and followed The Fi-Lo Beddow EP, a self-released EP from February 2006 that consisted of five early recordings of the songs from Memory Muscle, under the pseudonym "Fi-Lo Beddow", as Morriss was first reluctant to use his own name. Its singles were "I'm Sick" and "Lay Low", which was released as a download-only single.
Following the release of Memory Muscle, Morriss joined Matt Berry's live band the Maypoles, as well as spending the year touring the album.
Background
After being with his band the Bluetones for twelve consecutive years, Mark Morriss decided to try creating some new music independently. He wrote most songs during a natural break away from the band, and worked out for him since he enjoyed the recording and touring process. The title of the album is the thought of the heart or mind as the muscle where emotions are stored, as well as wordplay for "muscle memory".
"How Maggie Got Her Bounce Back" was written about Morriss' former partner and how love can help put modern life pressures into perspective. "Lemon & Lime" was one of the first songs written for the record and discusses frustration and resentment.
Production The drums and bass guitars for Memory Muscle were recorded at Charlton Farm in Somerset by Louie Nicastro. Everything else was recorded at Brackenhurst in Surrey by Gordon Mills Jr. The strings were arranged by film composer David Arnold who became a fan of Morriss' band the Bluetones since their debut album Expecting to Fly (1996) while scoring the science fiction action film Independence Day.
Reception
AllMusic gave Memory Muscle a rating of 3.5/5. Planet Mellotron rated it 3/5. Kirk Burton of Is This Music? described it as a "giant sounding, classic pop record". Steve Carroll of the York Press praised Mark Morriss' "distinctive" vocals and referred to the album as a "creditable" start in his solo career, ranking it 4/5. It was referred to as a "direct successor" to Expecting to Fly.
Track listing All tracks are written by Mark Morriss, except where noted.
Personnel Personnel per CD notes.
Personnel Mark Morriss – vocals, guitar, omni chord Gordon Mills Jr. – drums, percussion, mellotron, mandolin, guitar Scott Morriss – upright bass guitar, strap-on bass guitar Alex Lee-Richards – Hammond organ, Wurlitzer Pete Baker – trumpet, flugelhorn David Arnold – planner (track 8) Cassius Sam – guitar solo (track 4) Yoko Von Koko – backing vocals (track 4) Louie Nicastro – glockenspiel (track 5) Additional personnel
Louie Nicastro – recorded by Gordon Mills Jr. – recorded by, mixing Ali Fletcher – executive producer David Arnold – string arranger, string composer Steve Orchard – strings recorded by Mark Morriss – mixing Paul Agar – design
References