Mark Harrington began releasing indie cassette recordings in the late 80s, drawing comparisons to David Bowie, & Peter Murphy. His 3rd CD release, Alter, brings his version of modern rock into a smoother focus, but the social criticism and politics are still here amid the ballads!
The CDs span "alt-pop/rock" and the songs don't fit into a single genre. This is not your typical singer-songwriter music. The often quirky and unique production techniques support the lyrics that identify a social-critic using dry humour. Mark Harrington has recorded 2 cover songs that have gotten some attention: a cover of Gary Numan's Cars (on Trash Icon), and David Bowie's Changes (on Rubbernkkerz: 33 1/3rd).
Around the year 2000, Mark began recording music that varied from his other work, and he gave it a new name: Rubbernekkerz. It is more textured, and the emphasis is placed on creating a mood. The debut CD contains a few songs in the previous style, but many in a different vein.
In the late 1980s, Mark played in the electronic rock trio Heik and the Shakes. Subsequently, he co-founded the Toronto Experimental Artists artist-run cassette label (with Ed Sinclair around 1988). Mark Harrington also formerly served as the Canadian correspondent for )ism(, a chapbook & writing distribution network. He has also written bios and press kits for other musicians, and has been described as a "perennial and voluntary outsider".
On CDbaby.com and iTunes
REVIEWS
I have to say that the "Trash Icon" CD is great. I've been playing it on my show.... It reminds me quite a bit of Folk Implosion. -- Bryan Bruchman (WNYU-AM, New York), Nov. 1999
...Harrington still enjoys a certain Peter Murphy/Tom Verlaine affinity as vocalist with a self-effacing twisted perspective. ...the wacked version of Gary Numan's "Cars" [is] worth the price of admission alone! -- Jaimie Vernon, Bullseye Records, Nov. 1999
Unique.... somewhere between early Bowie, Peter Murhpy 'n more ... as the critics helplessly say... Mark does his very own thing !! -- Lord Litter, Radio Marabu (Europe), Oct. 1999
...Harrington's humour needs several listens to be appreciated. -- Matt Mernagh, Exclaim (!*@..). Aug. 1999
Vocal similarities to Peter Murphy (Bauhuas) and Tom Verlaine (Television) have been noted in Harrington..developed song writing talents make me enjoy his music over and over.
[Harrington] performs in a spare, electric-folk sort of style spawned from a wide variety of influences, and has penned some clever lyrics to go with it. -- Pulse Niagara. Feb. 1994
Peter Murphy planted his tongue firmly in cheek, borrowed a bit of Frank Zappa's sharp wit, changed his name to Mark Harrington, and released Capricorn Flakes. -- Chaos Review (Niagara). Feb. 1994
Q: Who the he_ _ is Mark Harrington and why the he_ _ do I want to write an entire article on him?
A: Because of "Message", the last cut on his new, self financed, indie CD Capricorn Flakes (as well as the rest of the album). -- Jim English, Exclaim (!*@..). June 1993
Harrington is a strong songwriter... [and] clever, dry lyricist.
Credit to him for designing his own tongue-in-cheek CD packaging and for successfully self-producing his work. -- Chart. June 1993
...a song called Wear Black from the Capricorn Flakes CD. I must say that's a song that, lyrically, I wish I would have written years ago. -- CKLN DJ Kevin Press. Summer 1993
Guitarist Mark Harrington plays with a spare elegance that manages to imply as much as it actually delivers. -- Now. March 1989
Hey Mark, thanks for the message, and for taking a listen to the tunes. Much appreciated! Nice sound combo's you've got up her - a real intriguing mix. I'll come back soon and really dig in.
