Memory Muscle is the debut solo album by the English singer and songwriter Mark Morriss, released on 26 May 2008 by Fullfill Records, after temporarily releasing his work under the name "Fi-Lo Beddow", at first reluctant to use his own name. Its singles were "I'm Sick" and "Lay Low", which was released as a download-only single. Five of the songs are re-recorded versions of songs listed on Morriss' 2006 self-released EP.

After the release of Memory Muscle, Morriss joined Matt Berry's band the Maypoles and also spent the year touring the album.

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".

Track listing

All tracks 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 – (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