Sun Kil Moon “Admiral Fell Promises”

Caldo Verde 2010

It seems Mark Kozelek wants us to believe he just breathes all of his songs—that they are effortless, sporadic chunks of creative masturbation he can toss off whenever he so pleases. This may explain the stitched-together nature of Sun Kil Moon’s fourth album, “Admiral Fell Promises”, and the stone-eyed, monotone delivery of its weighty themes. It could also have something to do with the fact that every song is stripped down to the key ingredients of Kozelek’s work—his voice and guitar.

Listening Log: February 19th 2010

Polydor 1980

2/19/10

Album of the Day: The Jam Sound Affects

I bought this record on vinyl at Love Garden a couple months ago, and it remained on my turntable for about three weeks straight after that purchase. It is the first Jam record that has really reached out and grabbed me. I know they have a lot of great records—I really like “All Mod Cons” and “This Is the Modern World”, as each album is peppered with obvious classics. But as albums, they are not as cohesive and consistent as “Sound Affects”. “Start!”, “Pretty Green”, and “Monday” are an excellent example of the perfect set of opening songs. And the last two—“Boy About Town” and “Scrape Away”—are two of The Jam’s best songs ever. Lastly, the last song on side one, “That’s Entertainment!”, really hits home with me. It’s more or less about the entertainment industry and the amoral world within it. “They’ll kick you in the balls—I tell ya, that’s entertainment” sings Paul Weller. Isn’t it, though? I know you all watch Jackass!

Listening Log: Wednesday, February 17th 2010

4AD 1993

Album of the Day: Red House Painters Red House Painters (Rollercoaster)

I didn’t hear this album until the very end of the day, and right now as I am about to go to bed, I am still listening to it. Red House Painters are perfect music for any night, or for foggy days, or for driving around at dusk or something. It’s usually pretty depressing stuff, but even listening to it now, I can’t say I am particularly sad or anything. I mean, like anyone else, I have worries in my life, but I really just enjoy this record for its elegant and spacious songwriting and, of course, Mark Kozelek’s iconic voice.

The Top 100 Albums of the Decade (part 9)

Sun Kil Moon—Ghosts of the Great Highway
Caldo Verde, 2003

Between the band name and ten song titles on the debut of Mark Kozelek’s post Red House Painters project, the names of four boxers and one Judas Priest guitarist are mentioned. Often sprawling, gorgeous odes to past relationships and experiences, the songs of Ghosts of the Great Highway work like telescopes to memories of old photographs when set among these real life characters of pop culture.

The Music Journal: Entry #4

8/2/09

Great Lake Swimmers “Palmistry”

Nettwerk Records

I had two songs in my head this morning.  The first was another freakin’ Great Lake Swimmers song.  From the way this band keeps popping into my head, one might think I listen to nothing but this album on repeat all day long.  This is not the case.