Sun Kil Moon - Ghosts of the Great Highway
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Free Music Notes for Ghosts of the Great Highway
Free Music Review: An incredible work of art
Hit: 5 Stars
I was very fortunate to learn of Mark Kozelek only a little over a year ago and when I did, I immediately asked how I could have missed hearing this true artist for the past several years. Ghosts of the Great Highway was the first album that I heard from Mark and was absolutely struck at the amazing lyrics, vocals, and melodies that literally drip from the album. Even more mesmerizing is how the album has a freshness about it literally every time I listen to it. You constantly look forward to the next verse and chorus and fall completely into the songs that sometimes carry out for several minutes only to be disappointed that they indeed must end.
I found each and every song to be wonderfully crafted. Unlike some, I felt there was no misstep by Mark Kozelek in the decision to let certain songs deviate from the normal mellow acoustic presentation to the grungesque fuzzy guitars on a couple of the tracks. To me, this only enhanced the appeal of the CD and offered, again, an overall freshness. Specifically, "Lilly and Parrots" is actually one of my favorite songs on the album.
Since listening to "GOGH" I have naturally gone on to purchase more of Mark's albums from all stages of his career...but this album will always be at the top for me. So as the reissue of this CD is offered next month I felt it was a great time to share my thoughts on this amazing album. Truly the best CD I have come across in a very long time... and I'm certain you'll agree.
Free Music Review: A great work.
Hit: 4 Stars
This CD is thoughtful, with storytelling lyrics and sensitive, incisive music. Like any Red House Painters CD, it's great to put on for a sentimental mood.
I can understand how some people don't relate to the enthusiasts. Kozelek's works may be a bit of an acquired taste--there was a time when I was bored by Red House Painters, even walking out on a show that I now wish I'd stayed for. (As one acquaintance said after the show: "Wow, the Red House Painters really know how to clear out a room." It was true, but to be fair, they were the opening band.) I was into Britpop, electronica, and Industrial music at the time, and this music seemed pretty lame. I just hadn't developed the ear for it. Also, I found Kozelek's voice monotonous.
But, I listened to this CD recently (after seven years since walking out on that show,) and I was very surprised at how I now connect to this music. I still find Kozelek's voice a bit droning at times, but that is trifling because I really hear the songs now. They are sincere and timeless.
Like one reviewer mentioned, I think Kozelek's work will weather all of the music trends, and this CD is no different. There is some undefined category of music--kind of like the Great American Songbook-- that people go to again and again, after they have tired of whatever new hot genre is out there. I am not saying this CD is absolute genius, but I nevertheless think it belongs in that category, because it is genuine, understated, and takes time to know and appreciate.
In short, you may not think this music is for you, but give it a few listens. Then--especially if you're in your teens/early twenties--come back to it in a few years, or seven. It's like going back to some spot on the highway that you've always just driven by, and discovering the beauty there that you never noticed.
Free Music Review: Who Knew?
Hit: 5 Stars
Change your name to that of Sun Myung Moon's wife, amp up the Red House Painters slow-fi dirges, even add some cuts that get a little loud, write songs about long-dead and mostly forgotten boxers and what do you get? A terrific album. Duk Koo Kim is way too long at 14:32, but everything else here is superb. Salvador Sanchez and Pancho Villa are the same song -- done once to rock and then again as the CD's final cut in a quiet late night farewell, even a bit of mandolin it sounds like, to all these memorable characters. My other favorites are Lily and Parrots, an unabashed hymn to a lover whose absence literally pains Kozelek, and Glenn Tipton, where -- while throwing out lines like "Cassius Clay was hated more than Sonny Liston" -- Kozelek recalls his father watching late night TV like he now does and that makes me remember my own Dad in a similar situation as -- years from now -- my son in middle age may think of me on late nights. It goes on. In the end, I guess, that's what this CD is -- living as an act of remembering. Whatever it is, it's great stuff. Free Music Review: Best album in the past decade
Hit: 5 Stars
This is by far my favorite album of the past decade. Mark Kozelek's vocals aren't for everyone, but if you listen to some clips of the album and you're not turned off, *get this album*.Free Music Review: A Brilliant Change of Pace
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't normally write reviews, but someone below suggested that the rave reviews are only being given by hard core fans of Kozelek or RHP. I had never heard of either before hearing "Carry Me Ohio" one day on XM. It is one of those songs that is so good it is shocking when you first hear it, like The Shins "New Slang" - it grabs you immediatly. I have sampled some of Kozelek's other works here, and doubt I will pick up anything else soon, but I really love this album. There are several songs that I wish would just go on and on. If you have become bored with everybody trying to copy Sufjan Stevens, or you're like me and really don't understand the buzz about the Canadians, pick up this album and try it. Whether you like it or not, there can be no doubt that Kozelek is his own artist.