Sun Kil Moon
Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 23 July 2010
Thanks Jamie for sending me in the direction of 'Admiral Fell Promises' which has been beguiling my wife and I all week.
I now charge you (and others) with guiding me through Kozelek's extensive back catalogue. 'April' seems an obvious pick but what else would you go for initially?
As promised I'll offer a few artists in return that you might explore. How about Micah P Hinson 'And The Pioneer Saboteurs' or 'and the Red Empire Orchestra'. Horse Feathers 'Thistled Spring' is a thought. What about Willard Grant Conspiracy or Mountain Goats? I'm guessing you are up to speed with Bonnie Prince Bily (the latest is excellent) and Iron and Wine.
Bruce
I now charge you (and others) with guiding me through Kozelek's extensive back catalogue. 'April' seems an obvious pick but what else would you go for initially?
As promised I'll offer a few artists in return that you might explore. How about Micah P Hinson 'And The Pioneer Saboteurs' or 'and the Red Empire Orchestra'. Horse Feathers 'Thistled Spring' is a thought. What about Willard Grant Conspiracy or Mountain Goats? I'm guessing you are up to speed with Bonnie Prince Bily (the latest is excellent) and Iron and Wine.
Bruce
Posted on: 23 July 2010 by Huwge
Bruce,
In addition to his recent work, I really liked Kozelek's earlier band "the red house painters," with "songs for a blue guitar" a particular favourite.
Huw
In addition to his recent work, I really liked Kozelek's earlier band "the red house painters," with "songs for a blue guitar" a particular favourite.
Huw
Posted on: 23 July 2010 by JamieL_v2
What a pleasant surprise to see a Sun Kil Moon thread, and really glad you are enjoying 'Admiral Fell Promises' Bruce.
'April' would definitely be the album to get next. A bit more vocal based, and more flowing than 'Admiral Fell Promises', but such great songs, and his voice is at the best I have heard him sing.
Mark Kozelek Wikipedia
This is a good overview. He was the songwriter in Red Hosuse Painters, and after the band fell apart, he has released both as Mark Kozelek and Sun Kil Moon.
In a recent interview he was asked why 'Admiral Fell Promises' was released as Sun Kil Moon when he was the only performer. He said that it is simply because that name sells four times the amount that a Mark Kozelek release would.
The Wikipedia page has a discography, which covers all of his releases, these are my favourites:
Red House Painters 'Old Ramon' (recorded 1998 - released 2001 due to legal reasons).
The last Red House Painters album, flows very well, electric guitar, bass and drums arrangements, a little louder than some of his solo work. I think this has his most consistent songwriting other than 'April', 'Void and 'River' are two of my favourites.
When I first got the album I was playing it and hadn't paid attention to the lyrics, I was very shocked when I heard the following:
'And if I roll and kick around
I might knock her to the ground
But she'll come back anyhow.'
I couldn't believe that such a lovely and gentle song could have such a misogynist lyric, it was only when I looked more closely at the lyrics I realised that 'Wop-a-din-din' is about his cat and her sleeping at his feet.
'Songs for a Blue Guitar' (1996) has some real highlights like 'Song for a Blue Guitar' and the lovely cover of The Cars 'All Mixed Up', but I find there are some lows too. Perhaps it is just me, as a lot of fans really rate this album. I'll leave that one to Huw.
The song 'Have You Forgotten' is from that album, but it may be worth getting the 'Vanilla Sky' soundtrack, or the downloading the version from there, as it is really quite special.
I quite like the earlier Red House Painters albums, but only 'Ocean Beach' gets much play, and I would say that his later releases are worth exploring first.
I really like the other two 'Sun Kil Moon' albums 'Ghosts of the Great Highway' (2003) and 'Tiny Cities' (2005), the latter being a wholly acoustic covers album of Modest Mouse songs. 'Ghosts...' has some jumps in mood, but the songs are great.
I also really like 'Lost Verses Live', which is from his solo performances with Phil Carney accompying his on second guitar. It has a lovely version of Sondheim's 'Send In the Clowns' but stands out from his other live recordings as it has his chatting/complaining between the songs, and it really captures his character on stage, jokey and quite miserable, but very personable too.
Very rambling, but I hope that helps, writing this cost me £20, as I discovered the vinyl release of 'Lost Verses Live' has three extra tracks, and I love 'Last Tide/Floating', and if it is anything like the version he played in Manchester last year, it is money well spent.
Down to London this Thursday to see 'Mark Kozelek' play live at The Union Chapel, really looking forward to it.
Strangely I have yet to get anything by Bonnie Prince Billy, I will give 'Iron and Wire' a try, and I love the name 'Mountain Goats', so I would be grateful for a recommendation for them too.
'April' would definitely be the album to get next. A bit more vocal based, and more flowing than 'Admiral Fell Promises', but such great songs, and his voice is at the best I have heard him sing.
Mark Kozelek Wikipedia
This is a good overview. He was the songwriter in Red Hosuse Painters, and after the band fell apart, he has released both as Mark Kozelek and Sun Kil Moon.
In a recent interview he was asked why 'Admiral Fell Promises' was released as Sun Kil Moon when he was the only performer. He said that it is simply because that name sells four times the amount that a Mark Kozelek release would.
The Wikipedia page has a discography, which covers all of his releases, these are my favourites:
Red House Painters 'Old Ramon' (recorded 1998 - released 2001 due to legal reasons).
The last Red House Painters album, flows very well, electric guitar, bass and drums arrangements, a little louder than some of his solo work. I think this has his most consistent songwriting other than 'April', 'Void and 'River' are two of my favourites.
When I first got the album I was playing it and hadn't paid attention to the lyrics, I was very shocked when I heard the following:
'And if I roll and kick around
I might knock her to the ground
But she'll come back anyhow.'
I couldn't believe that such a lovely and gentle song could have such a misogynist lyric, it was only when I looked more closely at the lyrics I realised that 'Wop-a-din-din' is about his cat and her sleeping at his feet.
'Songs for a Blue Guitar' (1996) has some real highlights like 'Song for a Blue Guitar' and the lovely cover of The Cars 'All Mixed Up', but I find there are some lows too. Perhaps it is just me, as a lot of fans really rate this album. I'll leave that one to Huw.
The song 'Have You Forgotten' is from that album, but it may be worth getting the 'Vanilla Sky' soundtrack, or the downloading the version from there, as it is really quite special.
I quite like the earlier Red House Painters albums, but only 'Ocean Beach' gets much play, and I would say that his later releases are worth exploring first.
I really like the other two 'Sun Kil Moon' albums 'Ghosts of the Great Highway' (2003) and 'Tiny Cities' (2005), the latter being a wholly acoustic covers album of Modest Mouse songs. 'Ghosts...' has some jumps in mood, but the songs are great.
I also really like 'Lost Verses Live', which is from his solo performances with Phil Carney accompying his on second guitar. It has a lovely version of Sondheim's 'Send In the Clowns' but stands out from his other live recordings as it has his chatting/complaining between the songs, and it really captures his character on stage, jokey and quite miserable, but very personable too.
Very rambling, but I hope that helps, writing this cost me £20, as I discovered the vinyl release of 'Lost Verses Live' has three extra tracks, and I love 'Last Tide/Floating', and if it is anything like the version he played in Manchester last year, it is money well spent.
Down to London this Thursday to see 'Mark Kozelek' play live at The Union Chapel, really looking forward to it.
Strangely I have yet to get anything by Bonnie Prince Billy, I will give 'Iron and Wire' a try, and I love the name 'Mountain Goats', so I would be grateful for a recommendation for them too.
Posted on: 23 July 2010 by Bruce Woodhouse
Great Stuff Jamie
Bonnie Prince Billy is very prolific with a varied (and slightly variable) output. Two early releases are subtly brilliant, whispering vocals and with minimal accompaniment; 'I See A Darkness' and 'Master and Everyone'. Two of my later favourites with a more complete 'band' sound would be 'Lie Down In The Light' (my top pick probably) and the latest 'Wonder Show Of The World'.
Iron And Wine is not a leap away musically, you could do worse than the 2CD 'Around The Well' which is an unreleased track/B side compilation of consistent standard and would be a great introduction. one side is solo/acoustic and the other with accompanying musicians. 'Shepherd's Dog' is great too.
As for Mountain Goats, try 'The Life Of The World To Come'. It is actually one bloke more or less. It can be a bit of an acquired taste but it hits the spot for me sometimes.
Bruce
Bonnie Prince Billy is very prolific with a varied (and slightly variable) output. Two early releases are subtly brilliant, whispering vocals and with minimal accompaniment; 'I See A Darkness' and 'Master and Everyone'. Two of my later favourites with a more complete 'band' sound would be 'Lie Down In The Light' (my top pick probably) and the latest 'Wonder Show Of The World'.
Iron And Wine is not a leap away musically, you could do worse than the 2CD 'Around The Well' which is an unreleased track/B side compilation of consistent standard and would be a great introduction. one side is solo/acoustic and the other with accompanying musicians. 'Shepherd's Dog' is great too.
As for Mountain Goats, try 'The Life Of The World To Come'. It is actually one bloke more or less. It can be a bit of an acquired taste but it hits the spot for me sometimes.
Bruce
Posted on: 23 July 2010 by Frizzlefry
While I like RHP, I think ' What's Next to the Moon ' is amazing.
You don't need to be an AC/DC fan; it's not rock, but the songs played in an alt country / folk style. Actually makes you realise Bon Scott wrote real lyrics, not just anthems.
PS try playing a song to an AC/DC fan, and watch their face when they realize whats playing !
You don't need to be an AC/DC fan; it's not rock, but the songs played in an alt country / folk style. Actually makes you realise Bon Scott wrote real lyrics, not just anthems.
PS try playing a song to an AC/DC fan, and watch their face when they realize whats playing !
Posted on: 25 July 2010 by Diccus62
I love 'April' 
Posted on: 30 July 2010 by JamieL_v2
Good gig last night at The Union Chapel, and good to meet up with Dennis again.
I posted some details on the 'last gig' thread:
https://forums.naimaudio.com/ev...385/m/615101193/p/86
The Katy song he played was 'Katy Song' from the first Red House Painters album, although the 'Little Drummer Boy - Live' version is closer.
Mark was in his usual fun but grumpy mood, but was appreciative of the audience being silent during the tracks, and also for those who traveled along way to gig, many much further than me.
I posted some details on the 'last gig' thread:
https://forums.naimaudio.com/ev...385/m/615101193/p/86
The Katy song he played was 'Katy Song' from the first Red House Painters album, although the 'Little Drummer Boy - Live' version is closer.
Mark was in his usual fun but grumpy mood, but was appreciative of the audience being silent during the tracks, and also for those who traveled along way to gig, many much further than me.
Posted on: 01 August 2010 by JamieL_v2
Posted on: 01 August 2010 by Lontano
With Jamie's regular promotion and a 5 star review in today's Sunday Times I have now decided to give Sun Kil Moon a go. I look forward to listening on the journey home from Brighton.
Posted on: 01 August 2010 by Blueknowz
Listening to it now on Grooveshark it's not on Spotify.
Posted on: 01 August 2010 by Lontano
It wasn't the right music for the journey home this afternoon. This, for me, is night time music and it really is very good. Probably will pick up April tomorrow.
Posted on: 01 August 2010 by Diccus62
it ain't dancin' music, that's for sure 