Customer Reviews
Like a fine wine... 
2008-04-25
Sorry for the cliche, but it is really true. Mark Kozelek just gets better with age. While so many other artists burn out or create sub-par recordings as they go on, Kozelek takes his time and outputs true, thoughtful heartfelt songs. And while other artist's voices give out, I've never heard Kozelek sound better. I can't wait for the next one, and the next one....
not his best but good nonetheless 
2008-04-15
Kozelek goes for a rawer, "live," and more intimate sound this time around and I'm not sure it 100% succeeds. His voice in particular can sound notably ragged at times and on several of the tracks. Having said that, I really enjoy his individualistic style and his interpretation of others' songs. His last 2 CD's were in heavy rotation on my mp3 platyer for 2 years. Perhaps I simply need a rest from his particular style. I'd give it 3.5 stars if amazon let one score in half star increments. His masterpeice as some sayhere? Sorry I cant agree with that.
A Sublime Masterpiece 2008-04-09
It's only in the last few years I've got to know Mark Kozelek's music, initially through the Red House Painters.
After listening to all his Red House Painters records many times I found out about his current project Sun Kil Moon and got Ghosts of the Great Highway and Tiny Cities. I was surprised by the difference between Sun Kil Moon and the Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon is much more direct in sound with definite traces of classic Americana, particularly Neil Young. Once I got over the surprise of Kozelek's higher pitched vocals with Sun Kil Moon I started to really appreciate the band but it's only with this record that I think Sun Kil Moon has reached its full potential.
This is a really sublime record, particularly the sprawling epics like 'Tonight in Bilbao' and the opening track 'Lost Verses' which after an opening reminiscent of Nick Drake turns into one of Kozelek's finest moments. It drifts into beautifully lush soundscapes mixing distant strings with stacked harmony vocals, then towards the end it transforms surprisingly into an indie rock instrumental recalling the Red House Painters. If radio was tolerant to 10 minute epics this could be a hit single.
'The Light' is like a great lost Neil Young epic with the ingenious juxtaposition of two or three guitar solos at the same time in places.
'Unit Hallway' is a haunting acoustic shuffle complete with duelling banjos of a much subtler kind than the movie cliche, perhaps the best use of banjo's on a rock record since Neil Young's 'Old Man'.
'Heron Blue' is like a dark Johnny Cash ballad with some surprisingly classical sounding guitar playing.
'Moorestown' is one of the albums highlights, a perfect slice of melancholy Americana with a wonderful string arrangement.
'Harper Road' is similar to some of the acoustic finger-pickers on his previous efforts but no less powerful.
'Tonight the Sky' once again reminds of Neil Young, complete with its down and dirty mid-tempo chug and a one note solo Young would be proud of. Perhaps it's a bit too Neil Youngish but it works.
'Like The River' reminds me of Will Oldham's New Partner and it's no coincidence Oldham guests on the track.
'Tonight in Bilbao' is another epic highlight, one of three songs over 9 minutes, but the 9 minutes never drag, the hypnotic minimalism of the guitar arrangement supports the melody beautifully and as the song progresses more sublime strings emerge. The string arrangements are a particular highlight of the album along with Kozelek's haunting melodies and guitar playing.
We're back in folky finger-picking territory for the final track 'Blue Orchids', but with a twist, as Kozelek unleashes some fancy classical-style fret-work in the middle of the song which transforms the song completely.
I mostly comment on the music rather than the lyrics as it is music which grabs me more than lyrics. To be honest the lyrics haven't particularly registered with me yet, but they never really have with Kozelek. I think that's more a reflection of my own listening tastes than Kozelek's talents as a lyricist because when I do pay attention to the lyrics they seem to fit the music perfectly.
Perhaps there isn't anything startlingly new from Kozelek on this album but that's not the point, I think this record is the most satisfying record he's released, certainly under the Sun Kil Moon moniker and it ranks as one of the finest releases I've heard in recent years. Due to the length of the songs, melancholy mood and lack of instant hooks this album will never get to the top of the charts but then again, music this good rarely does.
A Journey Worth Reliving Over and Over Again! 
2008-04-08
There's this trend in music today, that when you have a song that is 7 minutes or longer, it has to be "epic." That is to say that at some point in that 7 minutes, preferably at the end, there needs to be this triumphant climax. The rest of the song either builds up to that point, or maintains the epicness of it all. Apparently, Mark Kozelek has never received a memo on this notion. As Sun Kil Moon, his songs often far surpass the 7-minute mark, but almost always remain strangely restrained - forcing the listener to either embrace his style of music, or reject it for something more "exciting."
His debut album, Ghosts of the Great Highway is still getting regular plays on my iPod to this day! Songs like "Carry Me Ohio" and "Glenn Tipton" are haunting tales, told over mysterious guitars that I don't think I'll ever tire of. Naturally, I was excited when I heard that he would finally be releasing some new original material. It's been almost 5 years since we last heard from Sun Kil Moon (when not covering Modest Mouse, that is), and I am pleased to say that the wait makes everything about April better.
Like its predecessor, April doesn't dwell in the conventions of modern music; even in the indie realm. It slowly meanders through its 11 tracks, taking the listener on warm journey. Kozelek paints the most eloquent pictures with his words - of heartache, love, regret, and hope. On the album opener, "Lost Verses," he croons, "I've risen up from the dead/With the burning leaves of autumn/If only for one last chance/That all of whom have been defeated/To put on my father's wool coat/To smell my mother's fragrances and perfumes/To find my young brothers and sisters/To never leave or let them go." Such an image is vivid enough for most artists to write an entire song about, but for Kozelek it's part of an even greater vision.
As expected, many of the songs on April can seem repetitive. More often than not, Kozelek will take a single guitar riff and stretch it out over the length of the song, adding and removing layers as it moves along. Strangely, this has never really bothered me about his music. His voice, a mid-range whine or croon, has always captivated me and blended perfectly with the music that surrounds it. As such, I've often found myself completely lost in his songs, suddenly realizing that minutes have past while I enjoy them. For example, while listening to "Tonight in Bilbao" for the first time, I completely drifted off (in a good way) until the song's curveball coda at the 7:30 mark. "Mesmerizing" is an understatement, as these songs are just downright beautiful pieces of music.
Taken as a whole, April, can be somewhat draining, perhaps even tedious to some. But if the whole is in fact the sum of it's parts, then this album can only be considered a great achievement for Kozelek. Every song on this album is a beautiful, well-paced work of art. It is definitely not for everyone. April is an album that was made with patience, and performed with patience. Therefore, a bit of patience may be required from an uninitiated listener. But when it finally does hit you, prepare for hours and hours of entrancement and reflection. Great music has the ability to bring out some strange emotions. April has, at once, reminded me of that and made me glad for it.
Key Tracks:
1. "Lost Verses"
2. "Lucky Man"
3. "Unlit Hallway"
4. "Harper Road"
5. "Blue Orchids"
7 out of 10 Stars
another gem 2008-04-08
Sun Kil Moon fans should not really expect anything startlingly different on this record from his previous entries. It has the same delicate intricacies of Ghosts of the Great Highway, and many of the same timbres of Kozelek's solo cover records. Plus, a number of these tracks he's already played live and are available on the live double-disc Little Drummer Boy. (These songs, such as Unlit Hallway, have been expanded with harmonies and arrangements here.) There are some interesting new rhythmic pulses and timbral tweaks -- this record is a bit mellower than Ghosts, even though you probably thought that was not possible, and there's a greater use of banjo to give it an even more haunting sound. Thematically it is a bit different, focusing more on relationship songs and less on lonesome roads and long-forgotten boxers of the early 20th century.
But overall, this is the perfect follow-up record, and high time. Kozelek, in his solo career, has hit upon a blissfully melancholic sound. These songs are long, meandering, gorgeous. Get this disc.
Hauntingly beautiful 2008-07-08
Much like its predecessor, "Ghosts of the Great Highway," Sun Kil Moon's most recent release, "April," is hauntingly beautiful. The music is ethereal and Mark Kozelek's vocals are bitter sweet. Altogether, Sun Kil Moon has a very distinctively unique sound. I really like them a lot and bought this disc without hesitation the second I saw it. Highly recommended.
Summer soundtrack 2008-06-16
Whoah. I did not expect to be this impressed, or smitten, with a Sun Kil Moon release. I loved Ghosts of the Great Highway, but April is a step away from Ghosts, somehow more mysterious and ethereal. I can't stop playing this CD. "Tonight in Bilbao" (both versions) is unusually beautiful. "Moorestown" actually gets me a little teary. I find most acoustic guitar music bland and same-old same-old, but I love the slightly unpredictable structures to the songs on April.
Wistful, sentimental, mellow, but way too hearty and complex to call "easy listening," April is perfect music for lazy summer days. The bonus CD alone is worth the price.
kozelek is in a rut 2008-05-19
sun kil moon is simply an extension of mark kozelek and RHP. he writes, sings and produces everything. there are side musicians, but i dare you to point out a track they play a major role on.
for those who saw kozelek tour the 'tiny cities' cd in 2006-7 with phil carney, you will not be surprised. kozelek created soundscapes with the 2 guitars and actually previewed a couple tracks [i remember 'the light' was one]. the sound was awesome for the first 3-4 songs, ok for the next 3-4 and then got annoying. they were too 'samey' sounding, and took focus away from some admittingly excellent lyrics.
the same holds true here. outside of 'tonight the sky', most melodies are completely interchangeable and in the end, forgettable. unlike some previous releases [ocean beach and old ramon come to mind] there is little tempo or format change to the selections. even the bonus disc changes little. electric versions of some of the tunes would have helped
a mature masterpiece 2008-05-05
This is Kozelek how we always knew he could sound.
The music is floating, down to earth and with a lot of presence.
Even the long pieces are very much to the point.
Duet with Bonnie Prince Billy is very much amazing.
This is a thrilling and captivating record.
Another gem from Mr. Kozelek 2008-05-02
Quite simply one of the finest American albums of the past few years, well at least since 'Ghosts of the Great Highway". Worth the price for the hauntingly beautiful opening track (Lost Verses) alone. Hypnotic.
