Just a reminder of where we’ve been thus far:

10. The Hold Steady – “Stay Positive”
9. The Black Angels – “Directions To See A Ghost”

I was really struggling to come up with a way to write about the latest LP from Mark Kozelek (aka Sun Kil Moon). I knew I loved it. I knew it was one of my favorite records of the year, but the words to describe “April” (Caldo Verde) were eluding me.

Then the other day I was driving up into the Adelaide Hills toward Cleland Wildlife Park with my boy and I turned “April” on to have another whack at finding the right words. I turned it up loud. And I got it. Sun Kil Moon’s latest is a driving album. Not in the standard hard-driving rock barreling down an interstate highway at 80 mph sense. The long, meandering tracks are perfect for a slow ride through the hills or along a coastal road. Rather than motivating or exciting, “April” is soothing and lulls you into an emotional zone that’s perfect for cruising a lonely road.

Lyrically, “April” is all lost love and loneliness. But, to be honest, when I listen to this album I don’t hear sadness, I just hear the beautiful musical textures that Kozelek (formerly of The Red House Painters) constructs. He paints with his guitar, it’s his intricate playing that keeps this album from veering into self-indulgent noodling. The rich guitar and Kozolek’s wonderfully imperfect voice are enough to keep the listener enchanted for what is a fairly long record. “April” is one of those records that is meant to be listened to as a record, that is designed to take you inside yourself. If you like what you find there, then you’ll love this album.

Have a listen to “Tonight The Sky” which, with it’s Neil Young inspired guitar, is my favorite track on “April”. If you like what you hear then take a punt on Sun Kil Moon’s latest.

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Contests! You’ve still got a couple of days to get in on the limerick contest. Bust out your best crappy poetry – it’s easy, I did one yesterday:

In Adelaide lived a man who was free
And faced the bright days with much glee
But the day of Christ’s birth
Filled him not with mirth
In fact, the whole season just spurred him to flee.

See? Easy peasy. Stay tuned for another contest announcement this weekend. Also, I’ve got a bit of a deal for those of you that are inclined to buy a little new music this Christmas season. If you purchase any of my top 10 albums through the iTunes link at the bottom of each post, I’ll give you your choice of one of the other Top 10 (or honorable mention) albums free. So, if you would like a buy one, get one free deal send me an e-mail (chris at afreeman dot org) to let me know which album you bought and which you want. Valid for the rest of December. My effort to stimulate the economy.

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Sun Kil Moon’s “April” is available from Sun Kil Moon - April.

Image credits:

Mark Kozelek

 
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