Review: Mark Kozelek

Mark Kozelek
““What’s Next To The Moon””
(Badman Recording Co.)

Mark Kozelek is a very, very brave man.  It takes a lot of guts to cut an album with just you and a guitar.  One has to be an accomplished guitarist,  an incredible singer and also have a gimmick.  Mark Kozelek fills each of these requirements.  This album, “What’s Next To The Moon”, is a collection of AC/DC songs played with acoustic guitar and sung by Mark himself.  I couldn’t believe it when I heard it, but the songs are definitely AC/DC songs.  He creates such beautiful recordings of these songs that this album relaxes you!  He uses a soft, folk/quasi-country style that works very well.  I know what you’re thinking: Country?  You’ve got to be kidding!  Well, his style is blended enough that if you hate country (like myself) you will still like this album.  “Up to my neck in you” is a killer track and makes you reminisce on good times.  I would have never thought that an AC/DC song could do that.

The title song, “What’s Next To The Moon”, is really as mean as he gets, but it will keep you interested.  “If you want blood” is my personal favorite because of the way he plays this song.  Take a hard song and try to make it a happy tune; only Mark can do it.  All in all, this album is a  feel-good album  that is low key and can relax you after a stressful day.  While you’re listening to it, you can even laugh at the fact that you are listening to AC/DC.  Mark is very good at his craft and deserves many kudos for his work on “What’s Next To The Moon”.  Visit www.badmanrecordingco.com for ordering info and check out what else they have to offer.