Mark Kozelek: What's Next To The Moon

Though he's best known for fronting the sublimely mopey San Francisco band Red House Painters, Mark Kozelek has attracted a good deal of attention on his own in recent months, releasing a lovely EP (Rock 'N' Roll Singer), assembling three compilations (a John Denver tribute and two AIDS benefits), acting in Cameron Crowe's terrific Almost Famous (as Stillwater's bassist), and now recording a full album, What's Next To The Moon. Kozelek's sudden and uncharacteristic leap into the spotlight comes as much by necessity as anything—until recently, Red House Painters was adrift in major-label limbo—and on What's Next To The Moon, he still flies the flag for unassuming, winsome, Nick Drake-esque pop. The fact that its 10 songs are all Bon Scott-era AC/DC covers seems oddly secondary. Kozelek has flexed his interpretive muscles before, particularly on Rock 'N' Roll Singer (the albums overlap on "Bad Boy Boogie," "You Ain't Got A Hold On Me," and "Rock 'N' Roll Singer"), but What's Next To The Moon is even better, consistently finding the insecurity and pathos beneath Scott's words. There's nothing earth-shatteringly special about reinventing old songs this way, but it's striking how well the lyrics match Kozelek's weary delivery. The result illustrates the surprising depth and dramatic range of both creator and interpreter, and should whet Kozelek fans' appetite for Red House Painters' long-delayed Old Ramon, finally slated for release on Sub Pop in April.