Mark Kozelek
Mark Kozelek Sings Favorites
Caldo Verde Records

Mark Kozelek is a busy guy, and even though Mark Kozelek Sings Favorites is a compilation of covers, it is still his 11th studio record in five years. Impressive.

Soundwise, Mark Kozelek Sings Favorites is a different breed of kozelekian melancholy than his regular Sun Kil Moon/Solo acts. Forever the minimalist, he relies solely on a piano and vocals when singing his collection of extremely different songs. Ranging from the Hollywood ballad "Over the Rainbow", to rock-songs by David Bowie and Modest Mouse, it is difficult to ascribe a certain theme to the album. Still, it is possible that the record is just what the title spells, Kozelek singing "his favorites". Nonetheless it's interesting to hear such different tracks presented in the same understated format. The covers are solid; well performed and well recordered. But the record itself is not revolutionary, impressive or all that exciting. It's just pleasant.

Copyright © 2016 Jord Nylenna