Red House Painters: Old Ramon : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Dispelling the belief that Mark Kozelek can only write songs about women who have scorned him, the sixth Red House Painters album opens with an upbeat tribute to his cat, titled "Wop-a-din-din." But the San Francisco band's introspective disciples need not worry. Aside from the odd lyrical twist here and clunky rock riff there, Old Ramon -- originally slated for release in 1998 -- fits quite easily alongside soul-stirring predecessors like Ocean Beach and Songs for a Blue Guitar. If anything, Kozelek has withdrawn further into his own world, decorating the songs with uneasy, intimate details. He ponders driving Sunset Boulevard with a vintage punk compilation in the tape deck ("Cruiser"); pays tribute to John Denver ("Golden"); and lulls himself to sleep with a electrifying tones that recall Neil Young at his most piercing ("Void"). It's difficult but staggering stuff. (AIDIN VAZIRI -- April 17, 2001)