Tom Lynch

After a series of serene solo records, Red House Painters front man Mark Kozelek decided to jumpstart another band, Sun Kil Moon, with a variety of musicians as hired help. The result was "Ghosts of the Great Highway" (Jet Set), a startling set of singer-songwriter musings that sticks to the bones. In ten songs, Kozelek lends his trademark, underachieving voice to unparalleled acoustic guitar work, inventing new ways to stir the impossibly melancholy group of admirers he has accumulated over the years. Kozelek's show last December at Schubas sold out uber-fast, and he showcased a handful of SKM material (the band was slated as the opener), so if that's any indication of what he could achieve, Red House Painters might sadly become a distant memory. But with any luck, Kozelek will tackle the Park West with some old material to complement the new songs, and all will be happy. His ability to create sorrow out of otherwise campy subject matter (listen to his admirable re-workings of AC/DC songs on his solo records) is incomparable, as is his devotion to the simple forum of voice and guitar. The show might put you to sleep, but in a good, good way.

Sun Kil Moon plays March 25 at Park West, 322 West Armitage, (773)929-5959.

(2004-03-25)

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