Search - Red House Painters :: Ocean Beach

The quintessential RHP album

Khanh | Australia | 06/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes you wonder just how on earth Mark Kozelek can continue to come out with songs of such raw emotional intensity. No other songwriter is able to detail pain and loss in the way Kozelek does. This was evdient even on the band's debut lp Down Colourful Hill - songs like "Medicine Bottle" and "Michael". Perhaps what is most interesting about Ocean Beach is that it is almost entirely a Kozelek project. Granted a few of the songs employ a full band - but mostly its sparse, lonely acoustic guitar and piano. Yet this is what makes Ocean Beach so stunning - its ability to draw you deep into Kozelek's world. "Summer dress" and "Shadows" are probably the highlights, both are just Kozelek on vocals with accompanying guitar and piano. As one would expect, most songs pack a punch with its honesty and beauty. Try listening to "drop" without feeling something tingling up your spine. I could say a lot of things, but tt the end of the day, Ocean Beach is a great album. Its music at its most intense and emotional, yet still remaining simple and unoffensive in its delivery. A classic."

I used to work with Mark at a San Francisco Hotel

Dean C. Phillips | West Palm Beach, FL | 12/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was with Mark when he played for 4AD at a club in San Francisco, CA. We worked a hotel job together to make ends meet. He's a wonderful guy who I've lost track of over the past 12 or so years. But, the first album is really magic and it comes from his heart. Mark is a real talent, as was his band.



Dean Phillips

The Chelsea Motor Inn and Suites

1992-1994

3-11pm shift

Lombard St. SF, CA"