- Audio CD (31 Aug 2009)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Sub Pop
- ASIN: B00005AU1T
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Vinyl | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 47,721 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Released almost concurrently with head Red House Painter Mark Kozelek's solo venture What's Next to the Moon (a selection of deconstructed AC/DC covers), Old Ramon allows the rare opportunity to hear an artist both then and now. Recorded in 1997, Old Ramon languished in the limbo of label fallout, finally to be rescued and released by Sub Pop in 2001. Meanwhile, though, it seemed Kozelek had moved on, releasing a flurry of projects with nary a look back, making Old Ramon almost seem like an afterthought. But what a lovely afterthought it is. The trademark features of the Red House Painters are all here: the songs are long and meandering, the guitars seesaw languidly, the drums plod, dissonant harmonies moan and Kozelek's olive-oil voice seeps around everything. The best tracks include the light and airy "Wop a Din-Din", an homage to Kozelek's cat; the dark and beastly "Byrd Joel" and the understated "Cruiser". Still, though, the album doesn't quite shake off its purgatorial past and remains more of an asterisk amid the band's outstanding back-catalogue. If you already love the Painters, Old Ramon is a godsend. But novitiates might better be off checking out the lovely cascade of Ocean Beach or Kozelek's aforementioned solo album. --Tod Nelson
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Taking time,
By
This review is from: OLD RAMON (Audio CD)
Ok, they say that a good reviewer first acknowledges his prejudices, so I must confess that my first listening of this album was prejudicial since I'm absolutely bonkers about Red House Painters!
Where to start with this masterpiece of an album? Well, lets go for a few don'ts. DON'T let people tell you that RHP songs are 'overlong'. The whole point of Mark Kozelek et al's music is to TAKE ITS TIME in a musical era more known for pithy gush, crass, unfelt sentiment, or just sheer lack of meaning. DON'T worry if your first listening of this album doesn't immediately flip you upside down, whirl you around the room and give you palpitations straight away. This music will enter your heart, and needs time to mature there. Keep listening: your patience will be rewarded. DON'T listen to this music quietly, in a crowded room, or in any context where you cannot give it your full attention. ("Master, will you please write for me some maxims of the highest wisdom?" Ikkyu took his brush and wrote: "Attention") DON'T get caught up in discussions about the technical elements of RHP's music: if you're thinking in bits, you're not going to experience the richness of the whole. This is my favourite RHP album. I listen to it alone, or with my lady-love, driving through the beautiful hills and valleys of England.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Melancholy glory....,
By A Customer
This review is from: OLD RAMON (Audio CD)
One of the most distinctive and original songwriters of the last ten years produces another beautiful opus of languid, sensitive and subtle songs with his band the Red House Painters. Mark Kozelek is one of the very few to stretch the boundaries of songwriting and show what can still be achieved. Rare magic indeed...
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Old Kozelek,
By
This review is from: OLD RAMON (Audio CD)
I finally became exposed to Mark Kozelek about a year ago in the form of the 2CD R.H.P. retrospective. Describe it? Usually guitar-based, highly individualistic, dangerously hypnotic and addictive. Since then I've managed to pacify my cravings with a growing selection of RHP, Sun Kil Moon and Koz.solo product. I don't write reviews, but now I HAVE TO. My experience to date DEMANDS it be 'Old Ramon`.
It's on the hi-fi. It's in the car. If you're talking to me, I'm not listening to you cos it's in my head. It has entered my bloodstream and I think it's merging with my DNA. I don't need a doctor JUST PLAY IT, SAM! That this record remained unreleased for 3 years only leads to the symbol `?' but maybe ultimately gives it the special place it deserves. Should this also be to your taste, `Songs for a Blue Guitar' is also highly recommended.
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