Rock N' Roll Singer

It was only a matter of time before Red House Painters leader Mark Kozelek struck out on his own for a stretch. Awaiting the release of an already recorded sixth RHP album, Old Ramon, Kozelek decided to show his playful side with a loose collection of tunes that range from three AC/DC covers to a John Denver cut to several acoustic numbers that showcase his dexterous finger-picking and warm-as-the-summer-sun voice. "Ruth Marie"--a touching remembrance of a friend's grandmother withering away in a nursing home--is the obvious standout. But surprisingly, Kozelek also wrings genuine pathos from the three AC/DC tunes as well. The title track is armed with drums and distorted guitars, but the melody is rewritten and the tune slowed to a crawl, transforming from a braggadocio anthem ("Gonna be a rock 'n' roll singer / Gonna be a rock n' roll star") to a wistful bedroom dream. "Bad Boy Boogie" and especially "You Ain't Got a Hold on Me" become earnest folk songs meant for the ages. Weird but essential. --Rob O'Connor