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Nov 15, 2018 Web Exclusive By Stephen Mayne

Mark Kozelek reached his half century last year which could cause a period of reflection for some, perhaps slowing down for others. Back for a new Sun Kil Moon record (not the only music he’s released this year) he shows no signs of the latter. As for reflecting on life, that’s a given for Kozelek. Don’t expect anything different from This Is My Dinner.

His ninth Sun Kil Moon full-length is unlikely to reel in new listeners, but part of what’s impressive about Kozelek, and unpleasant when indulging his darker side, is a refusal to do anything other than what he wants. What’s offered up here is a rambling travelogue of mostly long songs inspired by a recent European tour. He also adds covers of The Partridge Family theme in honor of David Cassidy, another go at AC/DC number “Rock ‘n’ Roll Singer,” and a chapter from Irish novelist John Connolly’s He set to music.

The music itself tends to plod along, which isn’t exactly bad. Guitar and piano beat out background rhythms, on top of which he tells his stories. These range from the last time he saw Elliott Smith to boxer Andrew Golota, the meditative qualities of Sweden, and the high level of organization in Norway. Norwegians also have the most beautiful eyes according to the title track.

If the topics sound random, they seem more so when strung together in Kozelek’s stream of consciousness style. That’s how he can go from Smith to his favorite restaurant in Stockholm to his dislike of Swedes eating reindeer to his love of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. There’s also a lot of mentions of airplane seats.

The end result can feel trying and bland, but it can also be as meditative as he apparently finds Sweden. (www.sunkilmoon.com)

Author rating: 6/10