What's Next to the Moon - Mark Kozelek (Badman)
"What's Next to the Moon" is the latest release from Red House Painters singer Mark Kozelek and is a collection of ten AC/DC songs recast as quiet, acoustic numbers. Kozelek has a history of re-interpreting songs and has previously rejigged numbers by John Denver, Yes, Kiss, Neil Young, Simon & Garfunkel and the Cars. In fact three of these songs appeared on his previous album "Rock'n'Roll Singer" which seems a bit much:-(
However, leaving aside the questionable nature of reusing material, "What's Next to the Moon" is without doubt the finest record of 2001 so far. By stripping back the material, Mark reveals what a truly great songwriting combination Young, Young and Scott were. There was always an undercurrent of sadness behind Bon Scotts bad boy bravado and listening to these songs as acoustic blues brings all it back home.
Purists may take issue with some of the minor lyrical changes which do alter the mood of some of the songs, however interviews with Mark have stated that he felt that the lyrics and melody of these early tracks have been often overlooked, so he has attempted, and succeeded, in bringing them to the fore. Quite remarkable. Buy it now.
