Red House Painters

Introduction

The first time I heard the name of RHP is from MCB, the topic was called 'The Celebration Of Losers.' It talks about artists who like writing sad melodies and pessimistic lyrics: Nirvana, Nick Cave, Strangelove, American Music Club, The Smiths, Joy Division and Red House Painters are all on the list.

Inthe early 90's, its aesthetic 4AD sound was driven about an limit and the important group like Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance soon went away. So its president, Ivo Watts-Russell, changed his taste into country music and turned it to be the mainstream sound for the second generation of 4AD, and to continue his empire.

Red House Painters was one of those country bands, with their interior personality, like the vocalist, Mark Kozelek, was impossible for far away performance due to homesick. So less reported, less attention from public, all couldn't help making the second golden period of 4AD. But their music is really touching me, maybe their music always talks about some very individual feelings with love, relationships. And what's the most important is, all of them are sad, painful songs.

Mark Kozelek

Between 14 and 17, Mark Kozelek lived in a wild life, all days with drugs, alcohol. And I don't know why he sudden turned his life style to isolation.

"I got to where I was 17 or 18nd I decided I just wanted to live my life. Before I was dependent on drugs, then I was dependent on people hugging me and talking about my problems. I didn't want to depend on anything." a

Maybe to stop drinking and taking drugs, he can face himself and his pain more completely, honesntly. And he started to write music, form a band in San Francisco. His music likes making for someone who will never feels happy.

by blux

5-8-1999

Last modified: 27-3-2001

Album