Red House Painters (Rollercoaster) (studio album) by Red House Painters

Absolutely soothing and beautiful album with great atmosphere, songwriting is often really outstanding with Katy Song and Strawberry Hill being great examples of it. My only complaint is that some tracks are extended without reason which makes album as a whole a bit too long compared to their previous one, but the high points are really high.

A beautiful album that really does produce so many amazing songs. While it can be a little slow at times, I find this adds to the charm of the album on the whole and the payoff is always worth it. This album is a true joy to explore.

From luigybetis 05/20/2018 17:36

Really solid album, it gets tough at times, but the overall sensation is huge. Favs: Grace Cathedral Park, Katy Song, Things Mean a Lot and Brown Eyes. 8.7/10.

From micah88800 01/17/2018 18:17

What a gorgeous record. I almost didn't like this at first, but became addicted after a few go rounds. I personally cant stand "Funhouse" or "Mother", waste of time, but the rest of the album is beautiful music like no other. "Grace Cathedral Park" is a perfect opener and sets the mood for the whole record. Shortly after you run into "Katy Song", one of the most underrated songs of the 90s and maybe even of all time. "Mistress" is my personal favorite, as I have a draw toward poppy shoegaze songs. Other highlights are "Strawberry Hill", "New Jersey", and "Mistress(Piano)". Once this record grabs you, it doesn't let go for a long while.Its a long journey, but a very rewarding one

probably one of the most depressing albums of all time. the songs and the overall atmosphere are really beautiful and quiet and the lyrics are really touching. the production is great, with the lush chorus guitars and the shy drums, even though the voice is kinda overwhelming in the mix. the album is a little too long (i.e. Mother) and i feel like it could have been perfect if they had cut out some songs and replaced them with better songs from Bridge like Uncle Joe or the electric version of New Jersey.Katy Song is definitely the best song on the album and the lyrics are probably the best lyrics about break up. the whole song just rings beautifully and painfully at the same time in a broken heart. Mistress musically sums up the album perfectly and it's probably the most commercial song. Mark's acoustic talent really shines on Down Through in particular and distorted guitars find a place on the album too, peaking on Strawberry Hill. truly a masterpiece of the 90s.

Heartbreaking with a really good sense of atmosphere

From babyBlueSedan 05/03/2016 20:54

I don't get this one - it's a little overlong, Mother is 13 minutes of forgettable material, and the 2 versions of Mistress add unnecessary running time as well. There also aren't any tracks that are super memorable - Things Mean A Lot is the only one that really stuck with me after two listens. And the melancholy doesn't feel as focused as in Down Colorful Hill - it feels more aimless. Still a good album, but nowhere close to Down Colorful Hill for me.

From Anti 11/20/2015 00:48

It's just too long for my tastes and the instrumentation sounds pretty dull to me... Really makes this album void of any powerful emotions for me. Down Colorful Hill is at least shorter, and the songs seem to stand a lot strong, which is why I enjoy it hella more.

From 9999 09/28/2015 23:46

A really good record, for sure. Mark Kozelek may be one of the best lyricists of his generations, and he's been proving it for years now. His voice is sad and honest, and his phrasing and melodic choices on this album often remind me of Morrissey. The songs are not particularly catchy, but somehow they get so engrossing after a couple of listens that it doesn't become a problem at all. But something else does, at least for me, and that's its length. I usually don't mind if an album is long, but there are a couple of tracks here who could've really used some editing out. But that's my only issue with Rollercoaster. Other than that, I think it's a brilliant, very moving and touching album. Mistress and Katy song are the highlights for me.

From louisjwyatt 06/09/2015 03:44

This album absolutely slays me. Still don't really understand how something so miserable can uplift me like this.