Ghosts Of The Great Highway (studio album)
by Sun Kil Moon

From SomethingSpecial 06/29/2025 12:22

Sun Kil Moon's debut record is also Mark Kozelek's magnum opus. Following the disbandment of his celebrated rock band, Red House Painters two years prior, Kozelek and his bandmates Koutsos, Vessel, and Carney decided to continue performing under the name Sun Kil Moon, which would later become a vehicle for Kozelek's future solo efforts, like 2014's acclaimed Benji.

Sun Kil Moon's debut, Ghosts of the Great Highway, combines all the strengths of Kozelek and his bandmates from previous Red House Painters records like Ocean Beach and Songs for a Blue Guitar, which had a similar bare, folk sound, into Kozelek and Co's most powerful statement, a statement that features lush arrangements, gorgeous melodies, long-form epics like Duk Koo Kim, and perhaps Kozelek's greatest song, Carry Me Ohio.

This album is a wonderful collection of folk songs that form a brilliantly cohesive piece of work. The peak of these songs is Carry Me Ohio which is probably the groups best song and every time it comes on I never want to stop listening to it. Then there is the smooth Gentle Moon which is my favourite song and is an amazing track for when you are relaxing. Every song has there moments for why they are great but there are some that are quite close to being filler such as Si, Paloma. However, the gentle and easy listening feel of this record over powers these tracks and so makes for a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Overall, a record I will be coming back to and I am excited to discover more with every listen.

Man, what is it about Carry Me Ohio? Doesn't seem to be much song there but once it starts I want it to never end.

From luigybetis 06/02/2016 19:52

This could be Kozelek's best album, I personally prefer Songs For A Blue Guitar. They're both 10/10, as April is 9.9/10. Everything Kozelek has done until 2010 is hilarious, but I don't know why I do not like the newest records, I guess he has changed his style...

From HoldenM 04/04/2015 04:36

I can honestly seeing this becoming my all-time favorite album. Having listened to it a half dozen times in a row, I'm kinda digging it.

From Pegasus 03/06/2015 16:58

I like this much better than Benji, i don't know why but I just do. This is some of the best folk i've EVER heard.

I am always shocked of how dynamic and dense this album is. It's really difficult not to get burnt out on. 'Ghosts' has the perfect balanced of electrified and acoustic Mark with 'April' close behind.

From CaptainFicus 03/10/2014 23:28

i have no words
this album is too good

From Mercury 01/29/2014 05:31

I'm really loving this. There is something so gently reassuring about the soft, understanding vocals of Mr. Kozelek. I don't know what it is. Also everything musically lulls me away from the now-ness of my existence and just sonically sort takes me off to the side and says "I understand your life and concerns. I've been there. Here's the some beautiful musical."

The strings and harmonies on "Gentle Moon" are absolutely sublime. And just about moment of this album is superb.

From Necharsian 07/18/2013 18:54

Ill curb stomp the one who tells me carry me ohio isnt the best song ever made.