April
by Sun Kil Moon
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Spin
    60
    On their third album, this San Francisco–based, Mark Kozelek–led bunch stumble over saccharine set-opener "Lost Verses" (which channels icky Young wannabes America with less success than Midlake) en route to a beautifully depressing array of funereal folk.
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    The pace can be a problem, but the music is long on understated beauty.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best Album of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 3 out of 35
  1. druss
    Mar 20, 2011
    7
    If this is all you had by this guy, you'd love the album, but I gotta say that he has so much other similar material that's better, it's hardIf this is all you had by this guy, you'd love the album, but I gotta say that he has so much other similar material that's better, it's hard to spend much time listening to this. Really hasn't done anything new, albeit created another beautiful record.… Full Review »
  2. MikeE.
    Apr 10, 2008
    6
    After the perfection of Ghosts of the Great Highway, Tiny Cities was a letdown, but this is just...kinda vanilla. Am I hearing the same album After the perfection of Ghosts of the Great Highway, Tiny Cities was a letdown, but this is just...kinda vanilla. Am I hearing the same album as everyone else? After 6 listens, only the second half is starting to grow on me. Of course this album is better than almost anything else out there these days, but the melodies just aren't there this time around. I guess anything's disappointing after Ghosts.… Full Review »
  3. GuyH.
    Apr 10, 2008
    9
    Ah, the wonderful 'April'. This reminds me of the RHP album Old Ramon more than the Sun Kil Moon debut - which is to say it is an Ah, the wonderful 'April'. This reminds me of the RHP album Old Ramon more than the Sun Kil Moon debut - which is to say it is an intense, sprawling album that requires several listens before you can begin to fully appreciate it as a whole. 'Ghosts' had a lightness of touch and the songs for the most part were more concise - I miss that and have to admit I was expecting Mark to continue in that direction. However, now that I've lived with 'April' for 2 weeks I can barely find fault with it. 'Heron Blue', 'Bilbao' and the heart wrenching (even by Mark's standards so that is saying something!) 'Blue Orchids' are just perfect. Will Oldham pops in to sing on a few tracks and as you'd expect it is a perfect vocal marriage - and adds some welcome variety. Don't believe me - listen to Mark's solo version of 'Like a River' on the second disc and try not add in Will's backing vocals - it sounds naked without them. A contendor for best of the year and one to file alongside the triumphant return of Amercan Music Club (The Golden Age). … Full Review »
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