Sun Kil Moon with Magik*Magik Orchestra - "Astronomy"

photo via markkozelek.com

Mark Kozelek is currently on tour promoting his slew of 2017 releases, and he has made quite an interesting choice in backing band with the Magik*Magik Orchestra. It's really impressive how well the group has adapted much of this new material into chamber arrangements. Thankfully, last month's performance in Chicago was documented and is being released in January as a freebie to go along with any orders through Mark's site. That probably means another Sun Kil Moon album isn't too far off, either. Not that we needed a hint.

Hear the rendition of With Ben Boye and Jim White cut "Astronomy" above. I'd say it's got both studio versions beat.

John Vanderslice- White Wilderness

On John Vanderslices' latest album, the singer-songwriter works with California's Magik*Magik Orchestra to bring a new level of intricacy to his music. Nearly every song here is lavishly decorated with brass, woodwinds, and strings, but the live recording style keeps the music from feeling static or confined. Some songs pale in comparison to others, but at least the instrumentation swoops in to save the day when that happens. Though the album is definitely something Vanderslice fans should check out, it may be hard for a new listener to see the excitement or originality in a songwriter working with arranged instrumentation.

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