Like Rats

Anyone familiar with how Mark Kozelek works knows to expect a covers album every few years, with the songs done any way Kozelek feels like doing them. True to form, Like Rats is an eclectic batch, ranging from the progressive rock of Yes ("Onward") and Genesis ("Carpet Crawlers") to the punk rock of The Misfits ("Green Hell") and Descendents ("Silly Girl") all performed with care on Kozelek's nylon-string guitar. Ted Nugent's "Free-For-All" sounds ludicrous (and hilarious), while Bruno Mars' "Young Girls," with appealing harmonies, comes across like a song John Denver could've written. Maxine Nightingale's "Right Back Where We Started From" is far removed from its '70s pop roots. "Onward," originally by Yes, is quiet, tender, and haunting. Danzig's "13" is transformed by Kozelek finger-picking with intensity as the song percolates just shy of two minutes. The Dayglo Abortions' "I Killed Mommy" takes the feel of a Johnny Cash murder ballad. Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" flows with an undercurrent of longing. This edition includes three bonus live cuts.