"Songs for a Blue Guitar" is a studio album by the American alternative rock band Red House Painters. Released in July 1996, it is often regarded as a Mark Kozelek solo project because of significant changes to the band's lineup. The record label on which it was released, Supreme Recordings, was set up by Kozelek specifically for the album.
Unlike previous Red House Painters albums, "Songs for a Blue Guitar" features lengthy songs and extensive guitar solos, showcasing a shift to a more classic rock sound as opposed to the band's earlier slowcore sound. The album’s lyrical themes generally touch upon heartbreak, reflection, and desolation. The cover and booklet photos were reportedly taken by Kozelek on a trip to Thailand.
"Songs for a Blue Guitar" peaked at number 47 in the UK Albums Chart. The album garnered mixed reviews, with praise for its expressive and emotional connection, in addition to its musical versatility, varying between heavy rock songs, folk, and country.
While the album is considered a departure from the traditional sound of Red House Painters, the presence of extensive, free-flowing guitar passages continue to be noteworthy in the discography of the band and underscore a prominent characteristic of Kozelek’s later music style.
