Sunday, October 03, 2004
Mark Lanegan - Bubblegum
Here's a review of the new Mark Lanegan album that I've written. It was intended for the Daily Campus, but it doesn't look like they'll run it. I figured I mine as well put it up here. Check back soon for a review of last week's Pearl Jam show in Boston, as well as some playoff baseball analysis. So here's my review of what I consider to be one of the top 2 or 3 albums of the year:
For over 15 years, Mark Lanegan has exhibited one of the best and most unique voices in all of rock. While he was most successful as the front man of the Screaming Trees, his solo albums each displayed stellar singing and songwriting. In recent years, the prolific Lanegan has surfaced with one of the hottest rock bands in the world, Queens of the Stone Age. His increased contributions as a vocalist on QOTSA’s “Songs For The Deaf” coincided with the group’s rise in popularity, though it was Dave Grohl who generated far greater attention as a part-time band member. Turning his attention towards his own Mark Lanegan Band on his latest release, “Bubblegum,” the overlooked Lanegan has produced what is arguably his best work as a solo artist.
On earlier solo releases such as the underrated “Whiskey for the Holy Ghost” and “Field Songs,” Lanegan has favored a largely stripped down sound. This style is again effectively employed throughout “Bubblegum,” but the album also displays Lanegan’s versatility. Featuring contributions from P.J. Harvey, QOTSA’s Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri, and G & R’s Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan, among others, the Mark Lanegan Band has a different lineup on nearly every track. Yet “Bubblegum” remains cohesive, and is the most well rounded release of Lanegan’s accomplished career.
The opening “When Your Number Isn’t Up” is driven by a simple, yet effective bassline and the faint sounds of guitar feedback. When listening one cannot help giving all their attention to Lanegan’s deep and rather haunting vocals as his lyrics paint a picture of sorrow and desperation. The pace picks up on “Hit The City,” which features a memorable duet between Lanegan and Harvey. The song is one of several where the presence of a female vocalist serves as a perfect complement to Lanegan’s raspier tone.
“One Hundred Days” may very well be the high point of the album as the vocals, instruments, and lyrics all come together perfectly. Dave Catching weaves lead guitar lines around Lanegan’s tremendous vocal melodies as the bass, organ, and piano build an enticing rhythm track.
Though the mellower and more subtle tracks are excellent, Lanegan is not afraid to just rock out either. Methamphetamine Blues” has a pounding, industrial beat with exceptional guitar work by Homme and Alain Johannes. “Driving Death Valley Blues” and “Sideways In Reverse” are other standout tracks with a faster-paced, guitar-driven sound.
Throughout “Bubblegum” Lanegan shows no fear of mixing it up. After the acoustic blues track “Like Little Willie John” comes the chaotic “Can’t Come Down,” which might best be described as having a psychedelic techno sound. “Head” is reminiscent of Screaming Trees, with an electronic touch, while “Out of Nowhere” closes the album with the type of moody feel that is present throughout. It is this ability to incorporate sounds from his past with other styles that makes “Bubblegum” as complete as it is.
Few artists have gone under the radar while making as much terrific music as Mark Lanegan. Though “Bubblegum” is not likely the spawn radio hits, it is as strong a piece of work as any album released in 2004. The music is accessible to a variety of fans without alienating those that have grown to appreciate Lanegan’s previous recordings. Whether leading his own group or lending his talents to other various projects, Mark Lanegan’s music has stood the test of time, and on “Bubblegum” he shows no signs of slowing down.
Here's a review of the new Mark Lanegan album that I've written. It was intended for the Daily Campus, but it doesn't look like they'll run it. I figured I mine as well put it up here. Check back soon for a review of last week's Pearl Jam show in Boston, as well as some playoff baseball analysis. So here's my review of what I consider to be one of the top 2 or 3 albums of the year:
For over 15 years, Mark Lanegan has exhibited one of the best and most unique voices in all of rock. While he was most successful as the front man of the Screaming Trees, his solo albums each displayed stellar singing and songwriting. In recent years, the prolific Lanegan has surfaced with one of the hottest rock bands in the world, Queens of the Stone Age. His increased contributions as a vocalist on QOTSA’s “Songs For The Deaf” coincided with the group’s rise in popularity, though it was Dave Grohl who generated far greater attention as a part-time band member. Turning his attention towards his own Mark Lanegan Band on his latest release, “Bubblegum,” the overlooked Lanegan has produced what is arguably his best work as a solo artist.
On earlier solo releases such as the underrated “Whiskey for the Holy Ghost” and “Field Songs,” Lanegan has favored a largely stripped down sound. This style is again effectively employed throughout “Bubblegum,” but the album also displays Lanegan’s versatility. Featuring contributions from P.J. Harvey, QOTSA’s Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri, and G & R’s Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan, among others, the Mark Lanegan Band has a different lineup on nearly every track. Yet “Bubblegum” remains cohesive, and is the most well rounded release of Lanegan’s accomplished career.
The opening “When Your Number Isn’t Up” is driven by a simple, yet effective bassline and the faint sounds of guitar feedback. When listening one cannot help giving all their attention to Lanegan’s deep and rather haunting vocals as his lyrics paint a picture of sorrow and desperation. The pace picks up on “Hit The City,” which features a memorable duet between Lanegan and Harvey. The song is one of several where the presence of a female vocalist serves as a perfect complement to Lanegan’s raspier tone.
“One Hundred Days” may very well be the high point of the album as the vocals, instruments, and lyrics all come together perfectly. Dave Catching weaves lead guitar lines around Lanegan’s tremendous vocal melodies as the bass, organ, and piano build an enticing rhythm track.
Though the mellower and more subtle tracks are excellent, Lanegan is not afraid to just rock out either. Methamphetamine Blues” has a pounding, industrial beat with exceptional guitar work by Homme and Alain Johannes. “Driving Death Valley Blues” and “Sideways In Reverse” are other standout tracks with a faster-paced, guitar-driven sound.
Throughout “Bubblegum” Lanegan shows no fear of mixing it up. After the acoustic blues track “Like Little Willie John” comes the chaotic “Can’t Come Down,” which might best be described as having a psychedelic techno sound. “Head” is reminiscent of Screaming Trees, with an electronic touch, while “Out of Nowhere” closes the album with the type of moody feel that is present throughout. It is this ability to incorporate sounds from his past with other styles that makes “Bubblegum” as complete as it is.
Few artists have gone under the radar while making as much terrific music as Mark Lanegan. Though “Bubblegum” is not likely the spawn radio hits, it is as strong a piece of work as any album released in 2004. The music is accessible to a variety of fans without alienating those that have grown to appreciate Lanegan’s previous recordings. Whether leading his own group or lending his talents to other various projects, Mark Lanegan’s music has stood the test of time, and on “Bubblegum” he shows no signs of slowing down.
