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Rating:
Here I am talking once again about the legendary Mark Lanegan and this excellent work that increasingly reflects the mood and personality of the singer-songwriter.
It's 1998, and Lanegan is increasingly tested by the legal troubles that have directly involved him (it seems he was "caught" buying drugs from a dealer); the climate has led him to isolate himself in the usual town of Palm Desert and record this work.
The album opens with "Hospital Roll Call," a very dark piece that somewhat recalls the tribal rhythms of the Native Americans. The second track "Hotel" has a chilling melody (in my opinion, the most beautiful track) followed by "Stay," which vaguely recalls the songs of Cat Stevens.
We are a quarter of the way through the work and attention: the risk is that of becoming hypnotized, not because the album is boring, but because it makes your mind soar, reaching tones and melodies worthy of the legendary Tom Waits. I mention Waits because the following tracks, "Bell Black Ocean," "Last One In The World," and "Wheels," heavily reflect the artist, with tender and melodic guitar and piano riffs and a whirlwind of haunting brass.
The melody is almost nonexistent in the mute blues for guitar solo "Waiting On A Train".
It continues with "Day And Night," a very sad ballad for harmonica and guitar, closely followed by the superb "Playing Ground," where the funereal chords fade into nothingness, leaving no escape for the listener.
The work closes with "Because Of This," a long, dark, and hypnotic Persian dance that leaves you speechless.
In essence, a work rich in creativity, sadness, and mystery, where Lanegan's hoarse and warm voice envelops you throughout the album.
A little treat: the album was recorded in just 2 weeks of full immersion by the mature singer-songwriter, demonstrating his enormous potential.
The 4 for the album is only because among Mark's works, it's not my favorite.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
02 Hotel (03:10)
(Lanegan)
From the dive down to the wet
Usually I fall, tell myself
It doesn't matter anyway
That this is just another day
I don't speak the truth too much
Hear the roars and the hush
And the cold chill of time
And I'm happy murderin' my mind
Oh I remember your voice
Turnin' around and around and around in my head
Now it's just like you said
Everything inside is dead
From the pillar to the post
I kill what I can miss the most
Of the blame when you get in touch
Another town another torch
Thought I saw you in a dream
Fill the hours in between
When I call myself alone
Then I disappear below
I remember your face
But it's been a long been a long been a long long day
What I did along the way
Well I wouldn't care to say
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