Phantom Radio - Mark Lanegan (2014)

I feel bad only writing about artists I like after they unexpetedly pass away. But I would have gotten to Lanegan eventually.

He has quite a resume: Leader of 90s alt rockers Screaming Trees, blues and roots enthusiast, and occasional member of Queens of The Stone Age. He also co-fronted the Gutter Twins record with Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli, a pretty worthy accomplishment in itself. He also may or may not have taught Nirvana the Leadbelly tune they would play a lot, by featuring Novoselic and Cobain on his first solo outing.

His more recent solo work has been the most interesting to me. His gravelly voice and excellent tastes in arrangements make for a great mix that manages to be gloomy and exuberant by turns.

Tracks I Liked

Harvest Home - One of his best rockers

The Killing Season - the synth winds up making it spooky even by Lanegan standards

The Wild People - a great change of pace that stretches out his band a bit