Lanegan is The Man again

Probably the most interesting refugee from the grunge heyday of the 1990's is Mark Lanegan, former lead singer for Screaming Trees (also one of the best bands from the era). Time and again, Lanegan has proven through his solo work and numerous collaborations (Twilight Singers, Queens of the Stone Age) that he's still one of the best singer/songwriters around.

His new collaboration finds him working with former Belle & Sebastian singer Isobel Campbell on an album of covers and originals. Produced by Campbell, Ballad of the Broken Seas benefits from the unique dichotomy of their voices (Campbell's gooey and sweet, Lanegan's whiskey-soaked and weary). All the press releases compare the partnership to that of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, and I'd be hard-pressed to disagree.

Also recommeded are Lanegan's numerous Sub Pop solo records. I particularly like I'll Take Care of You, an album of obscure covers done over in Lanegan's signature style.