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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Bubblegum is Mark Lanegan's sixth solo album, but still he's relatively unknown to all but a few. Since going solo, the former Screaming Trees frontman has attracted a cult following, but if a man can be judged by the stature of his friends, then surely Bubblegum marks the beginning of Lanegan's turn in the spotlight. Featuring such high-profile guests including PJ Harvey ("Hit the City" and "Come to Me"), Guns n'Roses / Velvet Revolver's Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan ("Strange Religion"), Afghan Whigs / Twilight Singers' frontman Greg Dulli ("Methamphetamine Blues") and Masters of Reality's Chris Goss (who shares production credits, as well as appearing on a number of songs), the songs on Bubblegum display a breadth of style that matches Lanegan's trademark depth of substance. And though he kept his profile comparatively low as a longterm collaborator with Queens of the Stone Age, his two bandmates Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri feature heavily throughout (Homme, in particular, plays guitar or drums on five of the tracks here). But this is by no means a QOTSA album. Bubblegum has a sound all its own, and Lanegan is firmly at the helm, with his gravelly voice and sombre observations making him sound more and more like Tom Waits. Its pleasures may not be immediate to all listeners, but once found, they're difficult to shake. --Robert Burrow
Review
The hard-knocks topography of rock 'n' roll is as well charted as all those dusty, distant roads have become in the Lonely Planet guides. It therefore comes as a surprise when the shadows are illuminated by entirely fresh sparks.
When Mark Lanegan recorded his 1999 album I'll Take Care Of You, he revealed what many of his closest followers had already guessed. As one of Seattle's finest, Lanegan and his band The Screaming Trees were as contemporary as any of their comrades-in-grunge-arms. Yet Field Songs demonstrated a recognition of musical heritage that rivalled Harry Smith.
In his fifth album-proper, Bubblegum, he explores the debauched road that many a troubadour has taken before him. Not for nothing does he sing "Here comes the highway / Can't you see what its done for me?" in 'Driving Death Valley Blues'.
As with all Lanegan projects, Bubblegum is so rich with collaborators that it could warrant Pete Frame growing a Rock Family Tree just for him. Masters Of Reality's Chris Goss and Eleven's Alain Johannes produce much of the record. Contributions come from Polly Harvey, Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri and Izzy Stradlin.
Bubblegum sees Lanegan alternating between atmospheres of charged hedonism (particularly 'Sideways In Reverse' and 'Hit The City'), and secular atonement. 'One Hundred Days', with its weary resignation of "There is no morphine / I'm only sleeping" and the hopeful words of "I know a ship comes in every day" comes closest to phrasing the essence of this set.
There are unexpected references too. The circular guitar refrain of 'Strange Religion' echoes Lorraine Ellison's torch-belter 'Stay With Me', and Lanegan makes a lyrical nod to the great Lee Hazelwood in 'Wedding Dress' ("We got married in a fever").
Ultimately though, Lanegan is too restless to let his influences dictate to him. Bubblegum is as rich and fixed a vision as you're likely to find on one CD this year, with little or no room for filler flab.
That rock 'n' roll scenery may be familiar, but its not often it's rendered as beautifully as this. --Jacqueline Hodges
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Dark and Dense Brand of Bubblegum,
By
This review is from: Bubblegum (Audio CD)
Lanegan is a man of many "phases." As a matter of fact, you may be reading this review either because of his work with Screaming Tress, his haunting and stripped down Americana solo output, or his recent singing contributions to Queens Of The Stone Age, have interested you enough to see what our boy is up to here.The good news here is that Lanegan, rather than "returning" or "departing" from what you may be used to, has brought all of it together into a an intense boil, and come out of it with a powerful collection of songs that will offer immediate, if different, favorites for everyone. In addition to this, the list of musicians called on to help his efforts is quite impressive and likely to make you salivate, even before the album starts playing. Whether it is PJ Harvey, Afghan Whigs/Twilight Singers' mastermind Greg Dulli, or Josh Homme -from QOFTA- to name only the ones I was most excited about and intrigued by for what they may add to this album, their contributions are a major plus to "Bubblegum'"s sound. Speaking of "bubblegum" -a reference from a line in the song "Bombed"-Lanegan could not sound farther from what that word may make you expect. Actually, he sounds closer to Tom Waits than ever before, a similar tone yet not ever trying to imitate Tom, and he phrases his words in ways that remind me -at least me- of the dark sensuality of Jim Morrison. The reference to Morrison may be more apparent on "When Your Number Isn't Up," and ominous and prophetic slow tune about mortality, or "Wedding Dress," as dark a "love song" as you can expect. As far as Lanegan ability to bring into a single album everything he's explored musically in the past, I'd like to name some of the remaining tunes. "Methamphetamine Blues" is probably densest piece of the bunch, in part thanks to Homme's raging guitar and the machine-like pipe-banging that drives the song from the beginning ... Let's just say its title could not be more accurate PJ Harvey's duet on the quieter "Come To Me" -one of two songs she sings on- makes it another high moment from this album, giving it a sensuous and menacing mood, think of it as a hymn to dark love. Other songs I particularly recommend are "Morning Glory Wine," as tender a ballad as Lanegan gets; the bluesy "Like Little Willie John;" and the dense beauty of "Strange Religion" and "One Hundred Ways." Last but not least, I must mention Chris Goss' co-production, which gives Lanegan a partner who seems to read his mind and soul, and pushes him to further greatness, and Wendy Rae Fowler whom I didn't know but whose voice adds incredible depth to the above-mentioned "Wedding Dress, and the very brief, although sad and gorgeous, "Bombed." All in all, this is a remarkable album, a dark and fierce set of songs that has stretched Mark Lanegan in more directions than any of his prior recordings, and, to my taste, one of the best albums of 2004.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A voice that has obviously lived a bit!,
By
This review is from: Bubblegum (Audio CD)
Mark Lanegan is a survivor from the grunge scene and can't you just tell? Many from that era have succumbed to drugs or the corporate dollar. Mark has lived through it and tells the tale in a voice that would shame the devil. Deep, dark and glorious. Its amazing how much soul can be derived from someone who admits to being souless.A really fine album from one of rocks underated greats
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Genius,
This review is from: Bubblegum (Audio CD)
Hmmm..I have never committed my written opinions to anywhere on the web, but this album is simply magnificent. There is perhaps only one weak song.Can't Come Down. Every other track is a work of smouldering genius. The greatest release in 2004 (of the decade?. Nothing, nothing comes close. If you like your music intelligent (Bombed), passionate (Come to Me), heartfelt (Like Little Willie John), honest (Wedding Dress)and (slightly) dark (When Your Number Isn't Up) this is for you. I didn't think Songs for the Deaf or Field Songs could be topped. This makes them look ordinary. Buy It.
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