Bubblegum

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

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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Assured of his place in musical history as frontman of Screaming Trees, vocalist for Queens of the Stone Age and as a critically acclaimed solo singer/songwriter, Mark Lanegan hinted at the brilliance of Bubblegum with last year's teaser EP, "Here Comes That Weird Chill (Methamphetamine Blues, Extras, and Oddities)". Musical assistance on 'Bubblegum' comes from luminaries including Queens Of The Stone Age bandmates Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri, PJ Harvey (who provides vocals on "Hit The City" and "Come To Me"), Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan from Guns 'N' Roses/Velvet Revolver, Afghan Whigs and Twilight Singers' Greg Dulli, Ween's Dean Ween, Eleven's Alain Johannes and Masters of Reality's Chris Goss (guitar) among others.

180 grams audiophile vinyl

Mark Lanegan began his music career in the 1980s, forming the grunge group Screaming Trees. Besides ánd after Screaming Trees, Lanegan also found success and recognition from his solo work and collaborations with a.o. Queens of the Stone Age, Gutter Twins, Twilight Singers, Melissa Auf der Maur, Martina Topley Bird and former Belle and Sebastian singer and cellist Isobel Campbell with whom he recorded three albums. His most successful solo studio release to date is Bubblegum which was originally released in 2004. The release features a prominent cast of guest musicians, among which are PJ Harvey, Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri of Queens of the Stone Age, Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs, and Duff McKagan and Izzy Stradlin of Guns N' Roses.