By the time you reach these words you may have suspected that by either the title, or the art, or the colors, that this is some kind of Gothic music blog. Unfortunately, it's not, at least not audibly. Hopefully you cats won't mind that much. Meaning, Meaning, Meaning; Music.
The first album I've picked is a peculiar one in all rights. Dark Night of the Soul is the brain child of Dangermouse (produced the Gorillaz's Demon Days, Beck's Modern Guilt, and countless others) and Sparklehorse (from the band Sparklehorse). After writing and producing most of the album a slew of collaborators were brought together to cameo and refine the album including; James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, David Lynch, and Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel (oops long list).
The project also incorporated David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Inland Empire) to take a series of photographs corresponding to the songs.
All in all this album would be one of the best of 2009, except it will never be released, due to contract "issues" with the EMI label. So here it floats amongst the internet in eternal limbo. The album is incredibly powerful amongst a modern pop genre where so many bands succeed just by drifting along aimlessly. It reminds of a stroll through a mysterious darkness, in which light is seldom seen but always recognized (sought after?) It's beautiful yet haunting, surreal and dark, but sometimes comical and comforting. Its production is incredibly done by the industries best and is at all moments serene. With it's stellar lineup of cameos and limbo status it stands awkwardly between fame and Lethe which, ironically enough, mirrors the albums mood in an all too perfect way. Oh, and watch out for Iggy Pop he's a real curve ball.
1. Revenge (featuring The Flaming Lips)
2. Just War (featuring Gruff Rhys)
3. Jaykub (featuring Jason Lytle)
4. Little Girl (featuring Julian Casablancas)
5. Angel's Harp (featuring Frank Black)
6. Pain (featuring Iggy Pop)
7. Star Eyes (I Can't Catch It) (featuring David Lynch)
8. Everytime I'm With You (featuring Jason Lytle)
9. Insane Lullaby (featuring James Mercer of The Shins)
10. Daddy's Gone (featuring Nina Persson)
11. The Man Who Played God (featuring Suzanne Vega)
12. Grim Augury (featuring Vic Chestnutt)
13. Dark Night Of The Soul (featuring David Lynch)
Dark Night of the Soul
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