Isobel Campbell is a real talent. I was surprised to skim through the liner notes and learn she not only produced this, but wrote all but one song. For someone who came from such a decidedly.. precious band like Belle and Sebastian, she sure has a knack for delving into the nicotine-stained psyche of Mark Lanegan. The lyrics sound as though they could have come out of his diary.

While it is an accurate summation to say that this is not the most riveting record, it is compelling mood music, perfect for a chilly, rainy night, no warmth but a glass of whiskey at your bedside.

The production, with its swelling strings, immediately calls to mind the memorable duo of Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra. However, I found I more enjoyed the moodier, darker numbers. With less instrumentation, the striking contrast of Lanegan’s gravel bed voice and Campbell’s sweet lilt is most effective. Flanked by subtle acoustics, the record really emerges as a special gift. The listener feels privileged to be “listening in” on this aural meetup. It’s like hearing two worlds collide.

My only real criticism would be the handful of instrumentals peppered throughout. They drag down the momentum of the record and are merely filler.

…only 3 stars from me. The album just didn’t gel with me like I expected it to. I haven’t listened to any of Isobel Campbell’s music outside of B&S, and I guess I was perhaps expecting something different.

The music coupled with Mark Lanegans vocals struck me as very Nick Cave-esque. It could have just been because they have similar voices.

Anyway, I didn’t find anything particularly exciting about this album. I’m going to listen to it a couple more time though, to give it a fair go. I really do want to enjoy Isobels music.