Eclectic EP from artsy Mark Lanegan: subtitled “Methamphetamine Blues, extras and oddities” it actually offers more than just that single. Tracks range from quiet piano ballads to experimental grunge tunes. All with Mark’s unique deep, throaty Tom-Waits-style voice and a vocal delivery that is not always synched. Mark is aided by two of his Queens of the Stone Age mates (Nick Olivery, Josh Homme) and more friends, but this sounds nothing like the Queens; not even close to being as upbeat. I liked this EP more and more with every listen. Tons of interesting play (favorite: 6).

1.Weird beats, mid tempo, female backup vocals, scratchy vocals, powerful guitar riffs. Somehow brings to mind Bob Dylan’s blues epics. This is a single from an album coming soon.**
2.Minimalist, short. Distorted guitar over spoken vocals.
3.Cover of Captain Beefheart, distorted and weird vocals. Mid tempo.*
4.Tom waits vocals, wailing psychedelic guitar in the background. Mid tempo. Dies down slowly.*
5.Beautiful slow piano ballad, Lanegan’s deep voice, great guest vocals from (Chris Goss?), FCC (“fuckin’”, 50 secs in).*
6.Distorted guitar, mid-slow tempo, interesting structure, like an especially dark Lou Reed track.**
7.Slow/mid tempo and dark.*
8.Prominent bass, quiet guitar, distant distortion, slow, nice quasi-instrumental track.*