The singer for the Screaming Trees, Lanegan here choses to substitute his band's psychedelic yawp for the moody introspection of modern blues. His smooth croon transforms into an angry growl when the music turns stormy. "M... more »ockingbirds" features a treacherously descending piano melody; "Wild Flowers" allows for an out-of-tune guitar to explain its world-weariness. "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" is noted for being the first time a Seattle grunge-rocker tackled the old Leadbelly classic. (The second Seattle guy to tackle it, Kurt Cobain, can be heard on electric guitar and on backing vocals for "Down in the Dark.") --Rob O'Connor« less
The singer for the Screaming Trees, Lanegan here choses to substitute his band's psychedelic yawp for the moody introspection of modern blues. His smooth croon transforms into an angry growl when the music turns stormy. "Mockingbirds" features a treacherously descending piano melody; "Wild Flowers" allows for an out-of-tune guitar to explain its world-weariness. "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" is noted for being the first time a Seattle grunge-rocker tackled the old Leadbelly classic. (The second Seattle guy to tackle it, Kurt Cobain, can be heard on electric guitar and on backing vocals for "Down in the Dark.") --Rob O'Connor
I am a HUGE Screaming Trees/Mark Lanegan fan, but to be honest, most of the songs on this album sound too similar. Standout tracks include "Undertow" and "Ugly Sunday".
For historical reference, it's nice to hear Kurt Cobain on background vocals for "Down in the Dark". In addition, both Kurt AND Krist Novoselic play guitar and bass (respectively) on "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" - a raw, distorted dirge, completely different from Nirvana's haunting Unplugged performance. The album is quite dark in mood, so the silly track "Juarez" lightens the mood as the album draws to a close.
As a side note, Pacific Northwest indie music scene producer Steve Fisk plays the organ/piano on a few tracks.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
The spiritual heart of "Seattle" music
Dan Miller | Reno, NV USA | 10/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you strip away the distorted guitar and breathless screaming from the best of what was known as grunge or the Seattle sound you are left with a mood, a sort of aching but wise melancholy. This album is the perfect embodiment of that deep but shining sadness. Where does it come from? Something about the climate? The quality of light on a Seattle winter day when the sun bursts through just before sundown and turns the cold grey city golden for a few short minutes before the long northern night? I don't know, but whatever it is, Lanegan has an almost angelic gift for rendering it into sound. The songs on this album (and his others) are "mood" music that will surely stand the test of time. I only know that in all the years I have owned this album I have never once tired of listening to it."
The Reluctant Loner Hears His First Welcome Knocks.
Dan Miller | 06/17/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Songwriters often spend their time kicking up dust at the crossroads only to catch the attention of the devil. The bad luck of obscurity. Heaven has hired angels to sing of its victories, but the hushed divinity of sadness speaks only in whispers and murmurs. Mark Lanegan's solo efforts, "The Winding Sheet" and "Whiskey for the Holy Ghost" deserve the solemn bows of the masses. They embody a nature of sunshine solemnity that gives the contemplation of human imperfection the glowing positivity of a benediction. Am I overreacting? Yes. I am tired of impersonal pleas and generic recommendations. This is art. Once upon a time these things meant life. You can breathe this music and nothing else. Listen and overreact with me. Knock, knock."
Hangover Music
Dan Miller | 11/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Lanegan has a voice that will make your eyeballs bleed and he proves it on this solo debut. Although best known at the time for his work in the Seattle band Screaming Trees, Lanegan has become known as one of the most powerful singer/songwriters of his generation and the proof is indeed in the pudding here. "Mockingbirds," "Ugly Sunday," and "Wild Flowers" dig deep into an emotional abyss of heartache and longing, while old friend Kurt Cobain pops up to help on "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" and "Down In The Dark." Make no mistake, however, it is Lanegan's songwriting and astonishing voice that makes this one of the most impressive debuts ever. Mostly acoustic, the songs would be fine listening for a grey Sunday morning after a bender when you can't remember a damn thing from the night before. Also check out the haunting "Museum" and the hilarious "Jaurez." This is ground zero from an artist who is already way ahead of the rest of the pack."
Chilling Nighttime Music
Stephen | 03/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Lanegan is one of my favorite musicians of the Seattle Rock scene. I first heard his work on Mad Season's Above (an excellent album for any AiC/PJ/ST/"grunge" fan) and immediately fell in love with that cigarettes-and-whiskey gravelly voice of his.
Then I came across an mp3 labelled "where did you sleep last night mark lanegan kurt cobain screaming trees nirvana.mp3" on Limewire. I immediately downloaded it, recalling Lanegan's previous work, and that "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?" was my favorite track on Nirvana's Unplugged album. This was the clincher. I realized how Cobain's version paled in comparison to this somber, brooding masterpiece.
Upon finding out which album the song came off of, I started hunting for The Winding Sheet. (Since I was naive back then, I didn't realize I could just order it online) After a few weeks of search, I finally came across the album in a Barnes and Nobles in addition to a copy of Above (I'd only downloaded songs from it).
The Winding Sheet is a CD mainly of acoustic guitar work and somber lyrics by Lanegan, supported by guests such as Kurdt Kobain and Krist Novoselic.
Definitely check this album out if you liked Jar of Flies by Alice in Chains, any of the Screaming Trees' works, or Mad Season's Above.
Key Tracks: "Undertow," "The Winding Sheet," "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?""
Lanegan defined...
Stephen | 07/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pay no attention to the fact that this is Lanegan's first solo effort. Deprive yourself of this album (much like I did) and you will live to regret it. Stop thinking about it..."