So it comes no surprise at his second album as the ‘Mark Lanegan Band’ with all his experiences, that he really, make an album to reflect on everything and have such a nice blend of variation. With this gravel-trap voice really, the lyrics he writes could go in any song. It's the music written around it that is the definable point. This is a fantastic mix of indie/desert rock/rock n roll/country and of course, blues all brought together in just over 40 minutes of the things that’s been giving Mr. Lanegan the blues this time around.

It is a slow album, but it’s a very likeable album. Lanegan has managed to bring back all the things you liked about the music you used to hear, but not necessarily listen to all that much. There are very dark, moody moments, and there are upbeat, well for Lanegan anyway, in true blues fashion. The opener 'When Your Number Isn’t Up' is a stripped down, dark scream from Lanegan’s past. It sets the mood for what you are in for in a much deserved way, and makes you see the real beauty in such a steel protected voice. 'Methamphetamine Blues' being a classic tune as is one of the most upbeat tunes you will find here, but also being an extremely smart song both musically and lyrically and a real highlight of the record.

The pace of pretty much the whole album is set very early on. You know within listening to the first 6 tracks pretty much the whole deal here. However it doesn’t stop the album continuing to surprise you, and refresh your ears as you hear beautiful music and vocal talents being made, within boundaries, but with a fine amount of diversity. ‘Strange Religion’ being a real heart moving moment, while you hear the heart and soul of Lanegan’s torture put into a soothing melody that just reminds you of so much you’ve heard and loved before, so effortlessly. When the single ‘Sideways in Reverse’ comes around, you really do understand why it’s a single. This could have been a song written by ‘Eagles of Death Metal’ to be honest, with its disco-rock grooves, however, it's possibly a weak moment, despite a catchy guitar riff.

What is amazing about this record is everything you are reminded of. ‘Come To Me’, one of a couple of duets between Lanegan and PJ Harvey on this record, does, amazingly remind you of the beauty Sigur Rós capture in their music, with slight hints to Radiohead, which just illustrates all Lanegan has done in music. And while 'Like Little Willie John’ and ‘Morning Glory Wine’ strike a chord with blues and country music, ‘Head’ is the track that proves that he hasn’t forgotten its roots. Regardless of sounding like one of Screaming Tree’s biggest hits, this track along with ‘Death Valley Blues’ are the indie/desert rock tracks you loved Lanegan before when he first came into this business. You remember why you loved the man the first time you heard him back in the early/mid 90’s. And with the beautiful outro of ‘Out of Nowhere’ there really is little room for flaw on this record.