Imitations
Mark Lanegan · 2013
41 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of melancholic covers and introspective original songs that showcase Lanegan's signature gravelly voice.
Top tracks — play these first
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Flatlands Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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You Only Live Twice — This cover stands out for its atmospheric arrangement that transforms the original's lush orchestration into a stripped-down, haunting ballad that showcases Lanegan's vocal depth.
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Solitaire — Lanegan's rendition of this classic emphasizes his ability to convey deep emotion through minimal instrumentation, making it a pivotal moment on the album.
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Mack the Knife — His interpretation of 'Mack the Knife' introduces a brooding quality to the song, contrasting sharply with its traditional upbeat tempo and presenting it in a darker light.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends covers and originals with a distinct vocal style, though its cohesion is affected by varying tempos.
What we noticed
- Lanegan's gravelly voice is consistently accompanied by sparse instrumentation, often relying on piano or subtle guitar arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'Mack the Knife' which contrasts with the surrounding ballads.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady reflective listening journey
- haunting melodies for introspection
- melancholic mood for solitude
- warm vocals for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer standalone energetic tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Features unique covers and introspective songs, showcasing Lanegan's style but not widely recognized.
- Career context
- By the time 'Imitations' was released in September 2013, Mark Lanegan was already an established figure in alternative rock, known for his work with Screaming Trees and as a solo artist. This album, his first collection of covers, followed his 2012 release 'Blues Funeral' and marked a significant departure into reinterpreting classics, showcasing his ability to imbue each track with personal gravitas.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Greg Dulli· Nick Cave· Jeff Buckley
Tracklist
- 1 Flatlands Start here 3:58
- 2 She's Gone 2:09
- 3 Deepest Shade 4:03
- 4 You Only Live Twice 3:06
- 5 Pretty Colors 2:43
- 6 Brompton Oratory 4:15
- 7 Solitaire 4:55
- 8 Mack the Knife 3:08
- 9 I'm Not the Loving Kind 3:08
- 10 Lonely Street 2:50
- 11 Élégie funèbre 3:33
- 12 Autumn Leaves 3:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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