Even though Mark Lanegan hasn't released an album under his own name -- or more accurately under the Mark Lanegan Band moniker -- since 2004's Bubblegum, the former Screaming Trees vocalist has hardly been idle. Lanegan has made three folk-rock duet albums with former Belle and Sebastian singer Isobel Campbell and lent his distinctive vocal stylings to two albums by UK electronic outfit Soulsavers. On top of that, he's teamed up with Afghan Whigs head honcho Greg Dulli for the hard-rocking Gutter Twins project, while continuing to make guest appearances with Queens of the Stone Age.
All of those influences are present on the new Mark Lanegan Band album Blues Funeral, which is produced by Queens of the Stone Age's Alain Johannes. It's not due out until February 7 via 4AD, but you can currently stream the entire record here in our Click Hear section.
Speaking with Exclaim! from his home in L.A., Lanegan said that the album got off to a rocky start when he discovered that his demos had been erased.
"That was a first," he explains. "I couldn't remember anything [on those tapes] that I really liked, so it was easier just to walk away."
However, Lanegan is truly proud of how Blues Funeral turned out, saying that the way he and Johannes were able to come up with new material from scratch was indicative of how their ongoing partnership remains probably the most rewarding one Lanegan has ever had in his career.
"Working with Al made dealing with all that a lot easier because he's so musically intuitive," Lanegan says. "I've made records with a lot of people over the last few years, but Al really supports my vision, and god willing we'll make the next record the same way."
Following a few select U.S. dates, the Mark Lanegan Band kicks off a six-week European tour February 26 in Helsinki, with further North American dates to come. For a complete list of all the currently announced stops, head here.
And of course to stream Blues Funeral, click here, where the album will be streaming until February 6.
All of those influences are present on the new Mark Lanegan Band album Blues Funeral, which is produced by Queens of the Stone Age's Alain Johannes. It's not due out until February 7 via 4AD, but you can currently stream the entire record here in our Click Hear section.
Speaking with Exclaim! from his home in L.A., Lanegan said that the album got off to a rocky start when he discovered that his demos had been erased.
"That was a first," he explains. "I couldn't remember anything [on those tapes] that I really liked, so it was easier just to walk away."
However, Lanegan is truly proud of how Blues Funeral turned out, saying that the way he and Johannes were able to come up with new material from scratch was indicative of how their ongoing partnership remains probably the most rewarding one Lanegan has ever had in his career.
"Working with Al made dealing with all that a lot easier because he's so musically intuitive," Lanegan says. "I've made records with a lot of people over the last few years, but Al really supports my vision, and god willing we'll make the next record the same way."
Following a few select U.S. dates, the Mark Lanegan Band kicks off a six-week European tour February 26 in Helsinki, with further North American dates to come. For a complete list of all the currently announced stops, head here.
And of course to stream Blues Funeral, click here, where the album will be streaming until February 6.