Record of the Week is Straight Songs of Sorrow, a gripping new set from Mark Lanegan. His memoir* 'Sing Backwards and Weep' was released last week and has been getting rave reviews, the release of this new LP feels in many ways like a companion piece. It's unflinching in tone, but the darkness doesn't feel like a deliberate dressing, it's just dark. Production is really good, lots of guests (Warren Ellis, Shelley Brien, Adrian Utley, Greg Dulli, Ed Harcourt) and the little electronic gestures and muted instrumentation really draw you in. Another great collection from a very original voice.
