Field Songs

Mark Lanegan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sub Pop
• ASIN: B00005CCBF
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,962 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #4 in Music > Indie Music > Rock > Singer-Songwriters
  • #97 in Music > Rock > Singer-Songwriters

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST CD I'VE HEARD IN YEARS, August 29, 2003

By 

derty dee "hyena206" (Seattle, Wa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Field Songs (Audio CD)

There have been a couple of instances where I've almost bought this CD but somehow doubted it being anywhere near as good as WHISKEY FOR THE HOLY GHOST. After listening to the new QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and the before mentioned Lanegan release I felt inclined to check this album out. The first two songs especially NO EASY ACTION; a traveling gypsy caravan moving through rolling hills of gold in blood red sun. Amazing. I felt like the music was getting me high. You can really see the range in this guy's voice on this song which is on some of his previous works a bit to subdued. The backing band of musicians is different from song to song but mainly keeps Mike Johnson as his right hand man at guitar (whom plays on, I think, every other Lanegan album) whom plays great but just enough so that the vocals shine through. Besides Johnson there are many other competent musicians making Lanegan's lyrics of barren, melancholy imagery and landscapes appear tangible in the mind of the listener. The music is so atmospheric he reminds me alot of Tom Waits, not neccessarily in musical style but the approach with very thick, layered sounds and instruments that make you feel as you are in the world of the musician. Also, the obvious parallel in the raspy vocals the two singers share There is an immense depth of feeling created by the music alone as can be heard in the instrumental piece BLUES FOR D. The whole album is beautiful and shifts mainly from folk/rhythm-and-blues songs. Two of my friends bought this album shortly after hearing a few of the songs through my copy of the album. If you like some of the more serious sounding Tom Waits material or have any of Lanegan's other material this is a must have.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars observer, September 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Field Songs (Audio CD)

Sadly, not enough people will be blessed to have a listen to this record. Then again, sometimes that which is sought out is better than that which is forcefed to us over the airwaves and television sets. This is certainly the case here. Go find this album and become immersed in a world of whiskey stained reflection and melencholy. This is just one of those albums that you feel inside. Upon listening, you soon realize this is more than just pre-fabricated noise. Mark lanegan is definatly a feelings man. Sit back, have a smoke, grab onto your favorite poison and relax. It doesnt get much better than this.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intense & Brooding Singer/Songwriter, September 7, 2007

By 

Tom Chase (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Field Songs (Audio CD)

Those familiar with Mark Lanegan's previous outings into brooding folk/blues music will have no surprises with "Field Songs". Combine his sublime whiskey-drenched delivery (which immediately recalls the gravely tones of Tom Waits), a refined understanding of traditional folk and blues and then throw in the rock sensibility of 90s band Screaming Trees and "Field Songs" is the result. Perhaps Lanegan's best album to date with improved and more diverse writing, it still tragically remains an overlooked gem in the realms of singer/songwriter music.

"Field Songs" boasts some of Lanegan's best song writing. "No Easy Action" is a sumptuous flourishing rock song - fashioning very unique vocal harmonies thanks to middle-Eastern styled female vocals sustaining held notes over the top of Lanegan's delivery. This flows effortlessly into an archetypal Lanegan slow-burner in "Miracle", a shift in mood and atmosphere that is both bold and highly successful. "Don't Forget Me" and "Fix" are two of Lanegan's best blues romps, combining strong writing and menacing, gritty vocal performances. "Kimiko's Dream House" is a surprising soft and subtle highlight, and shows Lanegan's diversity as a writer. My personal favourite of the album, and quite possibly my favourite Lanegan song to date, is the stunning "Resurrection Song". The song instantly draws parallels to "Riding The Nightingale" from the album "Whiskey For The Holy Ghost" due to its stripped down atmosphere, focusing solely on guitar and voice, and forging a wonderfully engaging and raw piece.

"Field Songs" showcases a more diverse album than past releases thanks to tracks such as "No Easy Action" and "Kimiko's Dream House". It also refines the trademark Lanegan song, and combines to make a truly wonderful singer/songwriter album I highly recommend.