Dark Night of the Soul
[Self Released/Unreleased; 2009]
Posted by Chris Woodall on 11 June 2009
Links: Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse | Purchase Album
The term “dark night of the soul” refers to the stage in a person’s spiritual life when they feel alone and life seems dim. It is fitting that Danger Mouse and Linkous (aka Sparklehorse) chose this as the title for their collaboration. Not only does the term act as a unifying concept for the album, but it also packs a potent punch onto itself describing something that most people have felt.
A unifying concept is required for this album, though. Each song, while acting as part of a while, contains its own unique atmosphere. This is a byproduct of Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse utilizing various musicians and singers for each song. The songs range from slower indie-esque songs like “Revenge” and “Jaykub” to rock, punk and blues songs like “Angel’s Harp”, “Pain” and “Dark Night of the Soul”. However, all of the songs are generally glum and on the slow side with dark and introspective lyrics which, from time to time, reference religion – as in “Angel’s Harp” (‘Jesus and his hair’).
While each song is sonically distinctive, they are all tied together by Danger Mouse’s mastering techniques. The techniques are found in almost all of his work, from The Black Keys to Gnarls Barkley, and features highly distorted and edited vocal tracks as well as some hip-hop-esque sounds in the background, which come as no surprise given Danger Mouse’s background. While Dark Night of the Soul is a new step in Danger Mouse’s career, it very closely echoes the overall feel and sound of The Black Keys’ Attack and Release, and both Gnarls Barkley releases.
The album has a series of great songs like the ghostly reggae track “Everytime I’m With You.” However, even given the unifying concept and mood at times it feels less than cohesive. The effects laden voices can also become annoying from time to time.
Despite the album’s few hiccups, Dark Night of the Soul provides enough variety to appeal to enthusiasts of all genres. This idiosyncratic collaboration could not have been contrived by anyone other than Danger Mouse, who has dabbled in nearly every corner of the musical world. Furthermore, despite its dark themes, Dark Night of the Soul is a living, operative entity that has shown more spirit than nearly every other release this year, thanks to Danger Mouse’s intricate production and Linkous’ inconspicuous touches and songwriting.
86%
Editor’s Note: Given the situation with EMI and the album’s release we have taken the liberty to host a download of the album. It is located in the right sidebar, typically where the Lala player would be. Enjoy.
June 17th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Effects laden voices? Are we listening to the same album?
June 28th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
This is an amazing album! How are you taking the liberty to provide a download of this when no one else is able to do this? I am going crazy not being able to buy this because I am thinking that it needs to be experienced along with David Lynch's photos. So I'm tempted to download it (also because I really think EMI is being a big baby for preventing this from being released). Do you have any idea at all when this might actually be released…if at all?
June 29th, 2009 at 12:02 am
It is an amazing album. I am unsure about when it will be released. I have a feeling it will eventually be released, but the photography will definitely be released sooner than later.
@nnn – we could possibly have different definitions of effects, but I would not refer to these voices as being raw. Maybe effects laden was a tad on the dramatic side.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Thanks so much for hosting the download!! I’m still on the fence about filesharing and that, but it’s clear to me Danger Mouse has put a lot of thought into the system and, if he’s okay with me getting music that way I’m supportive of it. However, I am not p2p literate so I’m really glad you’ve provided another way for me to get this great album! This is the first album I’ve enjoyed in its entirety in a while, and after listening it all night studying I’m glad I can keep it with me on my iPod.
I wanted to say that I agree with the “effects laden voices” comment. I also find it annoying, but perhaps I’m more sensitive to it because I’ve been listening on my computer speakers
November 8th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I heard the Danger Mouse song, Everytime I'm with You” yesterday in a Goorin Bros. hat shop in The U District in Seattle yesterday and I was instantly enamored with the interesting sound and vocals!! The awesome sales guy wrote it down on a biz card for me and here we are….downloading it! Thanks so much!
July 10th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
finalmente se publica esta joya