The Winding Sheet Mark Lanegan

• 1 Mockingbirds 02:30
• 2 Museum 02:50
• 3 Undertow 02:52
• 4 Ugly Sunday 03:56
• 5 Down in the Dark 03:21
• 6 Wild Flowers 02:59
• 7 Eyes of a Child 04:01
• 8 The Winding Sheet 05:32
• 9 Woe 02:05
• 10 Ten Feet Tall 02:50
• 11 Where Did You Sleep Last Night 03:59
• 12 Juarez 01:21
• 13 I Love You Little Girl (48 kHz) 02:04
• Total Runtime 40:20

Info for The Winding Sheet

Shortly before the early-1990s grunge boom hit, Screaming Trees vocalist Mark Lanegan was already blazing his own path with his solo debut, „The Winding Sheet“. Marking a considerable departure from the Trees' feedback-drenched neo-psychedelia, this spare collection of acoustic-leaning songs allows Lanegan to wander into darker, more unsettling territory, as revealed on the thrillingly bleak 'Mockingbirds' and the haunting title track. Not only do these subdued songs, co-written with guitarist Mike Johnson, allow Lanegan's deep, husky voice to hang in the air longer, they share a shadowy, nearly macabre sensibility with other revered artists such as Nick Cave and Tom Waits, giving the singer added appeal and mystique beyond the standard rock-frontman persona.

„The Winding Sheet“ is also notable for featuring the backing vocals of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain on the sinister 'Down in the Dark' and a cover of Leadbelly's desperate 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night,' the latter a track that Nirvana would perform on its „Unplugged In New York“ album. An underrated classic of the Pacific Northwest scene, this record established Lanegan as an intriguing and unpredictable artist in his own right, a reputation that he would make the most of in subsequent years.

„Removing himself for a moment from the rowdy world of grunge, Screaming Trees singer Mark Lanegan put his best solo foot forward with a set of acoustic dirges. His menacing voice haunts each track as the blues come to life throughout the album. Capturing the melancholy mentality of the Pacific Northwest, his words descend like raindrops upon deep puddles of mud. The undeniable beauty of a song such as 'Ugly Sunday' obviously comes from reveling in the mire, something that Lanegan has been all too familiar with as a recovering addict. He finds a kindred spirit in Kurt Cobain as the two join forces to present 'Down in the Dark.' And his version of Leadbelly's 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night' is as charged as ever with pent-up frustration and jealousy. An emotional journey through the pains of life, The Winding Sheet is an album that accurately expresses the candid underbelly of the grunge aesthetic.“ (Robert Gabriel, AMG)

Mark Lanegan, vocals, acoustic guitar (on tracks 6, 9, 13)
Kurt Cobain, electric guitar (on track 11), background vocal (on tracks 5, 11)
Krist Novoselic, bass (on track 11)
Jack Endino, bass (on tracks 1, 3 - 5, 10), second electric guitar (on track 5)
Mike Johnson, acoustic guitar (on tracks 1 - 4, 7 - 8, 10), electric guitar (on tracks 1, 3 - 5, 8, 10)
Mark Pickerel, drums (on tracks 1, 3 - 5, 11)
Steve Fisk, organ (on tracks 8, 12), piano (on tracks 1, 4)
Justin Williams, violin (on tracks 3, 7)

Recorded in December 1989 at Reciprocal Recording, Seattle, Washington
Produced by Jack Endino, Mike Johnson and Mark Lanegan

Digitally remastered

Mark Lanegan
is best known for his years as the vocalist for the Screaming Trees. He has also been built a following with a number of remarkable solo records that highlight his love for singer/songwriters, and American folk and blues.

This album contains no booklet.