Blues Funeral
by Mark Lanegan
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Feb 7, 2012
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Feb 27, 2012
    60
    Minus usual vocal sidekicks Isobel Campbell and Greg Dulli (who appears briefly on the vintage drum-machine jam "St. Louis Elegy"), Lanegan's chafed baritone works best with bold backdrops.
  2. No Ripcord
    Feb 21, 2012
    60
    The album is at its most successful when Lanegan allows these alien textures [electronics, atmospheric guitar] to take a more prominent role in his songs, providing a counterfoil to his gravelly rock vocals. Elsewhere the songs meander too much for the album to coalesce into a convincing statement.
  3. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    60
    Though the grappling guitars of 'Riot In My House' wouldn't seem out of place on an MC5 album, Blues Funeral doesn't always kick out the jams.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Feb 10, 2012
    60
    [The album] is essentially a standard Mark Lanegan Band release.
  6. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Feb 6, 2012
    60
    Recorded in Hollywood, which figures - there is a near-visual sense of overstatement to the bleakness.
  7. The Guardian
    Feb 2, 2012
    60
    [It] contains no great shocks: for the most part, this is bluesy, lugubrious, modernish rock, elevated by Lanegan's remarkable gravel-pit of a voice.
  8. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 2, 2012
    60
    While most would expect nothing less from a Mark Lanegan Band LP, the end result is a record for ardent fans and not casual admirers.
  9. Pitchfork
    Feb 7, 2012
    59
    Though a mixed bag, Blues Funeral does have its moments.
  10. Chicago Tribune
    Mar 6, 2012
    50
    Lanegan remains a master of mood, his baritone croon one of rock's most inviting instruments. But even that voice can't patch over the weak spots on this inconsistent album.
  11. The A.V. Club
    Feb 7, 2012
    42
    Lanegan's voice may be timeless, but its versatility has its limits--and Blues Funeral tests those limits just a little too much.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. sharedsorrows
    Jan 17, 2013
    8
    Fabulous review. I've been listening to it on a streaming (official!) sharedsorrows.com - and you're not exaggerating. Ode to Sad Disco onFabulous review. I've been listening to it on a streaming (official!) sharedsorrows.com - and you're not exaggerating. Ode to Sad Disco on paper sounded like a terrible idea but the execution is wonderful.… Full Review »
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    9
    The seventh LP of Mark Lanegan surprised me completely. As indicated by the evocative title of the album, the CD is blues one, but it is bluesThe seventh LP of Mark Lanegan surprised me completely. As indicated by the evocative title of the album, the CD is blues one, but it is blues combined with electronics, and in conjunction with the vocals of the artist it gave great results - just listen to the single "The Gravedigger's Song" or "Riot In My House" . Although the blues reigns on the album also in ballads: lethargic "Bleeding Muddy Water", backed by the deep bass "St. Louis Elegy" or careless "Phantasmagoria Blues" on the album are also songs inspired by other styles of music. It is worth mentioning alternative "Gray Goes Black" and "Quiver Syndrome", Radiohead styled "Tiny Grain Of Truth", or an acoustic "Deep Black Vanishing Train". The album was even a place for strictly club compositions : "Ode To Sad Disco" and "Harborview Hospital". Anyway - what you want to listen - it is done brilliantly.… Full Review »
  3. captaindobey
    Mar 15, 2012
    10
    Mr Lanegan does it again. A very very special record. You'll struggle to hear anything better this year. This will deservedly feature in mostMr Lanegan does it again. A very very special record. You'll struggle to hear anything better this year. This will deservedly feature in most right minded folks best of/top 10 lists come December. A "Let England Shake" for 2012.… Full Review »
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