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Sunday At Devil Dirt
by Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan
This is the second collaboration with ex-Screaming Trees singer Mark Lanegan.
| LABEL: |
Vagrant |
| RELEASE DATE: |
18 November 2008 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
Rock, Indie |
NOTES: Original UK release 13 May 2008.
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
84
Paste Magazine
Like last time, the new album features Lanegan handling lead vocals while Campbell takes on the writing, production and arrangement chores, resulting in a twilight-soaked bundle of songs for the wee small hours, when the light is low and the mood is too.
83
The Onion (A.V. Club)
As the second song, 'The Raven,' comes in, featuring Lanegan atop Campbell's wordless backdrop, it's clear that their chemistry not only extends beyond the niceties of their voices intertwining, but overcomes the potential for novelty inherent in their initial collaboration, 2006's "Ballad Of The Broken Seas."
80
Uncut
Sunday At Devil Dirt inhabits the same scorched earth, but is a more confident record. Ironically, this confidence manifests itself in an understated vocal performance from Campbell, leaving the spotlight on Lanegan’s dusty baritone.
80
All Music Guide
Devil Dirt is almost a carbon copy of Broken Seas in every way (except for the decidedly cheap looking album art). This similarity could be problematic and make the album less impressive or desirable; fortunately, the formula is strong and worth revisiting.
80
musicOMH.com
Where Campbell and Lanegan's first album of dusty duets was an unexpected treat, this is less of a surprise but builds on that record's success, exploring the musical chemistry between the two still further.
80
Alternative Press
Though some of the songs are more sultry than dark, this overall effect of Lanegan up front and Campbell in the middle distance--angelic, etheral, almost intangible--is the magic that makes their collaboration so memorable. [Jan 2008, p.124]
75
Prefix Magazine
Sunday at Devil Dirt, for all the dark imagery and surgically perfect string arrangements, works best when Lanegan and Campbell involve themselves with simpler sentiments.
74
Filter
They've got the chemistry, but it seems that Campbell sold herself short when singing parts were drawn. [Holiday 2008, p.94]
70
Spin
Nearly every song on their second collaboration--but particularly the brooding 'Salvation' and sweetly melancholy 'Trouble'--reveals gorgeous comfort in the juxtaposition.
70
Under The Radar
With Sunday at Devil Dirt, Campbell and Lanegan have created a more-than-able follow-up to their classic debut. [Year End 2008]
70
Hartford Courant
Lanegan and Campbell are different creatures, but they have the same concept of cool.
70
Hot Press
Their sunniest record yet, Campbell and Lanegan continue to impress with this short, but sweet, mini album.
63
Pitchfork
While Sunday at Devil Dirt may be more of the same (with glimpses of Tom Waits' junkyard blues tossed in to good effect), Campbell and Lanegan were never out to do anything different.
60
Slant Magazine
The lyrics are competent, the posturing never feels too artificial, and Lanegan's gruff rasp and Campbell's airy voice blend together like a well-made cup of coffee.
60
The Guardian
Campbell's better when she's having fun, joining her cohort on the lusty, smoky 'Come on Over (Turn Me On),' and shedding her delicate skin on 'Shotgun Blues' to become not just a Tennessee Williams vixen, but Lanegan's worthy soulmate.
60
NOW Magazine
It’s essentially a continuation of "Ballad Of The Broken Seas," with Lanegan’s world-weary baritone bellow completely overpowering Campbell’s wispy waif-like purr and making her come off like a background singer on her own project.
60
PopMatters
Sunday leans towards more straightforward, more folky arrangements, losing some of its punch.
50
Village Voice
Although Devil Dirt has its rewarding moments, they're usually matters of arrangement rather than execution or personality, which means it's more about the chemistry of boy-meets-girl than about the specific boy or girl.
50
Drowned In Sound
Again penned almost entirely by Campbell before tweaked to fit Lanegan’s whisky-guzzled grumbling, there’s a distinct element of ‘seen it, done it, milking it’ to every rootsy, airsome shanty and, although executed with exemplary grace, it seems there’s not quite enough fuel left to stoke the fires of desire once more.
50
Tiny Mix Tapes
In total, it sort of feels like Campbell and Lanegan want to be on the balcony and in the party at the same time, and so succeed at neither.
40
Austin Chronicle
Between her sweet and his sour, there should be a whole lot more shaking going on, but instead it's like they keep coming out of the dressing room with the same hat on.
The average user rating for this album is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 2 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
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