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Imitations
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Imitations Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest solo album fpr the alternative rock singer-songwriter features covers of songs sung by such artists as Nick Cave, Bobby Darin, Hall & Oates, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, and Andy Williams.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Record Collector
    Oct 30, 2013
    80
    Covers of songs by Nick Cave, Chelsea Wolfe and Lanegan’s Gutter Twins bandmate, Greg Dulli, bring this collection slightly more up to date, but nothing sounds out of place. Rather, in Lanegan’s hands, they coalesce to form a record of timeless, typically morose joy.
  2. Magnet
    Sep 19, 2013
    80
    Lanegan's stamp here is reverent-yet-indelible--think Mark Kozelek channeling AC/DC--and the organic sonic approach is an especially intriguing left turn following the electro buzz 'n' thrum of last year's resplendent Blues Funeral. [No. 102, p.57]
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  3. Clash Music
    Sep 26, 2013
    80
    Imitations comes at the right time of year: like autumn, it has a decayed feel. Yet, this is more triumphant than simply bleak.
  4. Exclaim
    Sep 13, 2013
    70
    Lanegan's edge is his keen ear for contemporary material that suits the overall mood.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Sep 17, 2013
    70
    Slight dips aside, Imitations could never be described as pale.
  6. Pitchfork
    Sep 19, 2013
    66
    Imitations may not alter Lanegan’s roundabout arc as a musical itinerant, but it’s a steady reminder of the breadth of his scope and the depth of his roots, not to mention his stature as one of the most potent voices of his generation.
  7. The Guardian
    Sep 12, 2013
    60
    It's lightweight stuff, and the artier items on the list don't add ballast. Taken as the simplest of pleasures, though, Imitations succeeds on anyone's terms.

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. privatepyle
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    This is the 2nd collection of covers that Mark Lanegan has released, the previous set being 1998's more blues & soul inflected 'I'll takeThis is the 2nd collection of covers that Mark Lanegan has released, the previous set being 1998's more blues & soul inflected 'I'll take care of you'. It's his easy listening album, It's a bit like his version of Rod Stewart's great american songbook album though don't let that put you off! For the most part it's pretty good, there being the only occasional misstep. His voice is in fine form throughout, and there is a melancholic edge to most of the songs (of course!) Nice orchestration & use of strings in the background.
    There is an excellent version of Nancy Sinatra's 'You'll only live twice' & Frank Sinatra's 'Solitaire'. A song I'm not too keen on is his cover of Mack the Knife, some songs are just untouchable, even for Mark Lanegan!! But at least he tries to keep things interesting. If you like this and haven't heard 'I'll take care of you' do yourself a favour & buy/download that also. Altogether an enjoyable detour.    … Collapse