Imitations

Mark Lanegan’s second all-covers album was a sequel in more ways than one to the earlier I’ll Take Care Of You, sharing a producer in Martin Feveyear plus many of the musicians. Imitations is an elegant continuation of the overall aesthetic, combining both classic pop and country songs from past decades with a few newer tracks, including a remarkable version of Nick Cave’s “Brompton Oratory.” Of the classics, “Pretty Colors” and “Solitaire” are perfect for him, while his interpretation of Nancy Sinatra’s James Bond theme “You Only Live Twice” is exquisite.