"I'll take care of you is Mark Lanegan's fourth solo offering and consists entirely of cover versions. Mellow, simple and beautiful, this is an album to be played late at night where, with a drink and a cigarette (and preferably a sleazy companion) you can wallow deep in the embrace of Lanegan's smokey vocals. Some of the songs seem strange at first - f'instance, Little Sadie appears to be a trad folk track - but Lanegan has stripped and shaped them and made each one his own. Not as deeply personal (or pain soaked) as his previous works nonetheless this album works so perfectly. His voice is outstanding - I was already a big fan of earlier albums and the Screaming Trees - however this, I believe, is the album for everyone and anyone. Buy."
Take care of this!
itsrough | Thessaloniki,Greece | 01/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whenever I buy a CD, I always hear the first 15 secs of each track and then skip to the next.With this... I couldn't skip one single second.I've spent one entire day hearing and hearing it again.I've always loved Lanegan's work, but this... it's by far his best.Mark recently appeared in my country and I found out his genious; he's definitely THE PERFORMER, in the sense of substuntiating his hearings, as well his own remarkable chants, into a world of grace and lament, never explored before.What a pity for Amazon giving only 5 stars..."
Four for four
itsrough | 09/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Mark's fourth solo record and he's as consistent as it gets, without growing tiresome or predictable. All of the songs are covers but sound like a natural extension of his own writing from the three previous records. "I'll Take Care of You" comes out roughly a year after "Scraps at Midnight." This is incredibly prolific compared to his normal pace, solo or with the Trees, but there is no sign of haste. On the title track, his voice sounds more poised than it possibly ever has. "Shiloh Town" and "Consider Me" are immediately powerful and almost every other song shows promise of eventually becoming my favorite.Mark, please tour for this; you were incredible at Showbox last year!"
Lanegan can do no wrong
itsrough | 09/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While I was not familiar with the most of the artists or songs that Mark is covering here, they sound more than right at home with his amazing voice. Beautiful from beginning to end. Consider Me and Together Again are my current favorites, but like his last three solo albums, it'll be in my CD player for months so I'm sure that'll change."
Taking care of your late night needs...
High Duke | Zagreb, CROATIA | 08/04/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Lanegan has spent years honing his sound on his solo projects, and that sound has drifted further and further away from his previous band, The Screaming Trees, and is miles apart from his work with Queens of the Stone Age. With each subsequent album, Lanegan has become earthier and rootsier in his stylings. This album represents a break between albums and a chance to focus on some influences and to work on some favourite songs. The album is all cover songs but Lanegan has a way of making them sound like original compositions. The standout track on the album is the title song ''I'll Take Care Of You''. I wish I knew who did the original cause I'd love to hear it. If it's as good as this one, then I owe that singer a debt of gratitude. I've put this track on many times before and chicks just melt. It's a song filled with a weariness that comes out in every note, but it's a song of understanding. The song everyone would like sung to them. The arrangement is gorgeous, and the instruments evoke images of smoky, neon lit rooms. There's even a vibraphone and flute which take it beyond mere blues and add a touch of jazz. I am, however, familiar with Eddie Floyd's version of 'Consider Me' which Lanegan takes from a sweet soul lament and turns it into a sad, but hopeful plea. The album as a whole is a tribute to past masters long forgotten in the annals of popular music history. It spans the whole rich spectrum of Americana that's, thankfully, being noticed again these days. The album spans folk, country, blues, western, R & B; soul, rock n' roll and jazz and strips them all down to their basic root, proving that they all come from the same vein. Lanegan's voice is top notch, a deep, rich baritone with a damaged scratchiness that suggests pain, loss and weathered experience. 'Creeping Coastline Of Lights' is a spooky little track that would be perfect to listen to along a deserted Southern California highway. I like how Lanegan takes different singers and songwriters and connects them through his interpretations. An outstanding album that really should be in everyone's collection. File under 'mellow'.