It was officially released a year later than scheduled, yet still, Dark Night of The Soul, a collaboration between the studio wizard, Brian Burton, a.k.a. Danger Mouse and Mark Linkous, the lone survivor of the rock band, SparkleHorse, has the feel of a forty year old classic. There is never a bad time for a great album, and this one will, for sure, claim a permanent place in your play-list.

This project is a blend of Linkous‘ unique songwriting, which is rooted in the alternative sound of the 90′s, and the cutting-edge production techniques of Danger Mouse, who began in the trip-hop realm and has branched out to work with the likes of Beck, among others. It is then lined with an all-star cast of singers, like Iggy Pop, Jason Lytle, Vic Chestnut, and more, all of whom had a hand in the creativity. The recipe is brilliant.

The first track, “Revenge” featuring vocals by The Flaming Lips, sounds like a lost track off of Pink Floyd‘s The Wall. It then slides into “Just War” with Gruff Rhys, another great tune, which infuses Danger Mouse‘s electronica sound. From there it is a medley of psychedelic/alternative rock tunes led by the featured vocalist and glossed over with various harmonic effects, fortified drums, synths, and other studio tricks. It all works beautifully.

Unfortunately, the album brings more lure than simply its music. Besides the legal dispute, which delayed the release and forced the accompanying book of photographs by David Lynch (another classic touch in itself) to be packaged along with a suggestive blank CD-R, Mark Linkous sadly committed suicide on March 6, 2010. Although his loss will be mourned for some time, his last donation to the world will be celebrated forever.