Lovage

Dan the Automator teams up with Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas) and Jennifer Charles, then invites special guests like Prince Paul, Damon Albarn of Blur and hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. These are individuals prone to collaboration so, no surprise, rather than a hectic mess resulting from too many chefs, Lovage comes off as a real band with a solid, consistent identity. In fact, fans of the special guests may be disappointed at not being able to pick them out. This album is super-sexed: Patton sounds more sensual than manic here, and the music is typical Dan the Automator—old Jackie Gleason “music for lovers” albums mixed with hypnotic beats, samples and some very skillful scratching. Altogether, these artists seem to be losing the need to hit us over the head with how experimental they can be and are maturing into subtle and skillful craftsmen. Listen to it with someone you love.