Lovage

Welcome to Nathaniel Merriweather's smoky lounge of lust, intrigue, and herbs — where satin sheets meet slipmats, and chocolate truffles and a massage meet turntables and a mixer. By all means, slide onto his leather couch and help yourself to some Lovage: Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By, a unique blend of tasty trip-hop, sexy soul, and sensual beats.

Produced by Dan "the Automator" Nakamura (Gorillaz, Deltron 3030, Dr. Octagon, Handsome Boy Modeling School), Lovage features an all-star cast including the dapper Mike Patton (Faith No More) and salacious Jennifer Charles (Elysian Fields) on vocals, and the smooth-as-cognac Kid Koala on decks. Special guest sexologists are Chest Rockwell (Prince Paul from Handsome Boy Modeling School), Afrika Bambaataa, Chármelle Carmel (Plug 3 from De La Soul), and Damien Thorn VII (Damon Albarn), lending even more vocals to the mix. As a prolific purveyor of futuristic, forward-thinking conceptual projects, Dan the Automator is notorious for bringing us more than just the music. Most recently, his collaborative efforts on the intergalactic fairy tale Deltron3030, and the cartoon-fronted, fantasy-fueled Gorillaz prove the Automator’s belief in albums as whole packages — complete with alter-egos and "out-there" artwork. Curious about the mysterious subject of Dan's latest project?

LOVAGE (noun): Lovage is an herb that is said to be a benefit for relieving abdominal pains due to gastrointestinal gas. It's also been touted to reduce flatulence when consumed as a tea brewed from its roots or leaves. So light up a fine Cuban cigar and pour yourself a little something… Two parts Hennessey, one part Lovage, perhaps?

Lovage is the name Nathaniel Merriweather, aka Dan the Automator, gave to the group he formed for his 2001 album Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By. He was assisted by a variety of other performers, including Mike Patton (of Faith No More and Fantomas), Kid Koala, Damon Albarn (of Blur), Prince Paul, Jennifer Charles (of Elysian Fields), and others. Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By was their first release. ~ Blake Butler, All Music Guide