Lovage

Dan the Automator is back under the guise of Nathaniel Merriweather, a man who wants to assist your lovemaking and female-wooing abilities via rhythm. Accompanied by a barrage of extensively talented identites, most notably including Mike Patton (Faith No More, Fantomas, Mr. Bungle, and about a thousand other amazing projects), Jennifer Charles of the Elysian Fields, Kid Koala, Prince Paul and Damon Albarn, he fulfills that intent with an album of trip-hoppy ensembles overlayed with intertwining male and female vocals. The greater moments of the album take place in the mesh of Patton and Charles' soothing vocals, as could be expected given the fact that Patton is arguably the greatest and most versatile vocalist alive. The result invovles some quite peculiar but relaxing amalgamations. 'Book of the Month' sounds like what might happen if Barry White became a member of Portishead. Actually, quite a bit of the album sounds Portishead-ish, which is in no way a bad thing. Something strange and ambient to lay back to, or another brick in the wall of albums for Patton collectors. Overall, 'Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By' is just that, in a very unusual and tongue-in-cheek way. ~ Blake Butler, All Music Guide