Ahead of new album The Weaving, out via Cruel Nature at the end of July, dark-folk singer/songwriter Emmaleen Tangleweed takes us through five influential albums and one curveball – in other words their ‘Six of the Best’!
Engine of Hell by Emma Ruth Rundle. The emotional vulnerability and sense of catharsis on this live record breathes in a way that really gets me in the guts. It’s inspired me to embrace having an unusual voice and to go deeper lyrically.
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Black Pudding by Mark Lanegan and Duke Garwood. Hypnotic, long–distance driving music. There’s an archetypal timelessness feel in this record I really love.
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Mule Variations by Tom Waits. The songs on this record have lived and grown with me for a very long time. Waits offers such a sense of atmosphere and place with universal themes that take you on an inner journey. “Movies for the ears,” as he describes it. My songwriting style is very much a product of my parents playing Tom Waits to me as a young child.
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The Lady and Mr Johnson, a tribute to Robert Johnson by Rory Block. Block’s slide playing is so raw and immediate, I’m reminded how much can be done with a single instrument and a voice that tells the truth.
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The Mysterious Tale of how I Shouted Wrong-eyed Jesus! by Jim White. This record goes down its own weird path of Appalachian outlaw country blues. It’s another record that’s tattooed itself under my skin.
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The Road by DakhaBrakha. Ukrainian quartet featuring tribal rhythms with chant like vocals calling straight from the heart of their motherland. I love the unique choice of instrumentation and simple yet unexpected arrangements. One of my favourite records, even though I don’t understand the lyrics it’s definitely influenced how I approach vocalizing and treating instruments in new ways.
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Find The Weaving here and follow Emmaleen on Insta here.
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Aural Aggravation 