SOMEWHERE UP there beyond the sky, Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous is probably strumming contentedly with Vic Chesnutt. Dark Night Of The Soul will attract attention for all the wrong reasons in light of their recent suicides.

This recording was the brainchild of Danger Mouse and Linkous and has a glittering cast of guest stars contributing lyrics, including Julian Casablancas, Iggy Pop and The Flaming Lips. Film director David Lynch provides some of the lyrics too and the accompanying visuals. None of these personalities overshadows the mood, and for once Danger Mouse resists the urge to apply a non-reflective studio sheen. Instead this is a record you can immerse yourself in.

There are a number of standouts with Insane Lullaby being as good as its title suggests and The Strokes’ Casablancas delivers the most tuneful moment with Little Girl. The enjoyable mix of styles means it could work well as a film soundtrack, but this also serves to make it accessible to those standing impassively outside the inner circle of navel gazers.