A curiously tender, black-hearted modern soul classic; the last great record of the millennium, ifwere being pretentious, was how NME described Death in Vegas second album (1999), whichtook its name from the Contino Rooms in London (where it was recorded) and was nominated forthe 2000 Mercury Music Prize.

Perhaps the most accomplished expression of the outfits patented atmospheric blend of
electronica and groove-driven rock, the album includes an impressive cast of guest vocalists. DotAllison, Bobbie Gillespie, Jim Reid and Iggy Pop all provide star turns and the latter steals theshow. Confessing to being a murderer living in a cemetery would be over-the-top from most otherartists but for Iggy it makes perfect sense and his track, Aisha is the literal and figurativecentrepiece of the album.

Many of the tracks were featured in film, advertisement and video game soundtracks, notably theopener, Dirge. It was used by Levis and at least five different films in the decade after the albumwas issued, which has helped to make it the bands biggest streamer.