Haven't posted much lately cause I've been travelling. Conveniently enough, I've had this old Screaming Trees song playing in my head.
Showing posts with label Mark Lanegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Lanegan. Show all posts
4/18/11
3/18/11
Hi Slovakia!
According to the Blogger statistics, most of my readers are from...drum roll...Slovakia! Why, you may ask. Heck, I may ask that myself as well. Unfortunately I have no idea and since I don't know any people from the great country of Slovakia, there's nobody to consult. Anyways, I'm now considering of relocating to Slovakia since I seem to be more popular there than in my home country. It must be a nice place. Funnily enough, when I started this blog most of my readers were from the US which - of course - makes me wonder if they've relocated already! Maybe Slovakia's the world's best kept secret?
Anyways, there was something I was going to write about before I got sidetracked. Oh yes, the new Mark Lanegan song. Apparently Mr Lanegan has written a new song for some video game (or PC game or whatever - I don't know shit about any developments in that area since Pacman) and yes, you guessed it, it's a killer. It's got a haunting and somehow westernish kind of feel to it and really makes me wish I had a cowboy hat and a horse to ride to the sunset. And a desert and perhaps some Morricone in the background as well. Anyways, here's the song.
See what I mean with the westernish feel? If you liked the song you can download it for free here. I'm SO looking forward to the new album Lanegan's recording at the moment with Alain Johannes (if you don't know who he is, have a peek here).
And here's some Morricone too. I'll use any opportunity I get to post some Morricone.
Anyways, there was something I was going to write about before I got sidetracked. Oh yes, the new Mark Lanegan song. Apparently Mr Lanegan has written a new song for some video game (or PC game or whatever - I don't know shit about any developments in that area since Pacman) and yes, you guessed it, it's a killer. It's got a haunting and somehow westernish kind of feel to it and really makes me wish I had a cowboy hat and a horse to ride to the sunset. And a desert and perhaps some Morricone in the background as well. Anyways, here's the song.
See what I mean with the westernish feel? If you liked the song you can download it for free here. I'm SO looking forward to the new album Lanegan's recording at the moment with Alain Johannes (if you don't know who he is, have a peek here).
And here's some Morricone too. I'll use any opportunity I get to post some Morricone.
2/12/11
Devil's in the details
I'm such a sucker for cover songs. There's just something intriguing about the way some bands or artists manage to make someone else's song their own. I think it's fairly rare, too. In my opinion merely playing through Louie Louie doesn't mean you're really covering it but then again, some bands have managed to breathe new life even into such a classic song. Like Black Flag, for instance [listen to their version on Youtube].
It's not necessary to change the song completely to make it your own, though. Now here's is something I find fascinating. On the latest Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan record Hawk there is a Townes Van Zandt cover called No Place To Fall. It's sung by Isobel and a young folksinger called Willy Mason, apparently because Lanegan didn't want to sing it at first. He seems to have changed his mind later on because lately he's been singing it live with Isobel.
A change of heart is not the fascinating part I was referring to, though. The interesting bit is how different those two versions, Lanegan's and Mason's, sound. Here they are, both acoustic and performed live with Isobel but still a million miles apart. Devil's in the details: the way you see the song and how you address the audience. And if you listen to the original version, it's totally different again.
And the original version:
It's not necessary to change the song completely to make it your own, though. Now here's is something I find fascinating. On the latest Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan record Hawk there is a Townes Van Zandt cover called No Place To Fall. It's sung by Isobel and a young folksinger called Willy Mason, apparently because Lanegan didn't want to sing it at first. He seems to have changed his mind later on because lately he's been singing it live with Isobel.
A change of heart is not the fascinating part I was referring to, though. The interesting bit is how different those two versions, Lanegan's and Mason's, sound. Here they are, both acoustic and performed live with Isobel but still a million miles apart. Devil's in the details: the way you see the song and how you address the audience. And if you listen to the original version, it's totally different again.
And the original version:
12/9/10
Alain Johannes - a man and a cigarbox guitar
Multi-talent is a term often thrown around ungroundedly. But it's the only word that can be used to describe Alain Johannes. In addition to being able to play the guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, keyboard, flute, clarinet, saxophone, fiddle and several other instruments, Alain Johannes is also a gifted singer, songwriter, recording engineer and producer. You may not know him by his name but if you've listened to Queens Of The Stone Age, Chris Cornell, Them Crooked Vultures, Spinnerette, Desert Sessions or Mark Lanegan records, you probably know some of his work.
I was lucky enough to see Alain Johannes play as an opener for Gogol Bordello and DeVotchKa a couple of days ago - a somewhat odd slot for him, if you ask me, but of course nobody does and of course I was happy to see him even only for 30 minutes or so.
On stage Alain seemed exactly as one might expect - perhaps slightly unaccustomed to being alone in the limelight but obviously a very skillful and talented musician, equipped only with his cigarbox guitar (as in the photo). The set consisted mostly of songs from his first solo album "Spark", released this autumn.
So why did such a talented musician wait till his forties before going solo? I'm guessing Alain just never had any reason to work alone before. He found his perfect match both in life and in music in Natasha Shneider, his life partner for over 20 years, who unfortunately passed away due to cancer in 2008. The story about the two meeting, living and working together, completing each other every step of the way is pretty exceptional. In addition to having a band together (Eleven, with the drummer Jack Irons) they often worked together on many of the aforementioned collaborations.
In a way, Natasha helped Alain on "Spark" as well. In his recent interviews Alain's told about how he felt Natasha's presence so strongly while writing and recording the album that it was like she was there, guiding him. This "gentle ghost" of Natasha was the only one who's help he agreed to have on the album, which is written, played, recorded and produced solely by Alain himself.
The most staggering thing about "Spark" is how balanced and hopeful it sounds. Obviously, the album is dedicated to Natasha and it deals with the tremendous loss of a very close person. The end result however is not a dark requiem but a beautiful collage of intertwining moods and musical textures, a perfect mixture of light and shade. A highly recommendable and inspiring effort, and definitely one of the best albums of 2010. And next year Alain's set to collaborate with Mark Lanegan on his upcoming solo album. Somehow I've got a feeling it might turn out pretty fine as well.
Alain in a cigarbox battle:
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| Photo by Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times |
I was lucky enough to see Alain Johannes play as an opener for Gogol Bordello and DeVotchKa a couple of days ago - a somewhat odd slot for him, if you ask me, but of course nobody does and of course I was happy to see him even only for 30 minutes or so.
On stage Alain seemed exactly as one might expect - perhaps slightly unaccustomed to being alone in the limelight but obviously a very skillful and talented musician, equipped only with his cigarbox guitar (as in the photo). The set consisted mostly of songs from his first solo album "Spark", released this autumn.
So why did such a talented musician wait till his forties before going solo? I'm guessing Alain just never had any reason to work alone before. He found his perfect match both in life and in music in Natasha Shneider, his life partner for over 20 years, who unfortunately passed away due to cancer in 2008. The story about the two meeting, living and working together, completing each other every step of the way is pretty exceptional. In addition to having a band together (Eleven, with the drummer Jack Irons) they often worked together on many of the aforementioned collaborations.
In a way, Natasha helped Alain on "Spark" as well. In his recent interviews Alain's told about how he felt Natasha's presence so strongly while writing and recording the album that it was like she was there, guiding him. This "gentle ghost" of Natasha was the only one who's help he agreed to have on the album, which is written, played, recorded and produced solely by Alain himself.
The most staggering thing about "Spark" is how balanced and hopeful it sounds. Obviously, the album is dedicated to Natasha and it deals with the tremendous loss of a very close person. The end result however is not a dark requiem but a beautiful collage of intertwining moods and musical textures, a perfect mixture of light and shade. A highly recommendable and inspiring effort, and definitely one of the best albums of 2010. And next year Alain's set to collaborate with Mark Lanegan on his upcoming solo album. Somehow I've got a feeling it might turn out pretty fine as well.
Alain in a cigarbox battle:
11/25/10
10 reasons to love Mark Lanegan
Sheesh, I hate buying tickets. Especially when I really, really want to see a gig but know that hordes of other people do too. This morning tickets to a Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell gig in my hometown came for sale and yes, I did manage to get mine. Phew.
To celebrate this and Mark's 46th birthday, which happens to be today as well *insert balloons and a cake* I thought I'd write down why he's worth all the trouble.
Rolling your eyes yet, expecting some kind of soppy fan girl mumbojumbo to follow up next? No need for that. If you keep on reading you'll see my reasons are extremely good. In fact, they're so good that I challenge you to try and argue against me. If you think you can.
Ok, let's go then.
As a fan of mr. Lanegan...
1. ...you won't get into arguments only because you say you like him.
Lanegan's voice and his ability to use it are indisputable. You can tell anyone you like him and nobody's gonna wonder why. He knows his stuff. And that's a fact, not a matter of opinion.
2. ...you'll frequently have new songs to listen to.
With Lanegan there's no need to wait years for new material. He likes to collaborate with other musicians and does it all the time so new stuff keeps popping up.
3. ...you'll never get bored.
Lanegan's known to like many genres of music from reggae to noise, instrumental, rock, punk, folk, blues...you name it, he probably knows it. This broad-mindedness shows in his choice of collaborations and solo work. He can sing just as well on a children's record [like he has done here] as on an americana, rock or electro record.
4. ...you can count on him to remain cool.
Despite of being very busy and productive Lanegan keeps the bar high and doesn't release dubious material. He seems to like a bit of experimenting but has been making music long enough to know where to draw the line. As a fan you're safe; he's not gonna lose judgment like some musicians have done. And when I say some, I mean Chris Cornell.
5. ...you can count on him to stick around.
The man's already survived grunge, heroin and various unfortunate incidents, including a bizarre farming accident. He does get into trouble but always seems to be able to find a way out and stay alive.
6. ...you'll have music for every mood.
No matter how you're feeling, Lanegan's has already recorded an album or at least a couple of songs that'll suit your mood. For instance, I'm convinced that listening to his "I'll Take Care Of You" ep could be able to cure most people of depression simply because it's so comforting. Unfortunately drug companies will never admit to this so you'll just have to take my word for it.
7. ...you'll see him sing live.
Lanegan seems to like touring and appearing as a guest at his friend's gigs. You won't have to wait for ages to see him play live somewhere close to you.
8. ...you're not going to be disappointed with his live performance.
We've all been there - sometimes you bump into a brilliant album but when you hear the band play live, they suck. With Lanegan it's not gonna happen. Whatever's on the record he can deliver live as well. I must admit that on stage he may sometimes seem a bit like those Easter Island statues [as noted in this blog] but he will make up for it with charisma and emotion in his voice.
9. ...you'll be supporting someone who gets better all the time.
Need proof? Listen to the original version of his song "Kingdoms of Rain" from 1994 [on Youtube] and then the version he made with Soulsavers in 2007 [on Youtube]. Although both versions kick ass it's evident his voice keeps becoming better all the time.
10. ...you'll always be intrigued by his persona.
Lanegan doesn't like to talk about his private life or explain his actions. On stage he hardly ever says anything more than thank you. If you're lucky, you'll hear it a couple of times. Some folks describe him as scary, silent and evasive, others as considerate, talkative and fun. Only thing that's certain is that he'll stay a mystery.
To celebrate this and Mark's 46th birthday, which happens to be today as well *insert balloons and a cake* I thought I'd write down why he's worth all the trouble.
Rolling your eyes yet, expecting some kind of soppy fan girl mumbojumbo to follow up next? No need for that. If you keep on reading you'll see my reasons are extremely good. In fact, they're so good that I challenge you to try and argue against me. If you think you can.
Ok, let's go then.
As a fan of mr. Lanegan...
1. ...you won't get into arguments only because you say you like him.
Lanegan's voice and his ability to use it are indisputable. You can tell anyone you like him and nobody's gonna wonder why. He knows his stuff. And that's a fact, not a matter of opinion.
2. ...you'll frequently have new songs to listen to.
With Lanegan there's no need to wait years for new material. He likes to collaborate with other musicians and does it all the time so new stuff keeps popping up.
3. ...you'll never get bored.
Lanegan's known to like many genres of music from reggae to noise, instrumental, rock, punk, folk, blues...you name it, he probably knows it. This broad-mindedness shows in his choice of collaborations and solo work. He can sing just as well on a children's record [like he has done here] as on an americana, rock or electro record.
4. ...you can count on him to remain cool.
Despite of being very busy and productive Lanegan keeps the bar high and doesn't release dubious material. He seems to like a bit of experimenting but has been making music long enough to know where to draw the line. As a fan you're safe; he's not gonna lose judgment like some musicians have done. And when I say some, I mean Chris Cornell.
5. ...you can count on him to stick around.
The man's already survived grunge, heroin and various unfortunate incidents, including a bizarre farming accident. He does get into trouble but always seems to be able to find a way out and stay alive.
6. ...you'll have music for every mood.
No matter how you're feeling, Lanegan's has already recorded an album or at least a couple of songs that'll suit your mood. For instance, I'm convinced that listening to his "I'll Take Care Of You" ep could be able to cure most people of depression simply because it's so comforting. Unfortunately drug companies will never admit to this so you'll just have to take my word for it.
7. ...you'll see him sing live.
Lanegan seems to like touring and appearing as a guest at his friend's gigs. You won't have to wait for ages to see him play live somewhere close to you.
8. ...you're not going to be disappointed with his live performance.
We've all been there - sometimes you bump into a brilliant album but when you hear the band play live, they suck. With Lanegan it's not gonna happen. Whatever's on the record he can deliver live as well. I must admit that on stage he may sometimes seem a bit like those Easter Island statues [as noted in this blog] but he will make up for it with charisma and emotion in his voice.
9. ...you'll be supporting someone who gets better all the time.
Need proof? Listen to the original version of his song "Kingdoms of Rain" from 1994 [on Youtube] and then the version he made with Soulsavers in 2007 [on Youtube]. Although both versions kick ass it's evident his voice keeps becoming better all the time.
10. ...you'll always be intrigued by his persona.
Lanegan doesn't like to talk about his private life or explain his actions. On stage he hardly ever says anything more than thank you. If you're lucky, you'll hear it a couple of times. Some folks describe him as scary, silent and evasive, others as considerate, talkative and fun. Only thing that's certain is that he'll stay a mystery.
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