On February 22, 2022, at his house in Killarney Ireland, Dark Mark, as was his alias for one of the last projects he was a part of, after all those years of flirting with death, decided to go and take a look at the other side. Of course, as you will find out in this personal best-15, he was much more than a gloomy hero with a growling voice. A big guy with a big heart and with a voice that captured so many small essences and details on par with a musical vision that evolved through the years. So without further ado, here are some parts of Mark Lanegan that we hold dear in our hearts.
(As posted for the #LaneganTreesTop15 Twitter challenge, which ran during February 2023.)
15. "Undertow" (The Winding Sheet, 1990)
One of the highlights of his first solo record. Apparently, Dave Grohl said the album was a huge influence on Nirvana's Unplugged concert.
14. "Something to Believe" (Sunday at Devil Dirt, 2008)
Beautiful, simple and touching from the second fruitful collaboration with Isobel Campbell. Their chemistry and lifelong bond were pretty evident from the start.
13. "Make My Mind" (Dust, 1996)
This spot would have easily been taken by "Look At You", "All I Know", "Traveler", "Gospel Plow" or any other banger from Dust. But I feel this one is more immediate and representative of that era's spirit.
12. "Strange Religion" (Bubblegum, 2004)
The centrepiece and the best Bubblegum has to offer from its bluesier side. With him an army of collaborators and the world's most tattooed choir (Duff and Izzy from G&R, Nick Oliveri, Chris Goss).
11. "Ode to Sad Disco" (Blues Funeral, 2012)
8 years after Bubblegum, this one can certainly cause a sonic whiplash to an old listener. Who would have thought his voice could work so well with an upbeat electronic beat?
10. "Kingdoms of Rain" (Whiskey for the Holy Ghost, 1994)
Back in 1994 with his voice, in full whiskey and cigs mode, towering above a repeating mournful acoustic guitar from Mike Johnson.
9. "Kimiko's Dream House" (Field Songs, 2001)
Jeffrey Lee Pierce gave him the music and half the lyrics and told him to finish it. So Lanegan completed this wonderful gift with tenderness and respect to his late friend.
8. "Internal Hourglass Discussion" (Straight Songs of Sorrow, 2020)
A powerful contrast between the beautiful banality of everyday life and the difficulty to make it work. Fitting since it's one of the last songs he left us.
7. "Wheels" (Scraps At Midnight, 1998)
A laid-back piece from Scraps... that gives all the space to Lanegan's adventurous vocal line which is full of twists, alternating between soft whispers and bombastic flourishes.
6. "No Bells On Sunday" (s/t EP, 2014)
Taken from the self-titled EP but never made its way on Phantom Radio. Weird choice given that this moody epic is one of Lanegan's modern classics.
5. "The River Rise" (Whiskey for the Holy Ghost, 1994)
The WFTHG opener cemented the musical prowess and experimental nature of Lanegan who at the time was dealing with heavy substance abuse and the Conners. Tough to tell which was worse.
4. "One Way Street" (Field Songs, 2001)
Field Songs was really special and arguably his best and most cohesive solo work. It begins with this classic song which went on to become an immediate fan favourite and staple on his setlists.
3. "Leviathan" (Blues Funeral, 2012)
Another one from BF. This has everything. An unpredictable psychedelic keyboard from Alain Johannes, a grand guitar outro, a gear switch midway, and of course Lanegan's presence, as menacing as ever.
2. "Hanging Tree" (Songs For The Deaf, 2002)
Speaking of menacing, here is the pinnacle of his excellent work with QOTSA. His thunderous voice and imposing figure held its own and much more against the dream team assembled for SFTD.
1. "Resurrection Song" (Field Songs, 2001)
Here comes that weird chill as the great man said. The most intense piece of music Lanegan ever sang. Just the guitar of long-time music partner Mike Johnson and his voice as truthful as ever.
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