Mark Lanegan, Have You Played Seattle Since December 2003?
Has it really been over four years since you've taken a stage in Seattle, Mark? We could be wrong, but your late 2003 Showbox show—a great one, by the way—is the last we heard about. (QOTSA appearances don't count.) Assuming we're right, that's just silly.
It's not like you haven't had albums to support. Your 2006 pairing with Isobel Campbell was a gorgeous, syrup-and-sour-mash treat—but did you two share any live love outside of Europe? Now there's this awesome Soulsavers album, with slow beats, gospel flavor (that's "Revival," above) and a classy retooling of your "Kingdoms of Rain"—but the closest you're coming with that act is San Francisco.
Next up, the fruits of your musical labor with former Afghan Whig Greg Dulli: The Gutter Twins. There'll be a record in March, and a tour...but again, you'll get no closer than San Fran. What gives? Sub Pop's releasing the thing, for God's sake.
Stop hating on Seattle, Mark. Whatever it is that's kept you away from your Screaming Trees-era home, get over it already. Seattleites miss your tough intensity. Your melodic, molasses growl. Our collective wintertime despair hasn't ached as sweetly since you began to favor UK stages.
There's a big Sub Pop bash here this summer, and damn it, we expect you to show up. With Greg Dulli or all by your lonesome—whatever. You, your voice, and your brooding-brick-wall stage presence. For what it's worth, we'd be happy to provide whiskey and smokes.
