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26 October, 2004- Ancienne, Brussels, Belgium review by Danny I'm afraid some people don't understand a thing about what Lanegan is all about, namely that he delivers the darkest blues rock with the best contemporary blues voice on the planet. The fact that Mark doesn't say more than an occasional 'thanks a lot' inbetween songs, and the fact that he's in the dark most of the time (giving the spotlight to his musicians and the indeed extremely attractive Shelley Brien) and that he doesn't move, makes him stand out for me, compared to 95 % of all contemporary artists. He deserves praise for that! Anyway, I think the concert was good. It was the fourth time I saw Mark live (not counting the one time in Brussels with QOTSA), and this concert didn't beat the excellence of the Pukkelpop gig last summer. But I do remember a superb version of 'Ressurection Blues', definitely the highlight of the show. The song went to a impressive instrumental climax. Unfortunately, after that, the sound balance was gone, which made 'On Jesus Programme' (normally a quiet song), 'I'll take care of you' and 'Metamphetamine Blues' sound very blurry. Other highlight were to be found in the beginning of the set, especially 'Hit the city' (a hit!), 'No easy action', 'Message to mine' (a chilling version, Mark seemed to like to sing this song most, as well as Brett (as always very effective on guitar)), and 'Little Willie John' sounded great. By the way, on a rather funny side note: Before the concert, Brett seemed to have completely lost his way in the crowded AB entrance hall. I felt stupid afterwards that I didn't show him the entrance to the backstage area, but well, I didn't dare... Anyway, I want to thank Mark and his band once again
for another excellent gig, although I wish next time they (or the
sound engineer) keep the right balance after a climax song. Let it
be clear that The Mark Lanegan Band is welcome any time in Belgium,
Mark being in the dark and not saying a lot inbetween songs or not!
ticket from Keik
setlist by Erik 01. sideways in reverse review by Alain If the last album of M.L. is really (repeat ad nauseam :p) good and the others ones are also excellent, Bubblegum was to be tested on the scene where we can see if a songwriter has guts and charisma. The concert at l'Ancienne Belgique, in Brussels, Belgium [26/10/2004] started very mellow. A Flemish band plays some kind of country-rock, very average very boring. So two... or three "way and return" to the bar. At least there where good light spots on them. We didn't have to wait too long before the M.L. and his band comes. Yes there is a real band! : one bassist, two guitarists and a beautiful chorister, all them on purple lights spots on the side and for all of them, lights spots in the front, and Mark Lanegan... euh... well, the singer has black clothes and... there is no light on him :-) Thanks you. So after ten minutes, it's becoming very very boring. We saw a man, for what I know, maybe he's not the really singer :-) sing a song, turn to loudspeakers, drink a bit water, sing another song, turn to the loudspeaker, drink a bit of water and bla bla and bla bla and that during all the concert. So, no thank to the singer, really. And of course, no hello, no words, no nothing. Sweet Jesus. If M. L. is really a wonderful songwriter, he has visibly some problems to prove it live, that's for sure! I just have to think of the marvellous live sessions of 16 HP or Woven Hand, even when the musicians are visibly exhausted. M.L. has to take some inspiration from theirs crucial bands. |
