27 November, 2004- Academy 2, Manchester, UK

review by Steve

firstly, i think nick oliveri's one man acoustic rampage deserves a mention. and there it is...(nick rules) and when mark joined him for the last one, the expectation for the actual gig grew massively, his voice to quote simon cowell does in deed have "the x factor" :)

sideways in reverse got stuff going, but much as i hate to say it it didnt live up to my expectations... for the louder songs his voice got a bit lost, and without shelley backing up most songs sounded like they were missing something...shelley perhaps... there was also the fact that not once did mark look up, or have any sort of light on him, so i still havent really seen the guy and this is the third show of the tour ive been to.

saying that, they were as always great, even if they dont (bar nick) really seem to be enjoying themselves too much (who cares, makes for good depression music) but why didnt he play strange religion/ one hundred days...arguably the best solo stuff he's written? ne ways gospel plough rules, so does lanegan

set list:
Sideways in Reverse
Hit The City
Wedding Dress
One Way Street
When Your Number Isn't Up
No Easy Action
Little Willie John
Can't Come Down
Resurrection Song
Come To Me
Death Valley Driving Blues
I'll Take Care of You
Methamphetamine Blues

Blues for D and one more that i forget/dont know
Gospel Plow
cheers. steve

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review by flyingv
Of the 3 shows i've seen so far on this leg of the tour - Brighton, Birmingham and Manchester - last night was the best. Mark's voice sounded better than at the other 2 shows, although i should point out that he didn't sound bad at Brighton/Birmingham, far from it, plus the band seemed relaxed - even Nick was out from Ed's shadow (previous shows have seen him almost hiding in the wings).

Brilliant night topped off with a 10 minute Gospel Plow...
3 down, 2 to go...next stop Bristol then London...no wonder i'm knackered.