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20 November, 1998 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox with Mike Johnson and Pete Krebs scroll down for all reviews
review by Erik von Gohren This show opened with Pete Krebs playing a solo acoustic set of "Country grunge" (as he put it), and was followed by a short but jaunting Mike Johnson set which only included he and a violinist. Patiently the fans waited until the band, which accompanied Lanegan, took the stage. Marc Olson and Mike Johnson began blazing their guitar strings in an opening, which began a most memorable night. Finally Mark came out and went right into the vocals of the opening song "Ugly Sunday". His voice was perfect as his baritone vocals carried through the walls of the Showbox. The soundboard mix was faultless, Lanegan's voice could be heard distinctly, but did not completely override Johnson's rhythm or Olson's thundering solos. The next song "Pendulum" began and the crowd began to get lively. Lanegan was again on top of his game with his deep echoing voice ringing the ears of all the people engaged in a precious moment of musical talent. As the night went on, the vocals remained in perfect synch with the drums, guitar, and sometimes an accompanying violin. As the band got midway through the show, Olson began to pick up his tempo and started to lengthen his talented musical performance. By this time "House a Home" was in full tilt and everyone on stage was at an unstoppable pace. As the set drew closer to an end, Mark pulled out some old stuff (Mockingbirds, Winding Sheet) to keep the long lasting die hards at bay. After another song the band left the stage. As most people know, those who have seen the Trees or Lanegan in other occasions are blessed if he decides to come out for an encore. Patiently the fans waited, hoping for just a few more songs before the night ended. Within minutes, the sound started to ring again with only on word "Sixteen..." The roar of the crowed was subdued by Mike Johnson's stead strum of tempo, and Olson's impeccable strive for electric paragon. "Carnival" came next and the house did not contain a foot that was grounded. The crowd was so vocal, sometimes it seemed to drown out the man in front, but as their voices began to rise, so did Lanegan's. The final song was the most unbelievable event this reviewer has ever seen during a concert. Olson began "Because of this" in a fevered pace. When Lanegan chimed in, his voice was so loud and intense that our ears started to ring. Midway through the song, Olson broke out into the best solo this club has ever heard. For awhile, Lanegan himself had to watch, as Olson played like a man possessed. Lanegan began the final refrain of the song with a quick but noticeable respected smile to Olson, who was dripping with sweat after his five-minute stint of harmonious excellence. The show ended and the fans gave an emphatic applause for the band. The show was something I will never forget. The sounds that rang throughout the club still haunt me today. We have been fortunate lately in the Northwest to have many great bands. A lot of these groups are very well known world wide, but what many do not understand, is that Mark Lanegan is the Soul Of Seattle.
(the following review was sent in letter form, and is reprinted with permission) by Susan He's amazing, OK. Please don't ask me for a complete set list, cuz I can't do it, I was too excited. I'm sure you've got your buddies who can give you the set list in proper order, but I'm telling you my dearest, I was all a twitter over the whole experience. Mr. Lanegan is one intense young man. He had his eyes closed most the time, but I'm telling you, when he would open them and take a look around, he had that crowd in his little hands. What a cool, cool guy. All right. I'm in love, OK? So I'm rambling because I'm working on not much sleep and I'm still hyped up from what I saw last night. Never having been to the Showbox, my mood was set very early by watching all the folks, looking around the venue, checking out little nooks and crannies, helping people up who seemed to keep on stumbling down the stairs I was standing on, talking to folks, etc. My concert going companion, M.R., totally got into the guy. He would not take his eyes off the guy. I think he would have had a better time if he had not been out the night before until 2 a.m. and then had to get up this morning at 4:30 to do a live show, but that is HIS fault. M.R. and Mark Lanegan are well-suited to each other, both being brooding, dark, substance abusing kind of dark brooding guys.
I may have missed or added a couple, but damn it, I'm half asleep! I was a huge fan before the show, but since the show I cannot go a day without playing some Lanegan. Not a day, I tell you!
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