Here at Fuzznut HQ, we, like you, have musical heroes who adorn our walls, frequent our iPod playlists, and generally prompt Wayne's World style worshipping. This is the first of a regular series of Rock God Profiles, which will of course be an outlet for our love and devotion to these people, but will most importantly be a chance to bring some great musicians into your lives who you may not have already listened to. The first Rock God to be featured is Mark Lanegan, a long-term Fuzznut favourite.
Mark Lanegan is probably best known for either being the singer in 'grunge' band The Screaming Trees, or for his more recent contributions to Queens of the Stone Age. He has, in fact, aside from these two bands, had a very long solo career, including six full albums plus an EP. His voice is unlike any other, although it has been compared numerous times to the voice of Johnny Cash. He has a very deep, rich baritone, which sounds amazing in both rocky and gentle numbers.
Mark has collaborated with many very cool musicians, including PJ Harvey, Melissa Auf Der Maur, the guys from QOTSA, Duff McKagen and Izzy Stradlin from Guns N' Roses, Kurt Cobain, Mondo Generator and others. He also sang with the late Layne Staley on the Mad Season album Above. Recent notable collaborations include the Mercury-nominated album Ballad of the Broken Seas with Isobel Cambpell, and his appearances on Twilight Singers records. He is actually now an official member of the Twilight Singers, and sings lead vocals on Live With Me, a Massive Attack cover leading the new Singers EP A Stitch in time.
Unfortunately Mark used to have problems with heroin use, but I have it from a very reliable source that he is now clean, healthy and doing well. He is a private man, but will never refuse an autograph or photo, and is a real gentleman. When he sings, he clings on to the microphone, doesn't move around much, but blows everyone away with his incredible voice. Many journalists describe Mark's voice as 'whiskey-soaked'. This crops up a hell of a lot, but as far as I know, Mark doesn't drink.
He has one of the most intense, beautiful, original voices you could ever hear.
Check out I'll Take Care Of You (his album of covers), Field Songs and 2005's Bubblegum. Also, Above by Mad Season is incredible, as are the latest Twilight Singers offerings. For Screaming Trees, have a listen to the classic, Dust.
Still with The Twilight Singers, and most excitingly of all, another project with Greg Dulli, The Gutter Twins, with the promise of an album in 2007. You have sadly missed Mark touring with Twilight Singers, but can catch him in London on January 23rd with Isobel Campbell.
What next?More by Mark Lanegan? More features? More rock?