As time passes, it usually becomes more difficult to view the grunge era through rose-colored glasses. While there were some amazing songs from the first wave of groups that will be remembered long after flannel suits go out of style, the gloomy atmosphere created by the deaths of so many brilliant people was reason enough for many to leave Seattle for a while. Dave Grohl believed that Mark Lanegan of Screaming Trees was one of the best songwriters the genre has ever produced and that even after you walk away, that darkness usually lingers in your soul.
Many of Foo Fighters’ songs aren’t overly depressing, even though Grohl’s work tends to lean towards the cool post-grunge genre. Although the group’s debut still had a hint of a post-In Utero grunge sound to it, Grohl moved from the somber, introspective songs of his previous band to the arena rock genre as soon as he began writing songs like “Everlong” and “Monkey Wrench.”
While it’s possible that all great artists must balance being contemplative and commercial, Lanegan almost seemed to be too honest for his own good. Even though Screaming Trees was still a big deal during the height of grunge, Lanegan’s rough baritone and some of the hooks he laid down almost gave him a sound similar to Tom Waits. It was as if Waits was fronting a mainstream rock group.
Not that they didn’t have some successes along the road. Any fan of alternative music still loves their stuff, and because it was featured in the movie Singles, the song “Nearly Lost You” is still a mainstay on playlists from the 1990s. However, Grohl believes that part of the group’s magic lies in the darkness that persisted throughout.
Mark Lanegan is one of the most talented and tortured artists you will ever hear. Grohl said when asked which songwriters he thought were the best. He told Kerrang that Lanegan was almost at the top of his list. I respect that guy beyond all else. I recall Nirvana and the Screaming Trees performing at the 1992 Roskilde festival in Denmark. During their performance, Lanegan lost it, grabbed a monitor, and threw it into the pit. Then proceeded to beat up three or four security guards. You don’t want to cause trouble for that guy.
However, there’s a 90% chance that Grohl will perform at least one song with a group he likes. Grohl joined Queens of the Stone Age for the Songs for the Deaf album, playing drums. Lanegan hammered out the album’s darkest tracks, such as “Song for the Dead” and “Hanging Tree.” He was beginning to grow a little weary of Foo Fighters at that time.
Even some of the group’s later work Foo Fighters bears subtle references. The song “I Should Have Known” from Wasting Light is reminiscent of the darkness that Lanegan pioneered in the past. It features a minor key chord progression and deep bass tones. Perhaps this is just because of the star-studded grunge ensemble on it.
Even though Lanegan tended to favor darker aspects of songwriting until his last days, Grohl was still able to appreciate his influences on each track. Making music that inspires people to pump their fists in the air is one thing. Lanegan’s perspective on life was always more evident in his records than in any typical performance.
