Here Comes That Weird Chill cover

Here Comes That Weird Chill

Mark Lanegan · 2003

30 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of gritty blues and introspective lyrics wrapped in sparse, atmospheric instrumentation that lingers in the mind.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Methamphetamine Blues Start here — Opening with gritty storytelling, this track encapsulates Lanegan's signature blend of despair and dark humor, setting the tone for the album.
  • →
    Skeletal History — With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this song serves as a poignant exploration of memory and loss, highlighting Lanegan's lyrical depth.
  • →
    Wish You Well — This track stands out for its emotional resonance and vulnerability, showcasing Lanegan's ability to convey profound feelings through simplicity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP's haunting atmosphere and introspective songwriting create a distinctive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a slow build with minimal instrumentation, creating an atmospheric tension that is disrupted by the more rhythmic fourth track.
  • Lanegan's vocal delivery often employs a conversational tone, blending spoken word elements with melodic lines across several tracks.
  • The last two tracks shift to a more subdued tempo, allowing for introspection and a gradual fade-out that leaves the listener in contemplation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • haunting melodies for quiet evenings
  • introspective listening on long drives
  • brief yet impactful emotional snapshots

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy party tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Lanegan's status in alternative rock, following his acclaimed previous works.
Career context
Released in 2003, Here Comes That Weird Chill is Mark Lanegan's fourth solo album, following his critically acclaimed Bubblegum from 2002. At this point in his career, Lanegan was establishing himself as a distinctive voice outside of his work with Screaming Trees, showcasing his evolution into a more contemplative and experimental artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Greg Dulli· Nick Cave· Jeff Buckley

Tracklist

  • 1 Methamphetamine Blues Start here 3:16
  • 2 On the Steps of the Cathedral 1:43
  • 3 Clear Spot 3:39
  • 4 Message to Mine 3:17
  • 5 Lexington Slow Down 3:01
  • 6 Skeletal History 4:14
  • 7 Wish You Well 3:07
  • 8 Sleep With Me 4:15
  • 9 Version 3:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata