Beggars Arkive and the estate of Mark Lanegan are to mark the 20th anniversary of the late artist’s classic album Bubblegum with an extensive reissue.
Bubblegum XX will see the original record given a full remastered re-release across a number of different formats, including a double-LP edition. There will also be a digital release, and 4xLP and 3xCD editions, featuring 40 tracks, 12 of which are previously unreleased.
The 4xLP box set will include a 64-page hardcover book featuring essays by the likes of Josh Homme, Greg Dulli, Troy Van Leeuwen, Duff McKagan and more, along with studio notes and previously unseen photos. It also takes in a remastered edition of Here Comes That Weird Chill (Methamphetamine Blues, Extras & Oddities), to which three bonus tracks have been added, as well as another record containing demos and unreleased tracks, comprised of outtakes from the Bubblegum sessions and tracks recorded, produced and mixed by Troy Van Leeuwen in various hotel rooms with Lanegan singing and Van Leeuwen playing all the instruments.
In a statement about those sessions, Van Leeuwen said: “So these hotel demo sessions were basically forgotten. When I heard the news of Mark’s passing, these memories started rushing back to me. I searched through my archive of drives and somehow magically was able to open up these sessions. I thought to myself, ‘That NEVER happens’. These ideas couldn’t be more fresh out of the tap. The original rough mixes are a real time capsule that stands up to the 20 years that have passed. It’s a true gift from Mark to those of us who love him and his unvarnished expression of beauty. With every listen, I am humbled and honoured to share his gift with you.”
Originally released in August 2004, Bubblegum features contributions from the likes of PJ Harvey, Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri of Queens Of The Stone Age, and Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs.
Beggars Arkive will release Bubblegum XX on August 23, 2024.
