When David Lynch knocks, it takes a lot not to answer

David Lynch, Dangermouse and Sparklehorse will be at Book Soup tonight signing the book "Dark Night of the Soul," part of their music-and-visuals project that is, well, jeez, just look at it.

The rules about the signing,which begins at 8 p.m., are strict, and there are no tickets -- it's first-come, first-served. Only 5,000 of the books have been printed. I won't be there because I absolutely can't, not that I don't feel like I should. Like I said. Look at that.

And you can listen here.

The phrase "Dark Night of the Soul" came from St. John of the Cross in the 16th century and is actually about a spiritual rebirth. I hear that Lynch has had himself one; luckily, his creepy vision of middle America remains as dark as ever.

-- Carolyn Kellogg

Photo: David Lynch / from "Dark Night of the Soul"