On Golden Smog [EP]

Golden Smog

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 21, 1996)
• Original Release Date: December 11, 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: EP
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B0000009VL
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #127,451 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Following the success of Golden Smog's second release, Down by the Old Mainstream, Rykodisc has managed to reissue this 1992 debut EP (originally released on the now-defunct Crackpot Records). Unlike their later release, this disc contains no originals. Rather it is filled with five unlikely covers ranging from Bad Company's "Shooting Star" to Thin Lizzy's "Cowboy Song." This early lineup features the best the Twin Cities had to offer--Dan Murphy (Soul Asylum), Gary Louris and Marc Perlman (the Jayhawks), Craig Johnson (Run Westy Run), and Chris Mars (the Replacements)--all billed under Golden Smog pseudonyms, of course. While it doesn't resonate with any majestic brilliance, On Golden Smog sounds remarkably like five friends jamming over a few cases of beer, which, according to legend, is how Golden Smog came to be. It's not heavy. It's not deep. It's just a lot of fun. --Bill Snyder

From the Label
Rykodisc has rereleased Golden Smog’s out-of-print and much-coveted first EP ON GOLDEN SMOG. While their first full-length album, DOWN BY THE OLD MAINSTREAM, attracted legions of fans to this alleged alt-country supergroup, ON GOLDEN SMOG puts the “roots” back in roots-rock.

Originally issued in 1992 by Crackpot Records, ON GOLDEN SMOG consists of obscure cover songs revived in inimitable Smog style. Including “Easy to be Hard” (originally from Hair and subsequently covered by Three Dog Night), Bad Company’s “Shooting Star,” and Thin Lizzy’s “Cowboy Song” (with Soul Asylum road manager and Golden Smog video director Bill Sullivan on lead vocals), the jam-session sensibility reigns supreme in this joyful collection.

Featuring an earlier version of the Smog line-up -- Scott Summit had not yet joined the fold and the infamous Eddie Garfield (who also created the album art) was still the drummer -- ON GOLDEN SMOG is a crucial marker in L’Histoire du Smog.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Rough-hewn vintage rock n roll, March 17, 2009

By	Howlinw (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Before "No Depression" became a genre, before Jeff Tweedy was even a member of Golden Smog, this EP was issued. It's a rough, boozy, heartfelt, passionately sloppy take on some rock n roll classics that adds up to more than the sum of its parts. What makes the EP significant is not the specific song choices, but instead the overall attitude and feel of the music. This is why alt-rock fans might enjoy this one even if they don't like the bands whose songs were being covered.

This EP coincides with Soul Asylum and The Replacements shifting away from fast-and-furious garage punk towards a sound inspired by folk and classic rock. This would ultimately meld into alt-country, with bands like Uncle Tupelo, The Jayhawks and later Whiskeytown taking the idea a step further towards classic country. Here, members of The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum and others try out the new sound while paying homage to some of their influences. The music is passionate in an offhanded way, as if the musicians weren't trying too hard but knew exactly what they were doing. I can almost picture the guys sitting around a room with bottles of beer laughing and having a good time while hitting the "record" button when inspired to do so. It's the way rock n roll was supposed to be made.

I think the current music scene is lacking in discs like this. It all sounds so sculpted now, or very intentionally lo-fi. There is precious little that sounds off-the-cuff. Sculpted, intentionally-crafted music is often great and really has its place, but there is no substitute for something like this as well. This music is like a cold beer. Savor it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Smoggy, but Gold..., July 11, 2006

By	Steven M. Fregeau "Professional Idiot" (Mid-freakin'-west) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While I do not hear what I have come to associate with with the amalgamated band in this initial release, its sound and its songs are well-done. It is not particularly good for any reason apart from sounding happy, making me enjoy classic rock without deep insight or limitations based on personal dislikes of certain groups. While I'd never buy a Thin Lizzy or Bad Co. album of my own, I wouldn't discredit these renditions for any Jayhawks or Soul Asylum song to take thier places. A good, fun thing.

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Delicious Before Dinner Snack, September 6, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

A precursor to their later super collaberation "Down by the Old Mainstream," this short and fun collection is a rocking must have for anyone whose ever admired the likes of Soul Asylum, Wilco, the Jayhawks, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Run Westy Run, or any other member of the No Depression, Wheatfield Soul movement. Combines the elements of rock, country/bluegrass and others to make a smorgesborg of sound.