Albums by this artist

Another Fine Day (2006)

Weird Tales (1998)

Down By The Old Mainstream (1996)

On Golden Smog (1992)

Features

Kraig Johnson holds forth in 1998:
Published October 22, 2002

Golden Smog

On Golden Smog

---

» RODEO ROB | STAFF WRITER

Golden Smog On Golden Smog Rykodisc, 1992 RiYL: Wilco, Son Volt, Jayhawks, Uncle Tupelo

On Golden Smog is certainly a humble beginning for the band, whose members at this point had yet to sell a record on the East Coast (excluding the band's original drummer, Chris Mars, who played for hugely influential band the Replacements). Dan Murphy's Soul Asylum had not yet broken into the top 40 ("Runaway Train" was still a glimmer in Asylum frontman Dave Pirner's baby blue eyes). Gary Louris and Marc Perlman had released a few well-received albums as the Jayhawks, but were still minor players on the Midwest scene. Kraig Johnson did not yet have to field questions from reporters like "who the hell is that guy, and who the hell is Run, Westy, Run?" And the lovable Jeff Tweedy had yet to join the fold, as his Uncle Tupelo was just getting started.

But one thing is certain, the EP is surprisingly listenable. The album proved that a group of guys in bands who couldn't break the mainstream could put out a solid record, and do it in only one weekend. The EP's best surprise is that it displays for the first time Gary Louris's beautiful soprano. In the version of Three Dog Night's "Easy To Be Hard" (from the '60s play "Hair"), Louris hits notes he probably never would have tried with the Jayhawks. The result is stellar.

The rest of the EP is pretty uneventful, save the closing "Cowboy Song," a rousing if not throw-away version of the Thin Lizzy song screamed by the Soul Asylum road manager. On Golden Smog quietly lays the foundation for some great albums and tours which were to follow only a few years down the road -- or, perhaps more appropriately, down by the old mainstream.

RODEO ROB | An expert on all things "alt," Rob spends his days covering the energy industry and his nights covering the DC-area bars. Raise yer glass especially high to this man, for he has contributed to this site constantly since its creation four years ago.