Soul Asylum
The story is pretty typical. A group struggles for success, then, in a seeming flash, they are. It lasts for an album or two before the decline sets in. Next, the group falls off the radar for several years. Eventually, they return to the studio and release a "comeback" album. But as Soul Asylum worked on "The Silver Lining," they faced obstacles few bands encounter, much less overcome. First, guitarist/singer Dave Pirner's New Orleans home was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Bad as that was, it got worse. Bassist Karl Mueller succumbed to throat cancer at the age of 41. Still, Soul Asylum was able to finish the project. But for a band accustomed to ups and downs, that was their toughest patch.
Loud Fast Rules was the original name of the Minneapolis group. Led by Pirner's singing, songwriting and guitar work, Soul Asylum signed a contract with the local Twin Tone label. Thanks to the Twin Tone releases, Pirner and bandmates Mueller, Daniel Murphy (guitar/vocals), and Grant Young (drums) built a regional following and attracted major label attention.
On A&M Records, Soul Asylum's label debut tanked. That caused everything to go south quickly with the band having to cough up 200k to get out of their contract. That debt took four years to pay off. In the meantime, Soul Asylum impressed people at Columbia Records, where they found a new home.
Soul Asylum's maiden Columbia effort did a lot better. Featuring the Country-tinged "Runaway Train," the '92 release, "Grave Dancers Union," was a major success that led to a 56-stop U.S. tour with Spin Doctors and Screaming Trees.
Soul Asylum's follow up in '95, "Let Your Dim Light Shine," contained some strong tracks but it was not as impressive as its predecessor. The CD featured "Promises Broken" written by Murphy and Jayhawks bassist Marc Perlman.
"Candy From A Stranger" arrived in '98 without much notice. However, when former wrestler-turned-politician Jesse Ventura moved into the Minnesota Governor's mansion Pirner performed at the Inaugural Party.
Soul Asylum unfurled "The Silver Lining," their ninth album, in '06, with John Fields on bass. Also added to the line-up were keyboardist Jeff Victor and drummer Michael Bland.
Murphy was quoted as saying the set was a tribute to Mueller. "Definitely I felt it's what Karl wanted and the band has his blessings."
"Silver Lining" intertwines acoustic and electric guitars as they propel Pirner's sincere vocals. The mournful tone that permeated earlier efforts is surprisingly not as prominent while the production is slicker. The mid-tempo songs, like first single, "Stand Up & Be Strong," are right in Soul Asylum's comfort zone. These tracks give Pirner a chance to ply is impressive lyrical talents. "All Is Well" has the unruly line "all is well in hell, wish you were here" while "Success Is Not So Sweet" contains a reference to Mueller, "players can't survive the game." When Soul Asylum pushes into high gear they show they have the ability to let it rip. "All Is Well," the cleverly titled "Bus Named Desire" and the set's best track "Oxygen" prove the point.
For countless guitar driven bands the last track of an album is usually a piano ballad. It's become a cliché. After kicking down the door for ten tracks the group decides to show their "softer" side. This doesn't convince or move anyone and is generally a waste. "Slowing Rising" closes the album and it is noticeably different from the preceding tracks. Here though, Soul Asylum displays an edgy harshness missing from the rest of the CD. It seems after creating an accessible record they finally broke down and vented. An album of "Slowing Rising" songs would have shown all they have endured.
"Grave Dancers Union," with the hit "Runaway Train" is Soul Asylum's commercial breakthrough. However, the argument can and should be made that some of their earlier work, especially the albums "Hang Time" and "Made To Be Broken," have more vitality (read: Rock harder). "Let Your Dim Light Shine" with the desolate "Promises Broken" and the overlooked "Candy From A Stranger" are also worth a listen.