CD Review: Soul Asylum - The Silver Lining
Published July 04, 2006
The Silver Lining is Soul Asylum’s first studio release since 1998’s Candy from a Stranger and is the group’s ninth full-length album. The record marks the final recordings of original bassist Karl Mueller, who died of throat cancer on June 17, 2005. Mueller was one of the founding members of Soul Asylum along with lead singer Dave Pirner and guitarist Dan Murphy more than 25 years ago when they formed the trio Loud Fast Rules in 1981.
Completing Soul Asylum’s line-up on The Silver Lining is former Replacement Tommy Stinson on bass and well-known Minneapolis drummer Michael Bland on drums. Stinson was a long-time friend of Mueller’s and the only person Karl could endorse taking his place in the band. Michael Bland has played drums for such musical heavyweights as Prince and Paul Westerberg.
The Silver Lining is a strong album from the opening note. The first song, “Stand Up And Be Strong” is about having the courage to stand behind your convictions; when those convictions weigh you down, hold on and stay true to them. “You might be right, you might be wrong, you might just think your life has gone on for too long/ Your knees get weak, and your heart grows cold, and you’re tired of doing everything you’re told/ And nothing can take away from you, what you take and what you’ve been through/ Well, stand up and be strong…”
Recently there has been a rash of protest songs and albums over the war in Iraq from several artists including Neil Young, Pearl Jam and Paul Simon among others. While many will consider “Lately” a protest song, the track looks at the war from the perspective of the soldier as a father, rather than taking a political position on the pros and cons of military action.
The story is about a man who has missed the birth of his child because he has been called to war in a far-off land. “You gotta bring your soldier home/ When all those stones have all been thrown/ You gotta give a kid a chance to get a look at his kid/ And hope he can live with whatever he did – Lately…” The track wonders if all the soldiers will be able to put the horrors of war behind them and enjoy the pleasures of fatherhood.
- CD Review: Soul Asylum - The Silver Lining
- Published: July 04, 2006
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Rock, Music: Indie Rock
- Writer: Rebecca Wright
- Rebecca Wright's BC Writer page
- Rebecca Wright's personal site
- Spread the Word
- Like this article?
- Email this
Save to del.icio.us
Comments on this articleComments
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/49996)
A concert to end the year- Soul Asylum. House of Blues. Las Vegas. 12/29/2006. (Review by Tanya Vece)
Here is what I knew about Soul Asylum... Run Away Train was a hit single; the video had pictures of Runaways. The video also dominated my MTV each day after school (yes, I was still in school at the time). The only other thing I knew about them is their lead singer, Dave Pirner, dated Wynona Ryder and sad- lonely people with nothing else to do were making an epic sized deal of it.
The opportunity to see them at The House of Blues tonight presented itself via a Christmas gift . I debated sending in an interview request with the band, but being I knew so little of the them I didn't want to appear my age. (I guess I am defeating that purpose now). To sum it up in a sentence, Soul Asylum's show tonight was an unadulterated blend of absolute musical endowment converging with the genius of their animated and clever lyrics.
I am from the "Seattle Clap" generation. All the bands I listened to early in life were on Heroin. They dated models that looked like they were on Heroin. Their songs were about Heroin. And our king? The tragic poet himself, Kurt Cobain. I was a Nirvana Fan, played some Pearl Jam but really was more of a Sex Pistols / Ramones type of gal. Somehow Soul Asylum fell under my radar. After the show tonight, they are without question going to be heavily rotated among my top cds - (B.T.W. are we still playing cds , or am I missing the bus again?).
As I looked around the crowd at The House of Blue Tonight, I appreciated one thing most about Soul Asylum- they didn't make the switch from Coke to Pepsi. In other words, they were still the band I somewhat remembered. No metro-sexual make-overs to go hand in hand with their new album. No "new directions" with their sound, no push to be something they aren't. It was a refreshing step back in time, while still remaining cool, even with the loss of Karl Mueller.
Soul Asylum tonight was not packaged by a PR machine , and wrapped up in some glossy American Idol like wall paper. Unlike the other cookie cutter bands of the last five years (that have somehow managed to become popular without having an ounce of talent) Soul Asylum has managed to contain the same essence that broke them through into mainstream radio back in the early nineties. Tonight's crowd seemed to appreciate the band's sense of courage to continue on as who they are, all the while embracing their songs of the past and championing their current work. But- most importantly- not one member on stage tonight fashioned any of the following items. No Bon Jovi haircuts accompanied by blonde highlites, no overpriced bottle water replacing beer, and no one had their Rock N' Roll asses in Diesel Jeans. Thank God for Soul Asylum!
Surprisingly, I knew more than two songs. My brother's Grave Dancer's Union CD must have rubbed off on me from ten plus years ago. The crowd was mixed. Some Seattle 1994 throw backs, a couple of Asian couples (obviously comped by the Hotel) , the usual 17-21 year old groupie scene and a diverse mix of artsy "I'm to cool to rock, so I will stand here and nod my head" folks. In addition, an extent of true Soul Asylum fans formed a brotherhood mid center stage around some guy dubbed by Pirner as "Mr.Fun"- I was on the outside looking in at this reference...
The band did cover a few tunes from their new album, The Silver Lining. I was astounded by their testament to remain stanch to their style, and just as authentic with their recent lyrics.
The real revelry of the night didn't heat up until the encore, which seemed generally unexpected by the band. Pirner and the boys came out and covered The Cure's "Just Like Heaven". After killing the classic, killing said with every intent of praise, the band went into an awe-inspiring groove of concise covers. Everything from The Temptations "It was just My Imagination", to The Sex Pistols "Road Runner", to John Lennon's "Imagine" was collaged together, infused with punk rock and semi-acoustic flair. I was at the point of no holding back, and found myself singing along with the band, the crowd and even a couple of Las Vegas Metro Police Officers.
In closing, Soul Asylum's concert tonight was the perfect way to end the year. It was by far, the best concert I have seen this year- perhaps ever. The atmosphere the band brought to the venue made the crowd feel as if we were all ten years younger, watching close friends have a jam session out of their garage. No pre-packaged look or sound was sold with the reasonably priced tickets, and for that I am truly grateful.
Too many bands today are so focused on who they want to become, they forget who they are. Soul Asylum with stood the test of time, and should be an example for other bands really interested in music- not money or false fame. If Soul Asylum stops by your town, take the time to see them live. I promise you will have a great time.
-Tanya Vece
You can find out more about Soul Asylum's new album, and tour dates.
As a quick footnote, a special Thank you to Michael Soli. Michael hosts THE "UNPLUGGED" SHOWCASE - EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT IN LAS VEGAS AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES. He is such a supporter of local music (something Las Vegas needs more of), and even had a local band open for Soul Asylum. He is to be commended on his continuous efforts to encourage art, music, writing and networking without a commercial feel or approach.