Golden Smog

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Minneapolis, United States (1989 – present)

Golden Smog are a loosely connected group of musicians (arguably a ) comprising, at various times, members of Soul Asylum, The Replacements, Wilco, The Jayhawks, Run Westy Run, The Honeydogs and Big Star.

The group took their name from the name of a Flintstones character, which, in turn, was a parody of singer Mel Torme’s nickname; the Velvet Fog. The group first came together in the Minneapolis area in 1989 as a reaction to the and music that dominated the Twin Cities’ musical scene at the time; eventually Golden Smog became something of a fixture at local clubs, where they would play a handful of shows annually. Golden Smog’s lineup has often changed, though Run Westy Run guitarist Kraig Johnson as well as guitarists Dan Murphy (Soul Asylum) and Gary Louris (The Jayhawks) were relative constants.

The definitive beginning of Golden Smog is hard to pinpoint given the mercurial nature of the band’s lineup. Some point back to a show in January of 1987 when a band billed as ‘The Take It To The Limit Band’ played an all Eagles cover show at the Uptown Bar in Minneapolis. This band consisted of Dan Murphy and Dave Pirner (both of Soul Asylum), Jim Boquist (later of Son Volt), and Martin Zellar (Gear Daddies). The show ended with a cover of then Bangles hit song Walk Like An Egyptian. This same band later played a The Rolling Stones themed show in 1989 under the name “Her Satanic Majesty’s Paycheck.”
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Top Albums

  • Another Fine Day
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  • Weird Tales
    Golden Smog Play
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  • Blood On The Slacks
    Golden Smog Play
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  • Down by the Old Mainstream
    Golden Smog Play
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Top Tracks

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  • brent74

    They've got some great tunes.

    January 2012

  • acsafialho

    They're pretty much like Wilco, actually

    September 2011

  • Druid66

    The alt.country super-group, for sure. "Down by the Old Mainstream" definitely helped me through some woman troubles.

    July 2011

  • benadlard

    Love em!

    January 2011

  • acsafialho

    One of the greatest bands ever, I just can't stay one day without listenning their songs.

    January 2011

  • debbiemcdonnell

    just discovered this, v. cool!

    October 2010

  • thisisall1word

    Weird Tales is such a quality album - prefer that album to any by any of the 'parent' bands - makes me wish I could drive and owned a beat up old car which I could tour the states in, from one small town to another.

    July 2010

  • schmeankman

    @ heyhowsitgoing: Try "Pecan Pie" and "Radio King"

    June 2010
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