Golden Smog

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• Genre: Alt Country
• Hometown: Minneapolis
• Golden Smog Website

About

Golden Smog are an Alt-Country and (Mid)western supergroup project that has featured members of Soul Asylum, the Replacements, Wilco, the Jayhawks, Run Westy Run, the Honeydogs and Big Star. The sound of the Smog is much more honey-coated and pop-friendly than the music of each members' respective bands -- with the exception of Wilco and the Jayhawks -- who dominate the Smog's sound. Each member seems actively involved in the songwriting, with almost everyone contributing a song; at their live shows, they can become a sort of Roots rock jukebox, playing '70s radio hits and songs by their pals. At the root of the whole endeavour, though, Golden Smog seem to make and play music for fun. The collaborative harmonies -- along with the dynamic drumming of Big Star's Jody Stephens -- often makes the band sound like the mischievous nephews of Big Star.

- Eric Shea