Soul Asylum
Soul Asylum and the Horse They Rode In On (Twin/Tone, A&M) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/
Although their live shows since the mid-1980s have prompted comparisons to fellow Minneapolis bands Husker Du and the Replacements, Soul Asylum`s ragged ferocity never translated into truly memorable albums-until now. The guitars of Dan Murphy and Dave Pirner still rumble ominously on cuts such as
”Easy Street” and ”Spinnin`,” but they`ve introduced a sense of craft and texture to their previously unmodulated punk-era roar. ”. . . and the Horse They Rode In On” appropriates country (”Brand New Shine”), funk
(”Something out of Nothing”) and folk (”Gullible`s Travels”) without sounding contrived. The gorgeous harmonies on ”Grounded,” the piano-driven balladry of ”We 3” and the dynamics of ”Nice Guys (Don`t Get Paid)” expand Soul Asylum`s musical range and ambition without watering down their passion. Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
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