Soul Asylum - Slowly But Shirley (2024)

Here I am to talk again about what I think is one of the most underrated bands in rock history, Soul Asylum. Just because you may not know them, I should write a brief introduction for the band. Otherwise, you can skip to the song section, if you know what we are talking about.

Soul Asylum was formed in Minneapolis, and are most known for their hit tune Runaway Train from 1993. They released their debut album, "Say What You Will Clarence... Karl sold the truck" in 1984. The album "Grave Dancers Union" (1992) went triple platinum, and they even performed at President Bill Clinton's inauguration. They scored their second platinum record in 1996 with "Let Your Dim Light Shine" (my fave album by the band), and their most recent album is "Hurry Up and Wait", 2020.

They're back, and their new album "Slowly but Shirley" sees the mastermind Dave Pirner being helped by Michael Bland (drums), Ryan Smith (guitar), and the most recently added member Jeremy Tappero (bass).

The Only thing I'm missing is very The Who, a happy and upbeat opener, catchy. And very Soul Asylum. Actually, this is a very Soul Asylum album, with influences from the first part of their career (High Road), the usual good ballads (Freak Accident and You Don't Know Me) and ee even have the usual weird ones, like Tryin' Man and partially Waiting on the Lord and Sucker Maker. Speaking of classics Freeloader, If You Want It Back and the closing track High and Dry are among my favourites of the album (the last one is an instant classic!).

The production is a little rough (probably on purpose) and maybe there are a couple of tracks less inspired than others in the second half (at least for me). Still, If you like the band, you won't be disappointed by "Slowly but Shirley", probably my favourite album by the band in a very long time. A very good return and I enjoyed the album in its entirety a few times already.

Rating 72/100

Top Tracks: The Only thing I'm missing,  If You Want It Back, High and Dry.