Golden Smog - 1995 - Down By the Old Mainstream

 

In 1989, Glen and I got a place together. We both worked a Total gas station on Snelling Avenue, and I, who worked graveyard shifts, got to know the DJ of Macaelster College, and I loved his show. It became clear I was one of the few listeners at the 2-3 AM hour, and he would offer free tickets to the "first" caller. At a certain point, he'd just say, "Hey Chris, if you're listening tonight and want tickets to Violent Femmes, call me". I did.

That dude ruled.

I took Glen to the show, and their was a blizzard. It was all-ages, but was in the main room, as opposed to the 7th St. Entry.

Glen snuck in a flask of blackberry brandy, and we'd order Sprites and he'd spice em up.

Well, there was a blizzard outside, and apparently at the time, Minneapolis laws allowed clubs to stay open later than usual so that people weren't out on the streets putting their lives in danger. So we stayed until 2 AM, which was not normally allowed in 1989.

Well, it is probably apocryphal, but Golden Smog became a band under the same conditions. Wilco was playing at First Avenue and members of the Jayhawks, The Replacements, Soul Asylum, Run Westy Run were there for the show, and it turned into a jam.

This is the first of those albums (though the first EP is amazing).

I miss the Twin Cities sometimes.

This is not just a curiosity. This is a GREAT album.

Enjoy.

...