Golden Smog - Blood On The Slacks

Swift return for the alt country supergroup

With an eight-year gap between 2006’s Another Fine Day and its predecessor, the Golden Smog collective of Americana movers and shakers were perhaps not expected to be heard from again for some time. Rejoice, then, at the arrival of this eight-track offering, comprising two outtakes from last year’s record and a batch of fresh tunes knocked out in a couple of days.

Headed, as always, by Jayhawks Gary Louris and Marc Perlman, and aided here by Dan Murphy (Soul Asylum) and Kraig Johnson (Run Westy Run), the group deliver some surprises, not least in the brace of covers. Louris takes the lead on an echo-laden version of David Bowie’s Starman (sounding not a million miles from Neil Young), while Dinosaur Jr’s Tarpit is stripped down to a prairie fireside lullaby.

Of the originals, the harmonica howl of the ragbag, Dylanesque, Scotch On Ice is suitably sloppy, while Look At You Now has the air of late 60s pop about it, with horn blasts faintly reminiscent of UK outfits such as Love Affair or Amen Corner. Same time next year, lads?

Lost Highway | 0602517240180

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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