The group took their name from the name of a Flintstones character, which, in turn, was a parody of singer Mel Torme's nickname; the Velvet Fog. The group first came together in the Minneapolis area in 1989 as a country-rock reaction to the punk and hardcore music that dominated the Twin Cities' musical scene at the time; eventually Golden Smog became something of a fixture at local clubs, where they would play a handful of shows annually. Golden Smog's lineup has often changed, though Run Westy Run guitarist Kraig Jarret Johnson as well as guitarists Dan Murphy (Soul Asylum) and Gary Louris (the Jayhawks) were relative constants.
The definitive beginning of Golden Smog is hard to pinpoint given the mercurial nature of the band's lineup. Some point back to a show in January of 1987 when a band billed as 'The Take It To The Limit Band' played an all Eagles cover show at the Uptown Bar in Minneapolis. This band consisted of Dan Murphy and Dave Pirner (both of Soul Asylum), Jim Boquist (later of Son Volt), and Martin Zellar (Gear Daddies). The show ended with a cover of then Bangles hit song Walk Like An Egyptian. This same band later played a The Rolling Stones themed show in 1989 under the name "Her Satanic Majesty's Paycheck."
Between these early covers shows, and Golden Smog's first album, it is unclear what happened. It's hard to claim that these early shows were by Golden Smog, but rather in hindsight they were played in the spirit of the early Golden Smog. In 1992, Dan Murphy, Gary Louris, Marc Perlman (bassist for The Jayhawks), Kraig Johnson, and Chris Mars (the Replacements) released Golden Smog's first CD, a covers EP entitled On Golden Smog. This was followed four years later in 1996 by their full-length debut, Down By The Old Mainstream, recorded at Pachyderm Recording Studio with a lineup that included Kraig Johnson, Dan Murphy, Gary Louris, Marc Perlman, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, and Honeydogs drummer Noah Levy (all of whom recorded under pseudonyms as a result of contractual obligations). A few years later the band reformed with Jody Stephens (of Big Star) taking over for Noah on the drums (Jody had previously played with the band during a New Years Eve show in Chicago in 1996). This new incarnation of Golden Smog released Weird Tales in 1998.
In 2005 a new incarnation of the smog formed and recorded a new album in Spain. The new album is entitled Another Fine Day and was released on July, 18th 2006 on the Lost Highway Records. This album features both Jody Stephens and Linda Pitmon from Zuzu's Petals on drums. This album, like the previous couple is of a more coherent band, although Jeff Tweedy is only featured on a few songs. In the summer of 2006, the Smog played a couple of shows in Minneapolis and New York City. These shows were without Tweedy, as he had previously stated that he was too busy to tour with the band. A six-show mini-tour occured in September of 2006. In 2007 Golden Smog released an EP on Lost Highway called Blood On The Slacks.
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Golden Smog Lyrics
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'Cause she'd been there once or twice
With a ring on the side of her nose
Wearing other people's clothes
She had her highs and she had her lows
In between she show
When she smiled everything else died
V let off a good vibe
As if in a dream
The one and only V
That's a feel of dream
The one and only V
Buying shots and breaking hearts
She used to wait on us down at the bar
Never took as much as she gave
Is still giving to this day
Staying up half the night
Mood swing yet we cried
On a cold December day
V up and went away
As if in a dream
The one and only V
That's a feel of dream
The one and only V
Staying up half the night
Mood swing yet we cried
On a cold December day
V up and went away
As if in a dream
The one and only V
That's a feel of dream
The one and only V
The lyrics of Golden Smog's song "V" tell the story of a woman named "V" and her impact on the lives of those around her. The song starts by describing how, when the singer was feeling down, V would offer advice, having been in a similar situation before. V is then described as someone with a unique sense of style, wearing other people's clothes and sporting a ring on the side of her nose. Despite her highs and lows, when she smiled, everything else around her seemed to fade away and she emitted a positive energy that affected everyone in her presence.
The second verse goes on to describe how V used to work at a bar, where she would buy shots for her customers and break hearts with her charm. She was a giving person who always seemed to do more for others than she ever took. The song reveals that V had a tendency to have mood swings but no matter what, she always had a positive impact on the people around her. However, the story takes a sad turn when V suddenly disappears on a cold December day, leaving everyone behind to mourn her absence.
Overall, the lyrics of "V" celebrate the life of a unique and unforgettable woman who left an indelible impression on the people she touched. She is remembered as someone who gave more than she took, made others feel valued and who had the ability to light up a room with her smile.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was down she was full of advice
She offered a lot of guidance and suggestions when I was feeling low.
'Cause she'd been there once or twice
She had experienced similar situations before and could empathize with me.
With a ring on the side of her nose
She had a piercing on her nostril.
Wearing other people's clothes
She enjoyed wearing garments that belonged to others rather than buying her own.
She had her highs and she had her lows
She had experienced moments of extreme happiness and sadness in life.
In between she showed
During the times when she was not feeling too high or too low, she displayed a neutral demeanor.
When she smiled everything else died
Her smile was so captivating that it made all other things insignificant in comparison.
V let off a good vibe
V emanated an aura of positivity and good energy.
Buying shots and breaking hearts
She used to purchase rounds of drinks and also caused heartache for some.
She used to wait on us down at the bar
She worked as a server at the bar where we used to go.
Never took as much as she gave
Although she gave a lot, she never expected anything in return.
Is still giving to this day
Even now, she continues to give selflessly and help others.
Staying up half the night
She often remained awake till late hours.
Mood swing yet we cried
We experienced various emotional highs and lows, some of which made us cry.
On a cold December day, V up and went away
She left suddenly on a chilly day in December.
As if in a dream
It was a surreal experience.
The one and only V
She was a unique and unforgettable person named V.
That's a feel of dream
It was a dreamlike sensation.
The one and only V
She was a one-of-a-kind individual named V.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kraig Jerett Johnson, Gary Louris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lefty_jackalope
Here we are, almost 30 years later. Still miss those days.
@eowenspa2
This video is so subtle… so well made and so good. Some great nuances🏌️♂️
@BarryWarne
Golden Smog simply needs to be doing this all the time. Best. Supergroup. Ever.
@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube
George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Bob Dylan had a group. I know they aren't well know, but, you know....
@SmuffItUp
Those parts of the Wilbury's were better but the "whole" of Golden Smog was a better band.
@ms.felonystrutter2472
BLUE MURDER, BADLANDS, THE FIRM, WHITESNAKE (1987-1991), MR.BIG, everyone in the world is asking who these losers are and taking the stage name of FREDDIE FLINSTONE????FUCK YOU FAN OF NO NAME SESSION WORKERS
@edhelvey6119
@@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube Golden Smog was about the most fun band to watch in concert that I've seen. Probably had a better time playing together than the Willburys did.
@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube
@@edhelvey6119, that sounds interesting. Care to share an anecdote or two?
@gcg2366
I was a big fan back then.... And still am!.... Bring back the 80s and 90s please!
@bsculpepper
Amazing how young Jeff Tweedy is in this video.