Souled American – Rise Above It – A Souled American Anthology
Formed in 1987 this band is a cross-pollinated Chicago entity that encompassed Americana, alt-country & rock music. Tricky terrain. Their first LP was released in 1988 & they managed 6 sets over their career. This anthology provides material from 1988-1996.
The 20-track compilation Rise Above It – A Souled American Anthology (Drops Feb 21/Omnivore Recordings/76:14) was produced by Tom Adelman, Jeff Hamand & Cheryl Pawelski. Musically, aficionados will hear where groups like Wilco may have found the germination of an influence.
I found their guitar interplay always interesting (“Notes Campfire” “Downblossom”) & though the vocals aren’t strongly definitive there’s a charm. Not being appreciated by a far wider audience, which may not be due to their records but their timing. The bands that existed at this time that made similar alternative waves were Galaxie 500, Dream Syndicate, True West, Uncle Tupelo & the more pop tune-oriented soloists such as Russ Tolman & Steve Wynn.
On this LP the tunes are relatively simple. Sewn together with instrumental weaves (“Lottery Brazil”) with some pieces being as catchy with riffs & as strong as a Rolling Stones tune. This will be found on “True Swamp Too” which sounds like an unfinished Stones song, or at least Keith Richards doodling.
The unit wasn’t trying to lay down a hybrid of what Gram Parsons tried to achieve with Country through the back door of rock. I never heard of a distinctive lead vocalist with Souled American, like Michael Stipe (REM) or even Frank Tovey. Each voice sounded thin & identical in tonality. No Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Lyle Lovett, or Steve Earle & that could’ve hampered their identity. The songs were good, played well & seemed not to always meander — though at times they did (“Rise Above It” & “You”).
There was a better Neil Young pop focus with (“Feel Better” & “In the Mud”). Both had energy & vitality but in a crowded field, this can be ignored or simply missed. There was a modernity to some numbers that daringly messed with tradition.
They may have fared better down a Hot Tuna-Little Feat-James Gang path with alt-bearings. “Rock That Cradle Lucy,” a cover of “Blue Eyes Cryin’ In the Rain” & “Heyday” are superb. The band mixed up their songs with distinctive instrumentation well (“Wind To Dry”), so it isn’t like they weren’t engaged. They’re worth exploring & for some with a water pipe.
Highlights – “Notes Campfire,” “Lottery Brazil,” “True Swamp Too,” “Feel Better,” “Wind To Dry,” “In the Mud,” “Little Bessie,” “Rock That Cradle Lucy,” “Blue Eyes Cryin’ In the Rain,” “Downblossom,” “Heyday” & “Before Tonight.”
Musicians – Joe Adducci (vocal/bass/guitars/keys/accordion/mandolin/Fender VI/cello), Jamey Barnard (drums/vocal), Chris Grigoroff (vocals/guitar/harmonica/chromatic harmonica/drums) & Scott Tuma (guitar/vocal/steel guitar) with Bob Egan (pedal steel) & S. Lucas (drums).
Includes a 16pp comprehensive stitched Camden Joy liner notes & lyric insert. CD @ Target + https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/rise-above-it/
