Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum rock band Soul Asylum release their latest single, “Freak Accident”, from their previously announced 13th studio album, ‘Slowly But Shirley’, due out on 27 September, 2024.
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The introspective acoustic ballad, a long-time fan-favourite, finally makes its studio debut after being a staple of their live performances. “It’s built from experience and pain and shame,” Pirner quips. “The joke's always on me, let's just put it that way. Everyone makes mistakes.”
Teaming up once again with producer Steve Jordan (known for his work with the Rolling Stones, John Mayer, Robert Cray, Keith Richards), who worked on their 1990 album ‘And the Horse They Rode In On’, Soul Asylum recorded live at the Terrarium in Minneapolis, capturing an authentic and vibrant sound.
The album's title and cover pay homage to Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, a pioneering drag racer who inspired Pirner during his youth. “When I was a kid, I loved drag racing,” he says. “And she was the first woman of drag race. It meant a lot to me that she was willing to stand up against all these men in racing. My manager called her up, and she gave us her blessing, which means a whole lot to me because she was a childhood hero.”
Pirner, widely recognized as one of the one of the great American songwriters, is celebrating the four-decade legacy of Soul Asylum, a journey highlighted by their breakthrough album Grave Dancers Union, which achieved double platinum status and featured the Grammy-winning hit "Runaway Train." Despite challenges and changes, the band has remained a vital force in the rock scene, continually evolving while staying true to their roots. ‘Slowly But Shirley’ is a testament to their enduring spirit and creative prowess.
The current Soul Asylum line-up features Dave Pirner as lead vocals/guitar, Michael Bland on drums, Ryan Smith on lead guitar, and Jeremy Tappero on bass.
