Like most supergroup projects,
Golden Smog's Down By the Mainstream is a loose, relaxed affair that sounds like it was a lot of fun to record. Unlike most supergroups, the members of
Golden Smog improve on their regular bands. Comprised of a number of alternative country-rock stars -- including
Wilco's Jeff Tweedy,
the Jayhawks' Gary Louris, and
Soul Asylum's Dan Murphy -- the musicians are releaxed and loose, giving the songs a raw, rootsy kick. Since the album wasn't carefully considered, it has an offhand, relaxed charm that is sometimes lacking from
Jayhawks and
Soul Asylum albums. Not all of the songs are first rate -- "Pecan Pie" and "Red Headed Stepchild" are a bit too cute to be effective -- but the performances are full of grit and fire, which is what makes Down By the Mainstream such an engaging listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine