Album Information:

About Soul Asylum:

Soul Asylum is an American alternative rock band that was formed in 1981 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band consists of Dave Pirner (vocals/guitar), Michael Bland (drums), Ryan Smith (lead guitar), and Winston Roye (bass guitar).

In the early years, Soul Asylum started out as a punk rock band, but over time their sound evolved to include elements of rock, grunge, and even pop. Their music has been described as having smart lyrics, catchy hooks, and a melancholic tone.

The band's breakthrough album was released in 1992, and it was called 'Grave Dancers Union'. It was their sixth studio album, and it became a massive commercial success. The album featured the hit singles 'Runaway Train' and 'Somebody to Shove'. 'Runaway Train' is a powerful song that deals with the issue of missing children, and the music video featured photos of real-life missing children. The video was very successful and helped to raise awareness of the issue. 'Grave Dancers Union' went on to sell over 2 million copies in the United States alone.

Soul Asylum had been around for over a decade before they achieved mainstream success with 'Grave Dancers Union'. They had released five previous albums, the first of which was 'Say What You Will, Clarence... Karl Sold the Truck', which was released in 1984. Some of their other albums include 'Hang Time' (1988), 'And the Horse They Rode In On' (1990), and 'Let Your Dim Light Shine' (1995).

Throughout their career, Soul Asylum has dealt with personal tragedy. In 1991, their bassist, Karl Mueller, was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in 2005. The band has also dealt with issues related to drug addiction. Dave Pirner has spoken openly in interviews about his struggles with drugs and alcohol.

Despite these challenges, Soul Asylum has remained a respected and beloved band in the alternative rock scene. They continue to tour and release new music to this day. Their most recent album, 'Hurry Up and Wait', was released in 2020.

About the album Grave Dancers Union:

Grave Dancers Union is the sixth studio album by the American rock band Soul Asylum, released in 1992. The album is arguably the band's most successful and popular release, and marked a turning point in their career.

The album begins with the energetic and catchy 'Somebody To Shove', which features an infectious guitar riff and lead singer Dave Pirner's distinctive vocals. The song sets the tone for the album, which is a mix of grunge, alternative rock, and classic rock influences.

The second track, 'Black Gold', is a slower, more introspective number that showcases the band's emotional depth. The song features a haunting melody and poignant lyrics about the struggles of the working class and the environmental destruction caused by oil drilling.

'Runaway Train', perhaps the album's most popular and enduring track, is a powerful ballad about runaways and missing children. The song's melancholy tone and beautiful melody make it a standout track, and it remains one of the band's most recognizable and beloved songs.

Other standout tracks on the album include the upbeat rocker 'Shut Down', the moody ballad 'Without A Trace', and the rollicking 'Easy Street'. The album also features guest appearances by songwriter Victoria Williams and cellist Bob Becker, adding to its diverse sound.

Overall, Grave Dancers Union is a solid and memorable album that showcases Soul Asylum's range and creativity. It is a must-listen for fans of '90s rock and alternative music.

Members:

Soul Asylum is an American alternative rock band formed in 1981 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band has gone through several lineup changes over the years. The following are the key members of Soul Asylum along with their biographies:

1) Dave Pirner (vocals/guitar): Dave Pirner is the only original member of Soul Asylum. He was born on April 16, 1964, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pirner formed Soul Asylum with Dan Murphy, Karl Mueller, and Pat Morley in 1981. He is the primary songwriter for the band and has written many of their hit songs, including 'Runaway Train,' 'Somebody to Shove,' and 'Black Gold.' Pirner has also released solo albums and has collaborated with other musicians throughout his career.

2) Dan Murphy (guitar): Dan Murphy was born on September 27, 1962, in Duluth, Minnesota. He co-founded Soul Asylum with Pirner, Mueller, and Morley in 1981. Murphy is the lead guitarist for the band and has contributed to the songwriting as well. He has also released solo albums and has collaborated with other musicians.

3) Karl Mueller (bass): Karl Mueller was born on July 17, 1963, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He co-founded Soul Asylum with Pirner, Murphy, and Morley in 1981. Mueller was the bassist for the band and contributed to the songwriting. He passed away on June 17, 2005, due to throat cancer.

4) Pat Morley (drums): Pat Morley was the original drummer for Soul Asylum. He left the band in 1984 and was replaced by Grant Young. There is little information available about his life after leaving the band.

5) Grant Young (drums): Grant Young was born on April 14, 1963, in Walnut Creek, California. He joined Soul Asylum in 1984 and played with them until 1995. Young was the drummer for some of the band's most successful albums, including 'Grave Dancers Union' and 'Let Your Dim Light Shine.' After leaving Soul Asylum, Young continued to play music and collaborated with other musicians.

6) Daniel Rey (producer): Daniel Rey was born on January 20, 1957, in New York City. He produced Soul Asylum's album 'And the Horse They Rode In On' and co-wrote several songs with Pirner. Rey has also worked with other punk and alternative rock bands, including the Ramones and the Misfits.

7) Sterling Campbell (drums): Sterling Campbell was born on May 3, 1964, in New York City. He played drums on Soul Asylum's album 'Candy from a Stranger' and toured with the band in 1999-2000. Campbell has also played drums for other famous musicians, such as David Bowie and Duran Duran.

Track List for Grave Dancers Union:

Sure, here are all of the tracks in the album 'Grave Dancers Union' by Soul Asylum, in order with their play time and a detailed description of each track:

1. 'Somebody to Shove' (3:15)
The album's lead track, 'Somebody to Shove,' was a big hit for Soul Asylum. With its catchy melody and driving beat, the song features lead singer Dave Pirner's emotional vocals and lyrics about feeling trapped and alone.

2. 'Black Gold' (3:57)
'Black Gold' is one of the standout tracks on the album, featuring a rock-inspired sound that combines elements of hard rock and punk. The song's lyrics explore the idea of lost opportunities and the line 'Nothing is exactly what it seems' is repeated throughout the chorus.

3. 'Runaway Train' (4:26)
Perhaps the album's most well-known song, 'Runaway Train' is a ballad that showcases Pirner's raw emotional power. The song's powerful lyrics and haunting melody are a lament to the lost and forgotten children of America.

4. 'Keep It Up' (3:53)
'Keep It Up' is a high-energy rock song that features driving guitars and percussion. The lyrics focus on the idea of perseverance and not giving up on one's dreams.

5. 'Homesick' (3:38)
'Homesick' slows things down a bit, with a more introspective vibe. The lyrics explore the feeling of being far away from home and missing the people and places that are familiar to you.

6. 'Get On Out' (3:32)
'Get On Out' is a fun and upbeat track that features a catchy melody and playful lyrics. The song's lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their worries and dance the night away.

7. 'New World' (4:03)
'New World' features a more stripped-down sound that puts the focus on Pirner's vocal performance. The song's lyrics are a commentary on the state of the world, criticizing the greed and corruption that have led to societal decay.

8. 'April Fool' (3:52)
'April Fool' is another high-energy track that features a driving beat and guitar riffs. The lyrics describe the ups and downs of a romantic relationship and the way that love can often feel like a joke.

9. 'Without a Trace' (3:33)
'Without a Trace' showcases Pirner's vocal range, with a more subdued melody and emotional lyrics about lost love. The song's chorus is a catchy hook that will stick in your head long after you've finished listening.

10. 'Growing into You' (3:10)
'Growing into You' is a sweet and tender ballad that features heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful piano melody. The song's lyrics describe the experience of falling in love and how it can change you as a person.

11. '99%' (3:40)
'99%' closes out the album with a hard-driving rock sound and powerful lyrics that criticize the power structures and inequality in modern society. The song's chorus features the line 'Ninety-nine percent is everything,' a nod to the Occupy Wall Street movement that was gaining momentum around the time the album was released.

That's a summary of all the tracks in 'Grave Dancers Union' by Soul Asylum!

Discography for Soul Asylum:

Below is the complete discography of Soul Asylum in chronological order, including albums, singles, and other releases:

1. Say What You Will, Clarence... Karl Sold the Truck (EP) - (1984)
2. Made to Be Broken - (1986)
3. While You Were Out - (1986)
4. Clam Dip & Other Delights (EP) - (1988)
5. Hang Time - (1988)
6. And the Horse They Rode in On - (1990)
7. Grave Dancers Union - (1992)
8. Let Your Dim Light Shine - (1995)
9. Candy from a Stranger - (1998)
10. The Silver Lining - (2006)
11. Delayed Reaction - (2012)

Hit Singles:
1. 'Cartoon' - (1986)
2. 'Sometime To Return' - (1989)
3. 'Black Gold' - (1993)
4. 'Runaway Train' - (1993)
5. 'Just Like Anyone' - (1995)
6. 'Misery' - (1995)

Other Notable Releases:
1. Soul Asylum and the Horse They Rode In On (Live album) - (1990)
2. Live from Liberty Lunch, Austin, TX, 3/14/92 - (2016)

Note: This discography does not include any compilation or greatest hits albums.