Soul Asylum's Dave Pirner tells the story behind The Silver Lining

Available for the first time on Vinyl, Soul Asylum’s 2006 albumThe Silver Lining was their last to feature bassist Karl Mueller, who tragically passed away from cancer before the completion of the album. It is also the first to feature Michael Bland on drums. Produced by John Fields, and mastered for vinyl by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering, the double LP features printed sleeves and gatefold packaging and includes the hidden track, “Fearless Leader.” The album was widely considered a return to form for the long standing Minneapolis rock band who found commercial success in the 90’s withGrave Dancer’s Union andLet Your Dim Light Shine after enjoying underground accolades throughout the 80’s.

Here’s what Dave Pirner had to say aboutThe Silver Liningin his book, Loud Fast Words.

"Right before we started makingThe Silver Lining we found out Karl Mueller was dying. It both stalled the record and gave it urgency. The songs were written, for the most part, but it was probably the most unsure time in the band's existence. No one knew what was going to happen. We were all just hoping Karl would somehow get through it. I was living full-time in New Orleans, and I had a baby, so a lot was going on.

Some of the record also pertains to Hurricane Katrina. Embracing life in New Orleans and embracing disaster at the same time - it’s kind of littered throughout the record, right down to the song “Standing Water” and the lighthouse image on the cover. It was a strange time. Being cast out of your own city is a uniquely tragic experience, more so for people who were born there or had lived there most of their lives than for me. I’ve never seen anything like it, nor do I ever want to see anything like it again.

It may sound like a strange analogy, but the seeming extinction of the city of New Orleans reflected my fear about the possible extinction of the band and not knowing what would happen with Karl. We really had to group together and fight for the band.

I should also note that Michael Bland joined the band as the drummer for this album, and that really opened up a lot of potential for writing. Suddenly, I felt like I could write anything and it would work because of his ability to channel a song.” - Dave Pirner

300 copies of The Silver Lining were pressed on Silver Wax, and are available exclusively via Blue Élan Records, along with a couple of great new Soul Asylum shirt designs. Pre-Order now.