Giant Sand – Long Stem Rant [25th Anniversary Edition] (2011)

As reissue programmes go, few can be as deserved as Fire’s current project for Giant Sand. The records are being released to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the band in Tucson, Arizona. Over this time the band and their leader Howe Gelb have developed a cult following. Although they may not necessarily be the first name that jump to mind, Giant Sand’s influence has spread far and wide – one need only take a quick look at people who have appeared on their records or live over the years to see the respect in which Gelb is held: M. Ward, Juliana Hatfield, PJ Harvey, Vic Chesnutt, Jello Biafra to name but a few. On their most recent album, Blurry Blue Mountain, Gelb seemingly acknowledges his elder-of-the-scene status: “Now I amble 50, and the longest hours move so swiftly / such young fresh folk look to me as a pathfinder.’

 VBR-237 kbps | 104 MB | UL | UA