Satchel was an enigmatic post-grunge entry into the roster of Epic’s more adventurous (i.e. less profitable) signings.
They were quietly promoted as a side project of a side project (Brad) that coupled Shawn Smith’s soulful croon and keyboards with a rock ensemble given star-power by Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard.
I’ll admit that my initial curiosity about Brad was Gossard’s involvement. Even though I wasn’t neccesarily a huge Pearl Jam fan, I was intrigued that a Seattle big name could be both prolific and humble.
The recently reunited Satchel and new album ‘Heartache & Honey’ is worth mention here, especially if you’ve followed songster Shawn Smith’s various musical identities as Brad, Satchel, Pigeonhed, and solo.
Unreleased tracks are always a treat, and this promotional EP offers a surreal, lumbering Prince channeling in “Nice Guy Eddie” and the hazy, tranquilized funk of “Vic Vega”.