Giant Sand – Punishing Sun
Giant Sand is a band from Tucson, Arizona (and points further south), largely the invention of Howe Gelb poet laureate, singer, song-writer and general music Guru of the Sonoran desert, home to the Saguaro cactus. As the eye-of-the-storm for the musical scene from Tucson to Bisbee, Gelb and company have spawned the likes of Calexico and side acts The Band of Blacky Ranchette, OP8, Arizona Amp & Alternator, and of course Giant Sand since 1985.
Classified either lo-fi, indie rock or alt. country, Gelb’s writing-song style is best described as native Sonoran music (one of the largest, hottest deserts in North America) and that best describes the temperature and tone of a Howe Gelb band.
The included sample: Punishing Sun from the 2000 LP release, Chore of Enchantment, captures the thought-provoking lyrics and the understated musical style completely. Absorb the flavor of Giant Sand and you will begin the appreciate the beauty and the wonder of the desert southwest.
Tags: alternative music