Album Review - Trashcan Sinatras
Trashcan Sinatras -’ In the Music’ (Love-Five Records)
The return of Glaswegian band the Trashcan Sinatras is something to celebrate. It’s been five years since their last album, Weightlifting. Whilst they’ve never been the most prolific of bands - this is their fifth album, nineteen years since their debut, Cake - the quality control they operate is particularly high. Listening to this album, they seem to form a perfect link between the sublimity of The Blue Nile and the classic, well-toned songwriting of Teenage Fanclub, the latter also nineteen years on from their debut album.
Since Weightlifting, the only track to surface has been their collaboration with author Ali Smith on the song ‘Half An Apple’ from the Chemikal Underground album, Ballads Of The Book, which saw scottish bands collaborating with scottish writers. Smith’s lyrics form the lyrics for the fine title track. Family interests come in on ‘Should I Pray’ - vocalist and rhythm guitarist John Douglas is the partner of legend Eddi Reader, who is the sister of singer Frank Reader. Not only that, but that track features vocals from none other than Carly Simon.
With songs like ‘I hung my harp upon the willows’ melting even the most hardened heart, the domesticity prevalent in the background has not softened these men, but shown that contentment can poduce beautiful songs too.
However long album number six takes, lads, don’t rush it, it’ll be worth the wait when it’s ready.
****
Trashcan Sinatras website/Trashcan Sinatras Myspace
Trashcan Sinatras -’Oranges And Apples’
ach they’re all dead out there, why do I bother? That could well be your response to no comments on a new Trashcan Sinatras album…
Sorry, I’ve been away. It’s a lovely album. I came to the band late (like Weightlifting) despite having seen them Cake-era, supporting someone somewhere (it’s all going). I didn’t like them particularly at the time (maybe the crap support band sound quality put me off) but kept the promo card as a book mark for about 15 years.
What a classy band. I hope they tour this album soon. I saw them in the St Bride’s Centre when they first toured Weightlifting. Brilliant brilliant gig.
Point of reference. Apples and Oranges was available, last year in support of the Syd Barrett Fund (see this post which doesn’t take you there but is relevant http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=46329573&blogId=434638683
Cheers
I know…what is it about this band and apples?!?! Glad you like it, btw, think this is going to be another underrated gem. Sigh…
I have been a TCS fan for years. Cake is my 2nd favorite album and I’ve Seen Everything is my desert island album. However, Weightlifting was OK, but this latest album sounds washed up and a bit pathetic. The only thing that resembles the TCS I love is the beauty of a jam on Apples and Oranges. . I am very sorry to leave such harsh comments for a band that I truly truly love, but the lyrics and the melodies are far too maudlin and simple. Frank’s voice has lost the ambiguity and clever whit that surprised those who cared to listen closely to the layered production of the first albums. I know this stuff is much more marketable, and who can blame the gents for wanting a little more exposure. I am just sad to say that, well, it was nice knowing you!
each to their own
Ed, have you got tickets for their Cab Volt gig 14th NOvember? Went on sale this morning!
I haven’t…but it’s the day before my birdthay, so might see if I can persuade nearest and dearest to make it my birthday treat!
Ed