Search - Steel Train :: Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun

Dead Ringers

Larry White | AdultPop.com | 11/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The last (abbreviated) cd of Steel Train paid homage to specific songs of the Sixties. This new, full-length follow-up pays homage to the musical styles of that very era-encompassing folk, country, rock, funk, Latin, and jam-band-thank-you-ma'am. The first 3 tracks on `Twilight Tales from The Praries of the Sun' had us believing we were about to hear American Beauty 2005, until we were abruptly jarred by the Santanic (note the crucial first `n' in that word) groove of the following cut. The Deadhead complexion of this band appears to have been consciously nurtured by the presence of former Dead associate, Stephen Barncard, who produced this cd, and by guest appearances by famed mandolinist and former musical partner of Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and pedal steel player, Gene Parsons (formerly of The Flying Burrito Brothers, who likely influenced and were influenced by The Dead, as well). The tracks on which those legends perform are easily the strongest on `Twilight Tales', but certainly not the only worthwhile ones. Even without the guest stars, Steel Train are a talented and versatile band. All the members are more than competent on their respective axes, particularly multi-instrumentalist, Jack Antonoff, a gifted and fluid guitarist. Of course, we would be remiss if we failed to credit the myriad contributions of the other members, Matt Goldman (guitar), Scott Irby-Ranniar (vocals, organ), Evan Winkler (bass), and Matthias Gruber (drums). All but the drummer contribute vocally. Steel Train's vocals are always pleasant and, when in harmony, capable of raising their share of goose bumps. The songs on Twilight Tales are, for the most part, thoughtful, heart-on-the-sleeve romantic, passionate and sincere, if occasionally lyrically awkward or wrapped in corn. As writers, especially, they appear to still be developing. Nonetheless, this is an innovative and risk-taking record. By honoring what has come before them, Steel Train have managed to steer their music steadily up the track."

This band is gonna be huge!

Ringo V. | Canyon, TX USA | 06/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These boys can play. Absolutely amazing music. I am a person who tends to enjoy music that most people have never heard of, and this album is one of the best. "Better Love", "Road Song", "Dig", and "Wake Your Eyes" are the best on this album. The 1969 EP is really awesome too. Check out www.steeltrainmusic.com for a lot of info and cool merchandise. This band is gonna make music history one day."

One of the BEST Albums i've heard in a long time

rock 'n' roll | 06/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'd just like to say that this album seriously rocks. I really have to disagree with the first reviewer who gave it 1 star and bashed it. It's just too good of a record to pass up this opportunity to praise it. Steel Train is an extremely talented band who have produced a very diverse ensemble of songs on Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun. Listening to them was like breath of fresh air. Each track brings something new to the table without setting the record off track. There is a great deal of originality while at the same time one can hear their influences in their music. They provide the listener with a great deal of diversity which I personally love. There are some great straight up rock songs, a number of nice ballads, some great folky numbers, and few Santana-esq tracks. But the beauty is that this is NOT a copycat album. It is highly influenced by many different bands BUT each song is undoubtedly STEEL TRAIN! They do not fit in with the rest of the other Drive-Thru Record's bands(which is a good thing) Unlike many of the talentless pop-punk/emo bands that make up almost ALL of the record label, Steel Train stands out very much. So if you're looking for a great listen from beginning to end, and a bit of freshness mixed with old-school rock that is undoubtedly diverse from track to track, check out this album."