Search - Trashcan Sinatras :: Weightlifting (Bonus DVD)

Long time fan satisfied

T. ORourke | Pennsylvania | 11/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since my brother put his cassette of "Cake" in my parents' old stereo, sparking a spontaneous family dance to "Obscurity Knocks", I have been a Trashcan Sinatras fan. I saw them at a great show at the 9:30 Club in D.C. in 1993 with my sister and was awestruck at the fun they had and their talent and Francis Reader's charisma. I have bought the B sides CDs and followed them via their website. I kept my eyes open for this CD after Francis said it would be good back in late 2003, and I stumbled onto it on a Amazon CD safari in September. I was so excited I ordered one for my sister, too (I don't even think she has listened to it yet). It is everything I hoped it would be. Each song is a separate marvel. I love the wordplay and think Francis has one of the best and most expressive voices in pop music (especially when he cuts it loose). It is less jangly than their second CD, more lively than "A Happy Pocket", and better than anything else you will buy this year. It grows on me with every listen."

Welcome Back Sinatras!!

cagey | 09/21/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's been a very long while since TCS's last album, the 1996 release "A Happy Pocket", which was, I think, only available here as an import. But finally the wait is over and patient fans have been rewarded with yet another collection of sparkling pop gems. After the first listen of this album, I felt that it would have to grow on me a bit, like two friends getting reaquainted after a long separation. The first thing I noticed is that the quirkiness is gone - there are no songs like "I Must Fly" or "Sleeping Policeman" from "A Happy Pocket" or the unusually muscular "One At A Time" from 1993's "I've Seen Everything". That's a bit disappointing since it gives the album sort of an even keel. But the solid songwriting makes up for it. The Trashcans have matured quite a bit and it's only natural the music should reflect that.



A number of the songs are more reflective - the plaintive "A Coda", which relates a broken relationship that's set to a steady accompaniment or guitar and piano and soft drumming. "What Women Do To Men" explores the same territory with a lush string arrangement. One fastly becoming my favorite is "Trouble Sleeping", a dark number about the aftermath of losing a child to violence. "Country Air" is the only slow track that I feel like skipping over from time to time. It's not a bad song, it's just that the melody seems forced and doesn't move me.



The brighter, upbeat numbers are here too. "Welcome Back" is a strong album opener filled with chiming guitars. "All The Dark Horses" is a destined to be a TCS classic with a great soaring chorus. "It's A Miracle" gallops along led by a great strong bassline. This would be a good choice for a single.



However, the peak moment comes at the end of the album, with "Weightlifting". This song is already one of my all-time TCS favorites, destined to take its place next to "The Genius I Was", "Hayfever", and "Only Tongue Can Tell" as a TCS standard. The warmth of this song is incredible. If there was ever a song that embraced you with open arms and planted a kiss on your forehead, then this is it. An absolute jaw-dropper.



All TCS albums are worth getting. But I feel "Weightlifting" and their debut, "Cake" are probably good starting points. "I've Seen Everything" would be the next step to take if those first two make a strong impression. The difficult to find "A Happy Pocket" is just as worthy if you can score a copy. So if you're new to the Trashcan Sinatras but are fans of Aztec Camera, Smiths, Housemartins, or Travis definitely give this band a listen.



I've just recently seen TCS live, and they were brilliant on stage as well."

Pop Perfection!

Diagramma | San Diego, CA | 02/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These days it seems like the whole world is looking for something meaningful in pop music. Unfortunately everyone tends to overlook the Trash Can Sinatras. Here they are in all their splendid glory. A shining example of perfection, complete with shimmering guitars, beautiful melodies, and perfect harmonies. It's amazing what can be done with guitars, bass, vocals, and drums. Alternative rock fans continue to buy Morrissey records or records of newer bands in a search for a fleeting glimpse of nostalgia and melancholy. Why do they do this when there's something much more tangible and much more honest in the music of the Trash Can Sinatras. This music harks to the beauty and innocence of the past generations. They are steadfast in continuing in the long tradition of Scottish bands who have been extremely influential but often overlooked (except for Franz Ferdinand). In case you need to be reminded here is a list of Scottish bands,The Jesus and Mary Chain, Teenage Fanclub, Travis, Belle and Sebastian, Primal Scream, Cocteau Twins, and Franz Ferdinand."