Search - Trashcan Sinatras :: Weightlifting

Most underrated band...ever...

Ned Kelly | Phoenix, AZ United States | 03/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...and they saved my life. Literally!



Sorry for the overdue review. It's been nearly 4 years since I first heard Weightlifting, but I have to get this review off my chest. I discovered TCS's "Maybe I Should Drive" in 1990 on a cassette tape someone sent when I was overseas. I fell in love with the sound and after a decade and three albums TCS easily entered my top 5 bands of all time.



In 2001 I was laid-off from my job of 7 years just a few weeks before 9-11. For the next three years I struggled to find a good job despite finishing my college degree. Family life grew aggravating, debt mounted, people generally frustrated me, jobs grew more demanding, I felt everyone and everything I depended on was kicking me while I was down. I became a very bitter and agitated person, ready to snap at any time.



Then in August of 2004 I got 2 photo-radar speeding tickets in as many weeks rushing to get to my 2nd job. I couldn't take any more. I made up my mind that soon I would make a drastic choice such as get a divorce, join the war, or just disappear. Then I stopped in my favorite music store around that time and (not knowing it had been released) discovered Weightlifting on the shelves. For the next few weeks it transformed my entire life. Without it, I may not be here writing this today.



Many reviews mention their favorites, and from a musical perspective I do not disagree with any. I usually value music over lyrics, and the entire CD is musically adept from start to finish. But for once the lyrics of the songs became my focal point. Despite the pop feel of the CD, "Country Air" is the most romantic song ever recorded. Then "Weightlifting" and "Got Carried Away" are the pinnacle of a comforting ballads. Maybe it was just my circumstances at the time, but no music or lyrics have ever been so meaningful to me. To this day I still get overwhelmed when I listen to this disc. I literally had to replace it from the wear.



TCS has since become my favorite band of all time and the new release "Wild Mountainside" has kept the tradition of their poignant, introspective, and uplifting songs. Thanks TCS for lifting my weight."