Review: Train "Save Me, San Francisco"

Honestly, I have been getting pretty weary of Train. A huge fan of their first couple records, I found their subsequent ones to be hit and miss. Their last one, 2006's "For Me, It's You", was a real snoozefest - more fun could be had watching CSPAN. Making matters even worse, in 2007 lead singer Pat Monahan put out a steaming pile with his solo effort, "Last of Seven" (reviewed here). After that, I reached the conclusion that Train was at the caboose of their career.

I was in no rush to hear their fifth album, "Save Me, San Francisco", especially after hearing the rather silly and annoying first single, "Hey Soul Sister". But after a few more tracks in the album really picks up, sending you back in time to their early days. Train has finally stopped taking themselves so seriously and simply recorded a fun roots-rock record - their specialty, and what most fans fell in love with in the beginning. Additionally, Pat Monahan sounds fantastic on this record - he seems re-energized and has written melodies that allow him to showcase how great of a vocal talent he really is.

Train are full steam ahead on this one from the get-go...the record is short and sweet, but most of the songs are bright and playful, free of the over-production that dragged down their last couple of records. Fans of the first two albums are going to appreciate "Save Me, San Francisco" the most. Catchy songs abound, but the highlights include "Parachute", "You Already Know", and "Brick By Brick".

With "Save Me, San Francisco", Train is finally 'back on track': it is easily their best release since their masterpiece, "Drops of Jupiter".

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Train on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Pat Monahan "The Last of Seven"

Pat Monahan solo = TRAIN WRECK

Train has gotten increasingly boring ever since their virtual masterpiece, "Drops of Jupiter." Now the lead singer Pat Monahan has put out a "solo" record that is no departure from Train...he's on the same track, one could say. The record is even more mellow and sleepy than the last Train release, and Pat steers the engine into tunnels that go nowhere melodically. Even notable guest star musicians can't breathe life into the snooze fest, which include Richie Sambora on "Someday" and Brandi Carlile on "Pirate on the Run." And who sings about pirates for Pete's sake? Did he wear a puffy shirt during the recording? Arrr. Pat's voice still sounds great, but the gospel choirs and fake beats and loops distract from it. And he left all the good songs at the station.

This record is getting 5 star reviews by many at Amazon. I just don't get it. What am I missing?

iPOD-worthy: 2

Official website.

Click here for the video for "Her Eyes"

Rare CD: Train "Train" - first pressing indie release

"RARE HARD TO FIND Train S/T ORIGINAL INDIE PRESSING CD in near Mint condition. Released by the Band Themselves and sold at their Early Shows before being signed. As you can see the Front cover is a bit Different. The back cover is very different and has a nice early photo of the band and includes contact information. This Rare pressing Includes the track "Sorry For", which did not make it to the major label release."

1-27-08: One sells for $49.50 on ebay (1 bid).

Rare CD: Train "One and A Half"

"Original US Pressing for Train "One And A Half," CD, Sony/Aware Records, 1999. Tough to find CD that was released in a VERY LIMITED EDITION between the first two Train records!!! All songs recorded LIVE in studio on Oct. 21, 1999"

Tracks:
1. Counting On You
2. Hopeless

3. Ramble On (acoustic)

4. Sweet Rain

5. The Highway

6. Meet Virginia (acoustic)

This one sold for $41.00 on ebay (7 bids).