Train 

California 37

Checklist for a successful band-

  • Extremely talented musicians.  Check
  • A smooth frontman with a striking voice. Check
  • A collection of well-written, radio friendly songs. Check
  • A worldwide network of fans and supporters. Check

Now for some people this list sums up The Rolling Stones, Queen and U2.  However, this also applies to the San Francisco group Train. Their album ‘California 37’ (the title is actually named after an American highway which the band used to drive down in their early years) is very much a soul searching record if opener ‘This’ll Be My Year’ is anything to go by. The lyrics are reminiscent of Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ but still has aspects of Train’s personal history.

Single ‘Drive By’ showcases Scott Underwood’s well- crafted pulsing drum beat blends brilliantly with the vocals, whilst ‘Feels Good at First’ is so mellow and soothing due to Jimmy Stafford’s subtle acoustic guitar.

Pat Monahan then enlists Ashley Monroe for an emotionally charged ‘Bruises’. There is something about this that people across the globe can understand no matter their gender, colour, creed or class, because of its raw honesty and touches of sadness.

‘50 Words to Say Goodbye’ is a breath of fresh air with Brad Magers’s Mexican-esque trumpet intro leading to Pat Monahan’s hilarious explanations which just make you smile and want to sing along.

Espen Lind’s Ukele on ‘Sing Together’ creates pictures in the mind of sandy white beaches bathed in rich sunlight on Hawaii whilst you drink cocktails, thus making it the perfect summer tune for people longing for an exotic trip.

‘Mermaid’ puts a magical marine twist on the human relationship with Jimmy Stafford moulding it into the ultimate positive walking song whereas title track ‘California 37’ is a surprisingly gritty and full of shame and sorrow.

Train have created an uplifting and poignant album for 2012 and should be proud of what they have accomplished. It’s been a long time since an album has made me smile, and I hope that the Train (Pat Monahan, Jimmy Stafford and Scott Underwood) never stops.

By Glenn Sargeant

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