speed of dark

Indie Mom and I were talking the other day about talented, hardworking bands that seem to be resigned forever to cult status. Such are the Trashcan Sinatras, one of my beloved Scottish groups. Since the release of Cake in 1990, the band has had a continual string of bad luck, including the demise of its record company, bankruptcy, and the forced sale of its recording studio. Nonetheless, they have continued to make music and support their small but devoted fanbase in the U.S., Japan, and Australia.

Their last album of new material, Weightlifting, released independently in 2004, ended an eight-year hiatus and was meant to be a triumphant come-back. They even appeared at South by Southwest, the breaker of many bands, that year.

“Welcome back, back to here, back from the edge…” Yet TCS are still carrying on as they have done for years, having just arrived back home from touring in Australia.

TCS may have a lot to complain about, but they don't. There are no sad, bitter songs here. Their melodies are as bright as a sunny day with delicate, jangly guitar lifting them like a light breeze. Francis Reader's gorgeous, clear voice glides over creamy-smooth harmonies. "Welcome Back" is full of energy and optimism. What's not to like? They invented the niche that Keane and newcomers Bel Auburn inhabit.

All four albums are available on iTunes. Sample these, and if you like them, you will like others as well. I had a hard time narrowing my choices down.

from Weightlifting (2004):
Welcome Back
Weightlifting
Got Carried Away

from I've Seen Everything (2000):
I'm Immortal

Live at The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA - 10/6/2004:
Obscurity Knocks

Live at Cane's in San Diego, CA - 10/10/2004:
Freetime

The Trashcan Sinatras are: John Douglas (rhythm guitar, vocals), Stephen Douglas (drums, vocals), Davy Hughes (bass), Paul Livingston (lead guitar), and Francis Reader (vocals)

If you like the live versions above, do not download here. I had to alter the speed to get them to play correctly on the web. Instead, visit the band's extensive Website for more info, news, and lots of downloads of live versions.

Check their MySpace page for videos and another download: the beautiful A Coda from Weightlifting.