Last January, This Train did a preview concert of possible songs for their second album, letting the audience determine by secret ballot which to include. While listener feedback was important and rockabilly and swing continue to be This Train's backbone, Mimes of the Old West is a collage encompassing all of This Train's varied interests. Opening with sound bites related to UFO sightings, "Hanger 84's" synthesized sounds and surf guitar neatly encapsulate much of what fascinates the group about their favorite decade, the 1950's. "Sandee" demonstrates their production expertise as they take what most would consider an annoying technical difficulty and turn it into an elegant interlude. The vocals are all handled by Mark Robertson now that Beki Hemingway has left the group to pursue a solo career. Ashley Cleveland does a commendable job filling in on background vocals, contributing a special bluesy rawness in the duet "Who's Stopping You." "The Wailing Wall" and "The Great Atomic Power" will be familiar to anyone who's ever heard the band live, while newer tunes like "Goodbye" and "The Missing Link" are fresh takes on their distinctive sound. There's more to the title track, "Mimes of the Old West," than meets the eye, but I'll leave the discovery of its deeper significance to the listener. "We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)" may attempt to summarize their career, but is overly pessimistic as the initial 1,000 unit run of this CD is almost completely sold out. To get this project to the audience it deserves, plans for making more and wider distribution are already in the works.
Their deep exploration into all things 50's creates a lens to closely examine a variety of societal and spiritual issues. These guys are a lot of fun, but they also mine real gold. Or is that "Mime"?
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernAs you know from hearing the single "We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)" on last issue's HM sampler CD, these guys do not take themselves seriously. This anti-rock-star-ism mentality is very attractive to the listener who wants nothing more than cool music. Many times, when an artist can just relax and have fun, some of the best music is made. And I like this stuff! This rootsy, easy going…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Roger AppelinskiMark Heard, The 77's, Vigilantes of Love, This Train. What's the common thread? They each have earned the respect of their fellow musicians and music critics, and they have developed a small but loyal fan base; however, they never received "mass" appeal for their art. These are the types of artists for listeners that like to go beyond the latest pop hook phrases. This Train is no doubt the most…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Dave DraegerCarrying on as a three-piece since parting ways with vocalist Beki Hemingway this past spring, This Train's second album finds the band exploring new musical territory. A pair of distortion-tinged surf instrumentals show off guitarist Jordan Richter's influences, "I Saw the Light" and "Great Atomic Power" cover the full spectrum of country gospel from the sublime to the ridiculous, there's a…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Shari LloydThis album has spent way, way too much time in my player. Why? They have such a knack for blending humor with the serious. They laugh at themselves in "We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)" as they poke fun at the slowness of their musical career. They pay tribute to the least of the world in "Mimes of the Old West." Then there is the song, "The Missing Link." Underneath everything is the Gospel. All…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartThis Train's first UK release was hotly anticipated by this reviewer, and it hasn't disappointed. A mish-mash of influences and a fair dose of humour leads to an accessible mix of surf-rock, country, and rockabilly. There are definitely enough layers and variety to keep the listener interested. "We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)" seems to be the band's attempt to tell their own story but may now be…Similar sounding releases
2004Last ConservativeOn To The Next One
1997Audio AdrenalineSome Kind Of Zombie
2001The Seventy SevensA Golden Field of Radioactive Crows
2002ApologetiXGrace Period
2005Cross Canadian RagweedGarage
2002Midnight OilCapricornia
