weightlifting album review

billboard.com

by randee dawn
august 23, 2004

TRASHCAN SINATRAS
Album Title: Weightlifting
Producer(s): Duncan Cameron, Simon Dine
Genre: ROCK
Label/Catalog Number: spinART SPART154
Source: Billboard.com
Originally Reviewed: August 23, 2004

Has any band worked harder in the past 14 years than the Trashcan Sinatras -- to merely stay afloat? Since the 1990 release of their (still) best album, "Cake," the Trashcans have hoisted their Orange Juice/Roddy Frame/Duane Eddy influences squarely on their determined Scot shoulders and banged out three ensuing releases through what feels like sheer will alone. Their latest, "Weightlifting," was financed through Web site sales and the Scottish Arts Council, for crying out loud!

"Weightlifting" is worth the fight. At their most charming, the Trashcans pair lush, swirling flourishes and energetic guitar jangle with deft, elegantly witty plays on language (title track: "You will find a great weight lifting"; "Freetime": "to the rhythm of time we'll carry on walking"). Lines like those shouldn't work, yet in singer Francis Reader's yearning mouth they snap with a satisfying, delightful resonance. Bonus points for hiring Ivy's underrated Andy Chase to engineer; his low-key attention to detail smoothes out the rough spots.

Not all, though –- "Trouble Sleeping" is a jarring confluence of languorous guitar (plus overbearing strings) and meditation on murder; the chirpy "It's a Miracle" feels forced and overdone. The Traschans toil on their songs, and at times, it shows –- but all it takes is the 4:10 melodic blizzard of "All the Dark Horses" to sum up what all that sweat was about: birthing pure bliss. Nice work, guys.

Originally appeared on billboard.com.