weightlifting album review

ear candy magazine

by sean koepenick
october, 2004

Trashcan Sinatras - Weightlifting

Rating 3.5/5

Don't call it a comeback-more like a hiatus. But The Trashcan Sinatras are here with their first release of all new material since 1996's A Happy Pocket. It's been a tough road in between, but the band was able to keep their name out there with a few self releases in the meantime. But that continued effort has paid off for patient fans with this release.

Weightlifting shows the band complementing each other's musical ideas so well it's almost scary. "Welcome Back" is a call to arms to all of those who may have counted them out. "Got Carried Away" is quite simply, a beautiful mid- tempo tune that lead singer Francis Reader pulls off with true passion. This could be a hit on US radio-if every station wasn't owned by Clear Channel now. "It's A Miracle" is moved along by the dual guitar textures of John Douglas and Paul Livingston as Reader sings "you're a rare old flame burning bright again/all those thing that we shared matter now/I just can't say goodbye/Do I have to try."

Weightlifting is a triumphant return to form for these Scottish tunesmiths - although they're may not be a song as instantly hummable as "Obscurity Knocks" here - this is their best release since their debut.

Originally appeared on earcandymag.com.