glasgow concert review

the herald

by john williamson
november 8, 2004

Trashcan Sinatras - Cottier Theatre, Glasgow

Rating: ****

Trashcan Sinatras resemble nothing more than an old friend that you rarely see. they exit your life for lengthy periods, but on reacquiantance it is easy to pick up where you left off.

As they point out, this is their first show in Glasgow promoting a new album for (the first time in) eight years, and at first, it is difficult to pinpoint and major changes in the approach.

Their skill is in writing beautifully layered and melodic songs that combine the influence of classic American and English songwriters (Jimmy Webb, Van Dyke Parks, andy Partridge to name but three) with a uniquely twisted and self-effacing lyrical approach that could only be Scottish.

Closer examination unravels some subtel adjustments. The addition of Roddy Hart on keyboards and guitar means that, at times, they have four guitarists.

The songs are an even mixture of old and new. It is a measure of the strength of the recently released fourth album, Weightlifting, that it provides most of the highlights. Leave Me Alone, It's A Miracle, Trouble Sleeping and the title track are the very apex of their writing skills, but old singles Hayfever and Only Tongue Can Tell provide more upbeat interventions.

More than 20 songs, it is hard not to admire their compactness: few, if any, overstay their welcome. If only they were better at keeping in touch.

Originally appeared in The Herald.