One For The Fans
This is an acoustic performance by Glasgow band Trash Can Sinatras taken from a date at the Fez Club in New York back in December 2004. Featuring 21 tracks mostly taken from their albums, as well as a couple of new songs, this should be a welcome addition to the collection of any fans. There are however a couple of things about this release that are rather puzzling; first is that it states on the sleeve notes that the recording is taken straight from the mixing desk and should therefore be considered bootleg quality. Whilst I can see the point that this means there are no overdubs and so what you hear is an accurate representation of the night (and highlights how well they play), it also means that you get below par sound, muffled vocals at times and countless bumps and bangs when band members inadvertantly knock the microphones. Surely they could have cleaned up the sound and retained the 'live' feel?
The striking thing about this record is the musicianship of the band, there doesn't appear to be a foot put wrong throughout the performance, no bum notes (that I noticed!), effective vocal harmonies and precise percussive accompaniment. What is unremarkable about this record is the songs themselves, in the confines of a club they are no doubt infectious melodies that help amplify the mood of the evening, on record they just don't have the same appeal. The melodies, whilst pleasant and rather ethereal in places, don't stick in the mind and halfway through I'm really struggling to differentiate one song from another. Were the production better it would make good background / chilling music, as it is I fear it is destined to be confined to the racks. Established fans will doubtless welcome this as an addition to the memory of a good Trash Can Sinatras show. If you're new to the band I imagine the studio albums would be a better place to start.