Thursday, February 11, 1999
San Francisco’s Train embarks on success with confidence
MUSIC: Group, opening act
Far Too Jones bring quirky rhythms, tunes to audience
By Michelle Zubiate
Daily Bruin Staff
"I think I can, I think I can …" the fight chant of the
"little train that could" proves that the power behind a little
confidence can go a long way. It works for trains, it works for
people and, last Tuesday night, it worked for both.
At a power-packed set at the Troubadour, a San Francisco band,
Train, demonstrated that good music floats to the surface the
moment your insecurities give way to the notion of just having some
fun. Along with its openers, Far Too Jones, Train attempted to give
the audience a show filled with some endearing charm and quirky
tunes.
Starting off in the Bay Area, the band has recently graduated
from underground shows to bigger venues, playing on bills alongside
bands such as Cracker, Better Than Ezra and Barenaked Ladies. So
far Train rides on the success of its "Party of Five" featured
single, "Free."
The set itself presented the audience with a refreshing blend of
odd rhythms and funky beats, which proved that its creativity is
alive and well.
The stage, donned with glowing candles and the "weird man
wearing a crown" background, provided a perfect atmosphere for what
the audience was to expect.
The night’s success largely owes its credit to lead singer Pat
Monahan. Giving life to his vocals with charm and style, Monahan
chose not to contain his impulses by dancing around the stage and
delivering an impressive mix of talented singing and stage
presence.
Monahan also used various instruments from the tambourine to the
trumpet to the conga drum.
These instruments rounded the performance, making it one step
above your generic rock band.
Short rap interludes and a voice synthesizer characterized the
band’s best songs from "Flatfoot" to "Hot Nancy."
But these qualities also describe the band’s only weakness – to
at times sound overly similar to bigger bands such as Barenaked
Ladies and Our Lady Peace.
Other highlights of the set included great guitar and drum work
by lead guitarist Jimmy Stafford and drummer Scott Underwood. Every
guitar solo impressed and every drum pattern stood out from the the
rest of the band as truly compelling.
The Troubadour crowd appeared pleased with the band’s effort to
keep the music entertaining rather than self-indulging.
Far Too Jones helped warm up the audience with a decent opening
set. The five-member band from North Carolina’s strengths include
good harmonizing and uplifting tunes with obvious melodies.
The band did not exert the same confidence as Train, however. At
times the songs tended to run a little dry and monotonous after the
initial novelty of catchiness wore off.
Its rock was a mellow tribute to every limpid band of the
’90s.
Too many guitars and not enough solid creativity (experimenting
with tempo doesn’t always count as "creative") proves that real
talent finds its source in the songwriting and delivery, not
superficial attempts at catchy tunes.
Far Too Jones did seem to please at least a few fans in the
crowd. Then again, some people remain fans of the pop
rock-type.
Although the night rang a little uneven, the two bands showed
that emerging talent needs to have the right blend to make it in
the dying world of true rock ‘n’ roll.Photos by MICHAEL ROSS
WACHT/Daily Bruin Senior Staff
Pat Monahan from Train brought some San Francisco rock down to
the Troubadour last Tuesday night.
Jimmy Stafford complements Monahan’s vocals with intense solos
and emotional riffs.
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