Customer Reviews

Chasin' Wild Trains

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Chasin' Wild Trains merits well-deserved recognition as a contemporary entry in the discography of the American roots music tradition. Kim Carnes' unique vocal timbre beautifully conveys soulful, simple songs in elegant intimacy. The rich blend of country, soul, blues, folk, and pop is not readily apparent on first hearing but listeners will soon discover the expansive diversity of this gifted songwriter's musical roots. Her voice, somewhat muted and restrained in power, nevertheless conveys an emotionally powerful spirit that comes with musical maturity. Free from the confines of genre, packaging, and market-driven spontaneity, Carnes invites the listener into an intimate musical dialogue that happens to include a stellar array of guest performers. It's no mere coincidence that Carnes titled this newest collection of a dozen songs with a railroad metaphor. For as long as there has been a railroad, musicians from the folk, country, rock, and blues genres have deliberately ­and subconsciously­ used trains to communicate everything from heartbreak to the hope of love and to spiritual Renaissance. True railfans go even further "chasing" trains for long distances to get that right photograph or glimpse. In much the same way, Carnes is "chasing" her real musical passion in this album, songs unencumbered by the often un-musical corporate and marketing demands of the recording industry. In many respects, we see a musically honest and emotionally engaged artist here whom bridges her old style quite seamlessly with a well-nuanced approach captured in heartfelt lyrics and cleanly textured instrumentals. In "Just To See You Smile," Carnes is reminiscent of earlier lyrics with albums released under A & M records. The song is a whimsical memory of previous loves, "giddy" but reservedly so in thought and delivery. A genuinely fun and radio-friendly cut, the song encapsulates the classic theme of love and loss. Carnes comfortably returns to a harder sound, reminiscent of her Voyeur, album in "You Make My Skin Burn." Lustful and occasionally euphoric, the song will please classic Carnes fan and gently surprise newcomers. Also intermixed among the soulful ballads is "Stepped Right in It," another fun, upbeat gem with a distinct country-rock flavor that suits the classic rasp of Carnes' voice. However, her musical maturity blooms fully in "Still Warmed by the Thrill," an enduring ballad about the durability of love. Less whimsical, more contemplative, Carnes is truly at home with the music and lyrics. Just as exemplary is "If I Was an Angel," a profound, moody ballad made popular originally by Matraca Berg. Carnes drives the melodic line with her familiar vocal strength but controls the texture which allows the listener to fully appreciate the song's compelling message.

Honestly, I had given up hope of Kim Carnes ever releasing another album, but I am thrilled to have been wrong! This new CD is by far the best album she has ever released! And she co-wrote the whole thing and produced it herself! Wonderful music!

The album has a strong country-rock flavor to it, much like one would expect from Lucinda Williams, Juice Newton or Rosanne Cash, but Carnes crafts a sound all her own. Plus her voice is better than ever, with just the right amount of gruff, purity and vulnerability. I am crazy about every song on this CD, but I am especially fond of "If I Was An Angel"; I was familiar with the beautiful version by Matraca Berg, but Carnes' cover blows me away. There is so much depth and power in her voice. I recommend this CD to any Kim Carnes fan, and anyone who enjoys country-rock!

I love the gutsy earthy sound of Kim Carnes and what I love most about this album is that she wasn't going for top 10 type kitchy sounding recordings. This is a solid collection of new recordings that I enjoyed from start to finish. I was glad I listened to the excellent reviews written by others !

WOW. CDs don't get much better than this.

I first noticed Kim when I was a senior in high school and Bette Davis Eyes was THE huge hit of the time. But it's taken many years and many CDs for Kim to break away from the typical CD of the times to bring out truly timeless music.

The music is so relaxed and so far removed from the techno, nervous songs of the 80s. Unfortunately, I believe some loved the 80 Kim too much and can't fully appreciate what she is doing now.

I'm going to back away from the idea of mentioning what I think are the best songs on the CD. I don't think I could if I tried. After constant listening since the CD arrived about a week ago, I have to say this is a very rare CD. Each song is first rate.

The songs are raw and emotional. Each one very carefully crafted and yet recorded freely with the spirit and voice that can only come from Kim.

One of the most unique vocalists and gifted songwriters of the last quarter century, Kim Carnes has sadly been missing from the US music scene for over a decade and a half. Aside from the 1991 Japanese-only release CHECKIN' OUT THE GHOSTS (why hasn't this gem ever been released stateside?!?) and GYPSY HONEYMOON, a 1993 Best Of, Carnes hadn't been heard from since 1988's underappreciated VIEW FROM THE HOUSE. That's why CHASIN' WILD TRAINS is such a triumphant return...full of top-notch arrangements, masterful lyrics and both familiar and new vocal stylings, the disc is one of Carnes' strongest to date and, ultimately, 2004's Album of the Year. Opening up with the hushed "One Beat At A Time", Carnes instantly reminds us why she's considered one of America's top lyricists: "No Coltrane, no Midnight Blue/No letters of regret, no poems/No wine, no cigarettes/To remind me of you." The muted guitars, keyboards and drums cushion Carnes' soulful vocal, which is upfront and forceful, yet delicate at the same time. A truly powerful opening cut! Next up is the buoyant "Just To See You Smile." This upbeat pop rocker is full of chiming guitars, a strong backbeat and a sexy, albeit coy, lead vocal that practically purrs over lines such as "And when the moon's the only light left shinin'/I'll build you a little fire/Just to see you smile." Definitely one of Carnes' best vocals to date! Things take a 180 degree turn with the dark, brooding "Where Is The Boy?(Chris' Song)." This tale of a recovering addict and the support he needs from those around him is both powerful and achingly chilling, and Carnes delivers the track with absolute authority. One of ....TRAINS's true high points (Special mention has to be made of Richard Bennett and Billy Panda's brilliant guitar work)! "Goodnight Angel" is a hypnotic ballad about love and how it can mess with your mind when said loved one is gone: "I can't read, I can't concentrate/I get stuck on the same page/Over and over again/Waitin' for you to walk in." Proof, once again, that Carnes is one of the strongest, most vivid, lyricists working today! Add a stunning harmony vocal from Angelo and the hypnotic keyboards of Tim Lauer and you have a true classic! "Lucid Dreams" lopes along nicely with a gentle country-flavored gait, while "All About Time" is an easy-rockin' number about making the most of things, and realizing what really matters. The track features another strong lead vocal from Carnes, who seems more comfortable and confident with her singing now than ever before. "Runaway" is really the only less-than-sterling track on CWT...it just kind of plods along. Actually, I think it might just be the arrangement that dooms the song, because lyrically it's one of the disc's strongest ("Oh, I'd go drivin' down a two lane highway/Chasin' wild trains/And all this baggage in the rear view mirror/Would slowly fall away"). "You Made My Skin Burn" is probably my favorite track on CWT for a number of reasons - the imagery is both vivid and intense, the sexual heat is palpable and Carnes delivers it all in a breathy lower register that is simply captivating. A true masterpiece! "Still Warmed By The Thrill" has a delicate...well, warmth!...to it that wraps around you like a favorite afghan. Carnes pours her heart into this ode to devotion and commitment, and her total conviction towards the sentiments expressed herein can be felt with each and every syllable. Again, absolutely breath-taking! "If I Was An Angel" is one of two songs off of CHASIN'.... that Bonnie Raitt would be wise to latch on to...with it's sparse keyboards and slide guitar arrangement, visually stunning lyrics and wistful vocal, this song is a hit waiting to happen, and she's the one who could make it happen! "Too Far Gone" is a spirited country/pop number that leads in nicely to the disc's closing track, the rollicking "Stepped Right In It" (the other cut tailor-made for Raitt!). With it's smokey, nasty guitars and sultry-yet-playful lead vocal, Carnes joyfully toys with the listener, resulting in a rousing album closer that leaves a big, old grin on your face. Brilliant!! So....do yourself a favor and pick up CHASIN' WILD TRAINS....after a sixteen year absence, Kim Carnes - one of America's premiere singer/songwriters - has returned with a true classic, as well 2004's Album of the Year (As with all my 2004 release reviews, I'm giving the disc an additional half a star for including the lyrics).

thats IT! the voice..the spirit..from the first vocals on this cd she had me again.......must have.

This is not only Kim Carnes's best album, this is also one of the best albums of the recent years. Surely, she has, since thirty years, already demonstrated she's a very talentous artist (Mistaken identity and Voyeur are very albums, and each of her albums contains beautiful songs where she fully exploits her voice, for instance "Bon voyage" on Barking at airplanes), although in several occasions, she also missed the target, I think (remember Cafe racers). In Chasin' wild trains, all her assets fully spread. There is here an incredible alchemy here -good songs, musicians, this so typical voice, and a country-blues-rock style that fits her so well. She's really at home here."Goodnight angel" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard (with Marianne Faithfull's "Ballad of Lucy Jordan", I confess). Full of poetry and strength and grace. She's really at the top and this album shows she's an exceptional artist. One had to wait more that 10 years for this new album, but it was worthwhile. Thanks for this gift, and welcome back, Ms. Carnes [and sorry for the bad English]

This is her first album since 1991's Checkin' Out The Ghosts (released only in Japan).

This is not an album of standards or covers of classic rock (what I would call as an "easy fast selling formula").

Kim worked very hard. She produced or co-produced all tracks. She wrote or co-wrote all songs too. This is an independent album made by an independent woman. There's no external interference on her new work. She chose the repertoire, the musicians, the best way to sing, the pictures of art work, etc.

She also plays keyboard in "Lucid Dreams" and "Runaway." The 12 new tracks show she's lost nothing of her vocal power or range. Kim's voice is quite a bit more raspy, like you hear on her 90's recordings ("Above The Waterline" - the Baywatch theme, "Love Hurts," "Bad Bad Lerow Brown," for exemple).

"Chasin Wild Trains" is a mature album, a strong record. Kim pens and performs her songs with great beauty and feeling. The band plays admirably! Some tracks are no surprise for Kim's fans. She has played live some tunes as "If I Was An Angel" (recorded by Matraca Berg in her 1997' album), "All About Time," "One Beat At A Time" and "Stepped Right In It'. As the public tasted and approved these tracks, Kim recorded them.

All tracks talk about love. Second Kim, "love ain't a matter of exact science / can't predict where it's goin'" (from "Stepped Right In It" lyrics). So this explains her several kinds of mood during the 12 songs.

Every song tells a love story. Kim wrote about a woman who is completely confused in "You Make My Skin Burn" after spending a night on room 322 at Delano Hotel. Must be a case of mistaken identity. Anyway, she would find the right person on the next song: "Still Warmed By The Thrill"!

My favorite track is "Goodnight Angel." I've played over and over again. It's a pretty ballad. I love Kim spelling "Caroline SSSSSSSSSSSSun". The instrumental is killer! Billy Panda and Tom Bukovack are my guitar heroes! Tim Lauer is one of the best keyboard players of all time. This song could be a theme of some brazilian soup opera. It would be a smash hit.

Another song I play over and over again is "Just To See You Smile". Perfect pop! I loved the lyrics. It's my song!

Kim also sings hard rock in "You Made My Skin Burn". Craig Crampf (from early Kim's band) plays drummer on both songs. Great job!

The "cult" track is "Runaway". It sounds like a soundtrack. The musicians must be played very and very hard. I loved it! And Kim plays keyboard on this tune! I am so proud Kim plays soooo good! I am also so proud with her singing and songwriting talent.

I hope Kim doesn't stop the recording career. She has enough stuff for more albums. I hope she includes "We Can Turn This Love Around" (duet with Greg Barnhill) and "You Don't Love Me Anymore" on her next album.

Kim Carnes is back and boy has she been missed! A true American singer / songwriter Kim Carnes is back with a new cd and time has not diminished her great qualities. From the opening track -One Beat At A Time to the closing track - Stepped Right In It -
"Chasin' Wild Times" is pure magic. Other outstanding tracks are: Where Is The Boy?, All About Time and Still Warmed By The Thrill. If you are a lifetime fan of Kim's music or somebody looking for a great new CD to listen to, you can't go wrong by "Chasin' Wild Times." Note: One hopes that with the release Kim's new CD, her fans will soon be able to listen to her entire catalog of music on CD, especially the albums "Kim Carnes" & "Sailin'."

Pop has never been that good after Kim Carnes. Chasin' Wild Trains is a full display of control, voice and style. Tracks that will delight you with that still powerful, raspy and warm voice. A must have album for all who enjoys quality music. C'mon Kim give us more, we love you!