Slow Dark Train [Original recording reissued]

Vigilantes of Love | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 3, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Volcano
• ASIN: B00005LMVV
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #308,318 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps the most rock-driven album of VoL's catalogue, September 28, 2009

By 

Canuck Monk (VanCity) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slow Dark Train (Audio CD)

After listening to Bill Mallonee's solo album "Locket Full Of Moonlight" I began exploring some of his other music. This was the first Vigilantes of Love album I purchased. As usual, Bill's brilliance with words is found throughout the 14 tracks.

Tha album begins with too songs that are loud and grab the listener's attention. Either one of "Locust Years" or "Tokyo Rose" would have indeed made a better single than "Love Cocoon". There are more Americana rock songs than most of the previous releases spread throughout the album. The previously mentioned "Love Cocoon" is actually a very unique, catchy tune and the version on SDT is definately an upgrade over the more folksy rendition done on the first VoL album, "Jugular".
The slowest songs on SDT are "Only A Scratch" and the confessional "Judas Skin". They are reflective, contemplative, sombre songs, "What is it that I fear?/Why is it I don't trust?/Hiding out becomes career/What am I covering up?".
Perhaps the only addition I would like on this album is one of Bill's great "long" songs, like "Parting Shot" or "Skin" off of "Blister Soul". Still, the other songs make up for this, especially "Only A Scratch". While many fans seem to point to "Audible Sigh" as VoL's greatest album, the more I listen to SDT the more I think this might be the best album to come from Bill and the Vigilantes of Love.

4.0 out of 5 stars Love of Vigilantes, March 28, 2004

By 

Joseph McCarthy (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slow Dark Train (Audio CD)

After the Welcome To Struggleville CD, the Vigilantes Of Love released the harder sounding Blister Soul, in 1995. Then in '96 they came out with their compilation (best of). After that, they continued the hard rocking guitar sound of Blister Soul with 1997's "Slow Dark Train." The Vigilantes have always been hard rockers (except for their debut, "Jugular"), but with the "Blster Soul," and "Slow Dark Train" cds, they have put an emphasis on a heavier and louder guitar sound.

But both discs also have their acoustic (but still electric) quieter moments. On Slow Dark Train, there is "Only A Scratch," a haunting tune with strumming acoustic guitar backed by various other instruments including background vocals that sound like they're emanating from a far away, big, empty hall. Its not a negative song, but it has a sad melody. "I know I'm reeling, life it goes so fast, and I know I'm bleeding, but its only a scratch."

The heavy guitar rockers would be "Locust Years" (available, once again, as a single), "Tokyo Rose," "Black Crow," and "All The Mercy We Have Found." They were made to be played LOUD. So crank up your stereo and break out your electric air guitar (unless you have a real one, then I envy you).

The rest of the songs have great guitar work, but nothing crunching. Its the usual VOL sound that can be found on previous cds like "Driving The Nails," "Killing Floor," or "Welcome To Struggleville." In fact, the last cut, "Judas Skin," is acoustic enough to fit well on "Jugular."

The jumpy pop tunes from Slow Dark Train would definitely be "Version Of The Truth," and "Love Cocoon." The former is probably the best song on the cd. The latter was originally released on Jugular and was pumped up a bit to be included on this album. If you're a hard core fan, you can even get it as a single, again.

I'll sum up by saying that Slow Dark Train is a good album. But if you're a Vigilantes fan, you already know that. What you might not know is that they have a CD out called "My Year In Review." It has at least four songs included on it that are not on any other disc. It's available at Pastemusic.com.

The Vigilantes Of Love are one of the most talented bands that ever existed. My advice to you is to buy every one of there CDs that Amazon offers. Then crank up your sound system and enjoy.