Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun [ENHANCED]

Steel Train

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 19, 2005)
• Original Release Date: April 19, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Drive Thru
• ASIN: B00082ZSKC
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,900 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Equal parts rock, country, bluegrass, Latin, funk and jam, Steel Train is a band that gives full vent to every musical impulse in their collective souls. With their spectacular full-length album debut on Drive-Thru Records Twilight Tales From The Prairies Of The Sun, the New York City based quintet makes eclecticism respectable again. Released on April 19, 2005, Twilight Tales was produced by Stephen Barncard (Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills, and Nash) and features guest performances by mandolinist David Grisman (Grateful Dead) and steel pedal pioneer Gene Parsons (Flying Burrito Brothers). The release of Twilight Tales is the anticipated follow-up to 2003’s For You My Dear and 1969 EPs. Steel Train’s music is marked by exquisite guitar work and sweetly insightful lyrics.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dead Ringers, November 16, 2005

By	Larry White (AdultPop.com) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The last (abbreviated) cd of Steel Train paid homage to specific songs of the Sixties. This new, full-length follow-up pays homage to the musical styles of that very era-encompassing folk, country, rock, funk, Latin, and jam-band-thank-you-ma'am. The first 3 tracks on `Twilight Tales from The Praries of the Sun' had us believing we were about to hear American Beauty 2005, until we were abruptly jarred by the Santanic (note the crucial first `n' in that word) groove of the following cut. The Deadhead complexion of this band appears to have been consciously nurtured by the presence of former Dead associate, Stephen Barncard, who produced this cd, and by guest appearances by famed mandolinist and former musical partner of Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and pedal steel player, Gene Parsons (formerly of The Flying Burrito Brothers, who likely influenced and were influenced by The Dead, as well). The tracks on which those legends perform are easily the strongest on `Twilight Tales', but certainly not the only worthwhile ones. Even without the guest stars, Steel Train are a talented and versatile band. All the members are more than competent on their respective axes, particularly multi-instrumentalist, Jack Antonoff, a gifted and fluid guitarist. Of course, we would be remiss if we failed to credit the myriad contributions of the other members, Matt Goldman (guitar), Scott Irby-Ranniar (vocals, organ), Evan Winkler (bass), and Matthias Gruber (drums). All but the drummer contribute vocally. Steel Train's vocals are always pleasant and, when in harmony, capable of raising their share of goose bumps. The songs on Twilight Tales are, for the most part, thoughtful, heart-on-the-sleeve romantic, passionate and sincere, if occasionally lyrically awkward or wrapped in corn. As writers, especially, they appear to still be developing. Nonetheless, this is an innovative and risk-taking record. By honoring what has come before them, Steel Train have managed to steer their music steadily up the track.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This band is gonna be huge!, June 21, 2005

By	Ringo V. (Canyon, TX USA) - See all my reviews

These boys can play. Absolutely amazing music. I am a person who tends to enjoy music that most people have never heard of, and this album is one of the best. "Better Love", "Road Song", "Dig", and "Wake Your Eyes" are the best on this album. The 1969 EP is really awesome too. Check out www.steeltrainmusic.com for a lot of info and cool merchandise. This band is gonna make music history one day.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Oh, the potential...., April 20, 2005

By	The Headphones - See all my reviews

I saw Steel Train purely on a friend's recommendation three weeks ago. The energy was incredible, the band was awesome, and so charismatic - They played a second set after the show out back!

But this is not a live offering. Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun has the songs and the talent, but the outbursts of energy that made Steel Train so novel and engrossing for me live aren't here.

That being said, the band does write and perform good songs that make for brilliant shows, and the CD is listenable to - but when this group gathers the momentum and resources it needs to create THE album, it while blow your socks off!