"She's On Fire" (1.6 Meg) by Train was the Sound File Of The Month for May, 2001 at Sight N Sound.org.

Train is a five piece rock band from San Francisco. With a careful listen of their music repertoire it becomes clear that their musical roots plunge deep and their love and passion for music and that which they create is astounding. "She's On Fire" (1.6 Meg) is the opening track on Train's second release titled Drops Of Jupiter. Unlike the huge majority of bands played on "rock" radio today, Train captures a sound more resembling rock as it used to be in the '70s. "She's On Fire" (1.6 Meg) emanates a Y2K rendition of the sound created long ago by "southern rock" bands such as Lynard Skynard.

Click here to download "She's On Fire" (1.6 Meg)

	The Columbia Records Guarantee states "If you don't love this CD (Columbia Records will) refund your money (offer expires 9-30-2001)" Click here to buy Train's 2001 album release Drops Of Jupiter

Read on for a full review of Train's Drops Of Jupiter...

Columbia recording artist Train is loaded with talent. Most notably, lead guitarist Jimmy Stafford could easily carve his own sound into the minds of music lovers as did two other extremely famous Jimmies. Not to be overlooked is a soft-spoken and shy bass player Charlie Colin who surely can stand with Rock's most talented such as Chris Squire or Geddy Lee. Although, at this point in their careers, neither Jimmy nor Charlie elect to show off, nevertheless, outstanding musicianship is demonstrated on the two full length Train releases to date. Lead vocalist Pat Monahan has terrific range and unique color and only sounds like someone we know when he wants to (like when they cover Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On" or the Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar").

With enough said (above) about "She's On Fire" (1.6 Meg) "I Wish You Would" begins with the trademark acoustic (including mandolin) and harmonica Train sound. A mellow, yet persistent rock sound carries this song well.

Title track "Drops Of Jupiter" begins with a pretty piano and organ intro. Pat's vocals carves his unique tone into Train's sound and is soon joined with acoustic guitars and violins. Such a pretty song is soon given a beat with Scott Underwood on drums. Meanwhile, Jimmy Stafford stands by for his electric guitar accompaniment midway through the tune. Admittedly, it took several listens for me to dig this tune, but it sure is a great tune. "Drops Of Jupiter is star-making," wrote the San Francisco Chronicle, "loaded with both the roots-rock anthems that distinguished the first album and perfectly crafted moody-bluesy ballads. The first single is a lovely piano-driven rumination about a restless lover that bears a resemblance to early Elton John epics like 'Madman Across The Water." "Don't miss this outing," urged Billboard in a review of the single. "It's one of those special ones that will click on its hook alone but soon foster real dedication as the vividly drawn words begin to penetrate."

"It's About You" is my favorite track on the album. A fairly mellow tune with an intro showcasing Charlie's bass playing talent with progressive chord variations. With a very catchy melody and easy to remember chorus, "It's About You" could easily be everyone's favorite

The fifth track "Hopeless" joins the prior three tracks as yet another mellow ballad. Perhaps not as interesting or exciting as the prior three tracks, Jimmy Stafford's lead guitar contributions makes "Hopeless" more of a good and likable tune.

Things come alive when "Respect" comes around. A fabulous rock song displays an upbeat and jammin' Train at it's best. Caution! "Respect" is infectious.

"Let It Roll" rolls around with a mellow attitude and a very Pink Floyd "Us & Them" sounding slide guitar sound from Jimmy Stafford. Another pretty tune.

In listening to "Something More" you get the feeling you are listening to the Beatles white album. The intro is a piano riff very much like Paul McCartney might have played. Even the multiple guitar parts are very John Lennon and George Harrison in nature, (particularly the solo near the end). With strings wrapping it up from the chorus on, the white album feeling is solidified even moreso. A delight to listen to, definitely hear this song sometime before you die.

The ninth track "Whipping Boy" has a "why'd they do that" intro, but aside from that, is a great tune. Listen to Charlie go on that bass during the verses. You'll even find yourself singing along "...lay all you want on me..." An unnatural intro does not prevent "Whipping Boy" from being a good rock song.

A somewhat jazzy "Getaway" tends to deliver a Paul McCartney style atmosphere. But, brace yourself for Jimmy Stafford's guitar solo. So much feeling and passion involved, there really is no way words can describe it, other than "too short".

The album is wrapped up with an outstanding acoustic piece called "Mississippi". This beautifully crafted piece features Pat Monahan with a soft brass accompaniment. A perfect last song.

Train's Drops Of Jupiter is an enhanced CD with a "Making Of..." video with Train in the studio. A fantastic addition for anyone with a computer, this video is high resolution and offers interviews with all of the band members and insights to the meanings of some of the lyrics to Train's new album.

Well produced and mixed, this is an excellent album and with Columbia Records Guarantee you've got nothing to lose by buying it (Columbia Records' money back offer expires 9-30-2001)

Steve Pariseau