Support |
westbound train / albums
songs
album review
The Stubborn Records label makes its welcome return to activity with this impressive debut album by Westbound Train, a ska and rocksteady band with roots in Boston and New Jersey. Led by trombonist and singer Obi Fernandez, Westbound Train deal primarily in smoothly swinging old-school grooves of the pre-reggae and early reggae variety, generally steering equally clear of the galloping up-up-up of traditional ska and the smoky mysticism of the roots period. These are all romantic songs: on "Carlene," Fernandez sings in a suave, laid-back voice that contrasts nicely with the lyrics' heartbroken plea, while his bandmates harmonize doo wop-style behind him and swing the proceedings with a gentle but fully assured groove; "Don't Cry" is a sturdy midtempo ska number that defies the object of the singer's former affections not to dance even as it invites her to leave. The syrupy-slow reggae rhythm of the title track frames a sweetly lovelorn lyric, which Fernandez sings almost -- but not quite -- perfectly in tune (nice falsetto, though). Highly recommended overall. [The album was reissued in 2003 on Megalith Records.] ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
See all-
-
-
- Transitions
- Released 2006
-
-
-
-
- Come And Get It
- Released 2009
-
-
-
-
- Five To Two
- Released 2006
-
listener reviews
Share your knowledge and opinions about this album.
 |
