REVIEW: Bigwheel, Rugby Train (Sandbox)
- Michael Van Gorden
I am what you would call a first cut junkie. When I put on a new CD, I always want the first cut to grab me, shake me or move me. If it does, I usually enjoy the rest of the CD. When the first cut doesn't grab me, well...that's what used CD stores are for.
Listening to Bigwheel's second and latest CD, I did not have that problem. With a sound that would be welcome in any pop fan's house, hearing Rugby Train was a pleasure. The CD takes off with a pure pop song called "Plaintive Ballad of the 90's." Think Shoes, think Fountains of Wayne, think Big Star, think fun, think tight harmonies, windows down, wind in your hair. "Veins of the Machine" continues that airy, power pop feel that flows through better pop records. With a wide range of topics and styles, Bigwheel keeps on turning (sorry) out the pop hooks for your enjoyment. Take for example "Silicon valley Girl," the first angst-filled love song of the cyber age that I know of. "I saw your picture on the Internet/that's as close as I'm ever gonna get/you're just some electrons on my screen" opens this digital love song sounding a little like the intro to the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star." And when he sings "Now I'm trapped in your web/you're in my site," the tongue-in-cheek humor sounds like vintage Elvis Costello, right down to the vocals.
Singer Scott Rhoades sounds like Elvis at various times throughout this hook filled CD. Most notably the ska-flavored "The Man," the bouncing "Strange" and the Beach Boys-meet-Elvis Costello CD closer "Graven Image." "Gravedigger," a song about a jaded lover who needed someone to dig deep to unearth his feelings, has a rolling carnival feel to it, very similar to the Beatles' "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite." While "1967," a funny nostalgic look at a lost love who "moved away from love street, now she lives on Haight" will have you trying to pick out the lyrical and musical reference points.
Bigwheel's pop credentials are solidified by their guest appearances. Chris Von Snierdon produces, plays guitar and sings backup, while Donn Spindt of the Rubinoos and Vox Pop helps out keeping time. The CD is available now from Not Lame records, as well as from their website http://www.thebigwheel.com
