 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Artists S-U |
||||
Trans Am - You Can Always Get... |
 |
|||
ALBUM REVIEWSPick of the Chick: Our Favorite Releases, 1999-Present |
|
|
You Can Always Get What You Want is a new compilation from post-rockers Trans Am. The collection contains songs previously available only as singles or as bonus tracks on the band's Japanese releases. In the singles format, Trans Am is forced to keep their experimental noodling concise, and the result makes for a more interesting listen than some of their full-length releases. The first three tracks, "American Kooter," "Simulacrum," and "Man-Machine," are live recordings from 1993. These cuts highlight the band's early output, which was marked by bottom-heavy math rock. These tracks, along with guitar-anthems like "Strong Sensation," "Am Rhein (Party Mix)," and "Rough Justice" show that Trans Am can rock despite the band's more recent leanings towards electronic music. On songs like "Illegal Ass," "Security Breach," and "Monica's Story," drum machines drive the beat and synth sounds invade the mix. Tracks like "Randy Groove" are even danceable. But don't be deceived, this isn't techno. Trans Am's sounds are more akin to German prog rockers like Kraftwerk--a band that laid the groundwork for electronica's takeover of dance music. "Now You Die, Thriddle Fool" is the only track on You Can Always Get What You Want that's difficult to swallow. This spoken-word sci-fi story isn't worth the aluminum foil it's burned on. The electronically-altered vocals on this track are as silly as the "I-wish-my-band-was-Kraftwerk" vocals that have marred the band's last two studio albums, Future World and The Red Line. This blemish aside, You Can Always Get What You Want provides a good introduction to a band that continues to straddle music's cutting edge. If post-rock floats your musical boat, Trans Am's self-titled debut from 1995 is another great record. PIGEONHOLE: Post-rock.
Andrew Helminger |
TRANS AM
