Once in a while, an idea comes along that is too fantastic to be ignored. The Train Tracks is such an idea. The project, located at www.thetraintracks.org, compiles videos of Arizona musicians playing their songs on the Metro Light Rail. It serves as a medium to expose the world to Phoenix music, and for passengers on the train to get an impromptu concert to brighten their day.
I first heard Turn Back O Man’s song “I Pagliacci” on The Train Tracks -www.thetraintracks.org - and I was immediately struck by the fatalism of the band’s lyrics. Listening to more on the band’s MySpace page confirmed that these songs are the blues of those that have seen a lot, and aren’t thrilled about it.
The music always comes back to the blues, but along the way, it barrels through 60s-era rock and country music. Each style is taken on with a stunning level of authority by the band.
Turn Back, O Man play songs about the shady side of life, and they do to great effect. They will be a band to watch in Arizona over the next year.
