2010

Railroad Earth brings my body spirit and soul to a whole new “ball game” in the world of music. This is the 3rd time this year I’ve seen them at Mexicali, which is one of the best NJ venues I know of, and brought Teaneck NJ another show to remember.

The crowd was getting hungry for some Railroad Earth, a guy from Crawfish Festival in Augusta NJ introduced the band, and then as they say “it was all history from that point on.” This show took off with a very out-of-the-ordinary dense fog feel, which was a jam that had everyone wondering what in the world it was. The hometown hobos know pretty much all of the Railroad Earth songs, but we just couldn’t figure it out; could this dreamy monstrosity be a new song off of the album? Well, it had us fooled until it had taken flight into a Amen Corner gem “Right In Tune”. This set the tone of the unique Railroad Earth show that we were all being engulfed into.

Next, “Lordy Lordy” gave the crowd the sign to get down and feel free within the energy of the band that was feeding off of the crowd. “Colorado” was a real treat with its melodic demeanor, and profound playing being emblazoned upon the assemblage of young and old, gathering for this transcendent troupe. “The Cuckoo” also brought the nubilous ambiance. Likewise, this promulgated the bands ability to bewilder you with Todd Sheaffers sublime vocals, as well as the resonant performance from the whole band.

“Came Up Smiling” was the perfect mood lifting tune, with everyone singing along, and putting a smile on the whole band showing the feeding off of the crowds energetic enthusiasm. “Luxury Liner” was one of the first set highlights, with a prodigious stagecraft from Andy Goessling, John Skehan, and Tim Carbone. Finishing up the 2nd set was a vintage Railroad Earth song, “Long Way To Go”, that was kept together by the newest member of Railroad Earth; Andrew Altman on bass. The 1st set was definitely unique, which is what I would describe this whole show with as well.

The 2nd set began with “Where Songs Begin”, that had Andy Goessling wailing away on the horns, and Todd Sheaffer singing the lyrics of this old From Good Homes tune. Thereafter was a staggering Green Roofs of Eireann>Like A Buddha, that was one of my 2nd set highlights. The whole crowd instantly sprung up in an inconceivable euphoria. . John Skehans wonderful bouzouki playing brought this combo to its unimaginable superior from the versions I’ve heard. Andy Goessling’s woodwind instrumentation was thriving during this piece.

“Give That Boy A Hand” was a great song to hear as it’s a somewhat rarity in the Railroad Earth repertoire. Songs like this brings the hardcore hobo family to a energy connection, with the singing along, and moreover, good times that songs of this nature provide. “Mourning Flies” was made amazing by John Skehan and once again, his phenomenal playing. “Chains” also brought the deep emotion to its continuation, being a great old song that the band has been doing for a while. “Reuben’s Train” was another highlight for me, bringing the atmosphere to the dancing that was on hiatus for the last few songs due to the slow and emotional mood.

Dance Around Molly>Dandelion Wine showed Railroad Earth’s remarkable bluegrass picking ability… Which then let onto “My Sisters and Brothers” a truly moving rendition of a classic song done by Jerry Garcia, and many others. This song was full of notable harmonies from Carey Harmon, Tim Carbone, and Todd Sheaffer. The 2nd set helped seal the deal for the crowd and the encore banter was a fine indication of the crowds satisfaction. “Walk Beside Me” was a beautiful encore to bring a fun show to its ending. Now onto show number 2! Tonight! (4/10/2010) Same time, same place.