They say patience is a virtue, and yet I always forget that saying. I have been told that I am a very patient person, except when I am waiting for a package in the mail. I think everyone can relate with that though. No matter what your age is or what the package entails, when you know something is coming your way, you wait by the door. And wait. And wait some more until the nice mailman delivers you your long awaited goods. It took me about three and half weeks to get this vinyl. I knew it would take long because it was coming from Spain! My patience on the other hand thought it should be quicker.
When the vinyl finally came, it was well worth the wait. Sometimes we just need to wait and the best things eventually come to us, like love. In a way love did come to me, because love is the main subject in The Pepper Pots album Train To Your Lover.
I can’t remember where I heard of The Pepper Pots. Maybe it was when I heard Eli “Paperboy” Reed mention them, more on him much later. I just remember seeing the picture of the group online and reading the words soul, Motown, and ska. Right away I was interested, but there was a problem. The group had three girl singers. For some reason I am not into girls singers. I don’t know why, but I just can’t get into them.
Sure these girls are beautiful, I personally have a crush on Marina Torres, but can they sing? I think that is my pet peeve with girl singers. After a quick search I found this video
As I said above, this album came from Spain, which is where The Pepper Pots are from. Don’t worry they sing in perfect English, maybe even better than American singers. The Pepper Pots consist of three women singers, and six musicians that are a drummer, guitarist, bass player, piano player, and a brass section. The best comparison would have to be 60’s Motown, The Velvelettes, The Supremes, or The Ronettes.
I don’t know much about the The Pepper Pots, but I know Train To Your Lover is their latest full length album. The opening song, “Can’t Let Him Go”, comes off as an empowering song for women. The music has a reminisce of 1960’s music right away. Keeping with the feel good sound is the next song, “I Need To Hold Your Hand”. A great stand out track that makes me travel back in time to the 50’s where I would be on a date with a girl sharing a milk shake in a malt shop. I would melt inside if she did sing the chorus to me.
“Babe, I need to hold your hand,
Everything I want is you,
I need to kiss your lips,
I can’t wait to see you.”
“Wanna Blindly Trust In You” is the single off Train To Your Lover and tells the story of wanting to be in love. The drumming and brass section shine on this song and makes for a great single. “Fated Heart” starts off as a ballad, but builds up to a fun and uplifting song. At this point if you aren’t dancing or tapping your foot, you have no rhythm. Even though a girl is singing these lines, I can’t help but think she is singing it to me.
“I can feel your sweet touch,
And I want your lovely lips so much,
Look at me and you’ll see,
That your heart belongs to me.
The happiness on my face,
Is all I have with your embrace,
Give me that charming smile,
Making my life worthwhile.”
“Dreams Of Coming Back” is a strong song on the album for it shows The Pepper Pots slowing down their tempo and letting the music shine through. Side B of the album picks up the pace again with the title track “Train To Your Lover” and “I Can’t Choose”, but slows down again with “It’s Not Easy”. A roller coaster of sound, but you will just want slow dance with your lover at this point.
The metaphor in “You Are The Best Song” is that the love found is as sweet as sweet soul music. A song that could’ve been sung in the ‘60’s easily. The album ends with a song that will leave a smile on your face and memorable guitar riff. At this point you will wish you were in love and if you aren’t don’t worry, because you would’ve fallen in love with The Pepper Pots.
Straight from Spain, this album’s packaging has seen better days. The bottom part was a little damaged, but didn’t hurt the record. I can’t blame them for that. The album comes in a gatefold with very slick packaging. Also the group photos are outstanding throughout. The record itself is a 180 gram and comes with a download card which is always a plus. All I can say is this is a must have album, believe me. Now, what are you waiting for? Get on the train to your lover!
Favorite Sights & Sounds 