Topics
Views for this Topic: 0
4/5/2007, 8:52 PM
Train Songs
In the past one of the staple topics for blues and country singers was the railroads and leaving town on a train - either as a paying or non-paying passenger. There was plenty of scope for innuendo with all those billowing funnels and moist tunnels. But the steam engine disappeared in the 1950s and over the next 3 decades the rail system became run-down as planes and buses took over the passengers and trucks hauled the freight.
Now in these energy conscious times railroads are making a bit of a comeback both for commuter traffic and bulk and container freight haulage. What will the 21st century railroad song sound like I wonder?
500 Miles - Peter, Paul and Mary
4/6/2007, 11:06 PM
Yeah Robbie it was that French report that made me think of this. Oh and a couple of "Mythbusters" programmes - they were testing at a new railroad being built outside L.A. (And they proved you can zap yourself by peeing on the third rail...but only if you've got a stream like a horse!)
4/6/2007, 2:09 PM
I love reading about this Bruce. The imagery of a steam train has always intrigued me. So much so, that I used that image in my song, "Midnight Tracks". Thanks for writing about this subject. Best wishes, - Gina
4/5/2007, 11:15 PM
Judging by the new french train just tested at over 400kpm they will be allegro!