Choo Choo Train

Comprised of members Ric Menck (drums, vocals) and Paul Chastain (guitar, bass, vocals), the '80s duo Choo Choo Train specialized in the retro-pop sounds of such renowned acts as the Byrds (detected in the duo's appreciation of ringing guitar tones, vocal harmonies, etc.). The band only issued a pair of EPs during their short career, Briar Rose and High, which were later combined together as one on the CD comp, 'Briar High, in 1988. By 1989, Choo Choo Train had disbanded, but Menck and Chastain carried on together in the new outfit Velvet Crush, which reflected the early-'70s power pop sounds of the Raspberries and Big Star. ~ Greg Prato