Slow Dark Train

Slow Dark Train
Studio album by Vigilantes of Love
Released	1997
Label	Capricorn[1]
Producer	Bill Mallonee, Danny Horrid, Dan Russell
Vigilantes of Love chronology
V.O.L. (1996) Slow Dark Train (1997) To the Roof of the Sky (1998)

Slow Dark Train is an album by the American band Vigilantes of Love, released in 1997.[2][3] Some Christian stores refused to carry the album due to the inclusion of "Love Cocoon", a song about marital sex.[4][5] The band supported the album with a North American tour.[6]

Production

The album was produced by Bill Mallonee, Danny Horrid, and Dan Russell.[7] "Love Cocoon" first appeared on the band's debut album, Jugular.[8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[9]
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution	C+[10]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[11]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide	[12]
Windsor Star	A[13]

The Dallas Observer wrote that "Vigilantes of Love is a unique blend of (American) rock 'n' roll and thoughtful spirituality that doesn't let its higher ambition get in the way of rocking the house."[14] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution thought that the band's "ongoing romance with roots-rock turns into blind adoration here, as head Vigilante Bill Mallonee checks his usually intricate lyrics and pop sensibilities for the offhand, roadhouse vibe of Son Volt or Wilco."[10]

The Windsor Star stated that the album "delivers messages of hope, commitment, and inner strength through Mallonee's subtle Christian beliefs."[13] The Dayton Daily News called it a "wrenching, poignant, anguished and a terrific piece of work."[15]

AllMusic deemed the album "all highlights."[9]

Track listing

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Locust Years"
2.	"Tokyo Rose"
3.	"Black Crow"
4.	"Only a Scratch"
5.	"Taking On Water"
6.	"Points of My Departure"
7.	"All the Mercy We Have Found"
8.	"Version of the Truth"
9.	"Sitting"
10.	"Willingly"
11.	"Facsimile"
12.	"Love Cocoon"
13.	"Hang on Every Word"
14.	"Judas Skin"

References

1. Alfonso, Barry (April 25, 2002). The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian Music. Billboard Books. ISBN 9780823077182.
2. "Vigilantes of Love Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
3. Thompson, John Joseph (April 25, 2000). Raised by Wolves: The Story of Christian Rock & Roll. ECW Press. ISBN 9781550224214.
4. Howard, Jay R.; Streck, John M. (July 11, 2014). Apostles of Rock: The Splintered World of Contemporary Christian Music. University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 9780813148052.
5. Stephens, Randall J. (March 19, 2018). The Devil's Music: How Christians Inspired, Condemned, and Embraced Rock 'n' Roll. Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674919723.
6. Thompson, Stephen (August 28, 1997). "Bands Will Be Laboring This Weekend". Rhythm. Wisconsin State Journal. p. 11.
7. Slow Dark Train (Media notes). Vigilantes of Love. 1997.
8. Miller, Michael (September 11, 1997). "Vigilantes of Love's Remake Too Racy for Some". Journal Star. p. C8.
9. "Slow Dark Train". AllMusic.
10. "Vigilantes of Love 'Slow Dark Train'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. June 5, 1997. p. C4.
11. Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 8. MUZE. p. 436.
12. MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1999. p. 1200.
13. "Vigilantes of Love Slow Dark Train". Windsor Star. June 19, 1997. p. C21.
14. Weitz, Matt. "Roadshows". Dallas Observer.
15. Rollins, Ron (August 15, 1997). "Recordings in Brief". Go!. Dayton Daily News. p. 19.