We Like Trains finds Jim and Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys indulging the railroad theme that runs throughout American roots music. Released on Epic Records in 1970, the album demonstrates the brothers' ability to organize a concept record while maintaining the instrumental and vocal excellence that had made them Grand Ole Opry members since 1964. Jesse McReynolds's cross-picking mandolin style, a technique he developed independently to approximate the rolls and patterns of Scruggs-style banjo playing, remained one of the most distinctive sounds in bluegrass throughout this period. The train theme allowed the McReynolds brothers to draw from a vast repertoire of railroad songs while showcasing their characteristic sound.
Tracklist
- 1 I Like Trains 2:14
- 2 Streamlined Cannonball alt version 2:34
- 3 Wabash Cannon Ball alt version 2:35
- 4 Pan American 2:32
- 5 Tennessee Central (Number 9) 2:38
- 6 The Golden Rocket 2:31
- 7 A Freight Train In My Mind 2:29
- 8 Yonder Comes A Freight Train 2:09
- 9 Fireball Mail alt version 2:20
- 10 (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle 2:34
