Bullets for the Border

The Sound Forget your troubles and knock back some cold ones. Drawing on influences including The Clash, Johnny Cash, and Bruce Springsteen, Portland, OR-based Joshua James and the Runaway Trains mixes sizzling rock 'n' roll with blue collar romantiscm to create music that is more than just a sound; it's an experience. Guitarist/singer/songwriter James shares his love of fast cars, hard booze, and small town girls with an inescapable abandon, treating listeners to a sonic joyride. Cue up Joshua James and the Runaway Trains and let your fantasies run wild in the streets. The Recordings James' new CD, "Bullets for the Boarder," is an ode to the road and a poem for the working class. Recorded at Jackpot! Recording Studio in Portland, OR, by Larry Crane (Elliot Smith, Sleater-Kinney, Tape-Op Magazine), the CD was released in spring of 2004. Each song serves up rough and ready visions of Americana, recounting late night drives to anywhere, tuned-up pick-up trucks, and broken down dreams. James released his first independent album, "Tanked Up and Derailed," in 2000, and recorded E.P.s with his previous projects, Johnny VooDoo (self-titled, 1998) and Friedrich's Teeth ("Alone Again," 1997). The Show Some bands come to play. Joshua James and the Runaway Trains come to rumble. In sold out shows from Seattle to San Diego, and with experience opening for acts including the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, The Old 97s, and the Reverend Horton Heat, the Trains have gained a devout following, hitting the road time and again to add to an adoring fan base. The band delivers an irresistible barrage of rock 'n' roll energy, complete with guitar solos from atop the bar and tough talkin' from the stage. Be ready to hide your women and roll up your sleeves when the Trains come to town. The Legend The first incarnation of joshua james came together in winter of 1999, when James returned to his native Oregon from Austin, TX. Within a year, he had recorded his first solo album, "Tanked & Derailed." James toured, but lacked a permanent band until he met drummer Robert Laws. Laws brought his experience touring with bands including The Exploited, Social Distortion, and Toy Dolls to the Trains from early 2000 through the summer of 2003. In 2002, Denver-based bassist Keith McCarthy joined the band. Later that year, South Carolina native and Atlanta, GA music scene veteran Vince Adame replaced Laws on drums to complete the current line-up. information and images may used freely from this site in media that is non profit, free use and sites that promote this band in a positive light.