Glasgow’s Trashcan Sinatras will bring their thoughtful and pretty pop melodies to the Firebird this Saturday. Fans of Ladybug Transistor and fellow Scots Belle and Sebastian shouldn’t miss this one.

The quintet has longevity. They’ve been together for over 20 years together with largely the same lineup overcoming a bankruptcy at one point. Their fifth album, In the Music, out this month, is an upbeat set featuring themes of love and perseverance. Carly Simon adds backing vocals on one cut, “Should I Pray?”

I caught up with lead singer Frank Reader today as the Sinatras drove through Idaho, his voice betraying some road weariness and a thick Scottish brogue.

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What have been your highlights of this tour?

The whole tour has been fantastic to be honest. We got to play the Troubador in LA and Cafe du Nord in San Francisco. We’ve been lucky with venues and the crowds have been fantastic. We have a new bass player and he’s getting better and better with each show.

You don’t mind touring in a van?

No, we have our Blackberries, computers and DVDs so it’s a bit easier than used to to be. We are all pretty sober and sweet to each other. Plus, my wife is with me this time.

How does the new album differ from past efforts?

It was written after we were married and involved in permanent relationships, so its more positive in tone. We recorded it all live and tried to emphasize the feel of the music. Past albums were built up quite carefully in the studio. This one is much looser. I’d also say it is more dreamy and hypnotic.

Do have any favorite music your fans might be surprised by?

I don’t know. I’ve been listening lately to the Jam and stuff I was crazy about when I was 14. Also, I’ve been listening to this hypnotic, robotic German band called Can. I like the steady drumbeats.

How have you kept up the stability in your lineup?

We’re like a family. Even David (Hughes, former member) is still involved whenever he has the chance. Plus, we take longer than others to produce albums - we’ve only made five so far. It keeps us interested. We’re having a good scene at moment with our friendship and music.

Trashcan Sinatras
Sat. Firebird, 2706 Olive St., $15
Smart marketing idea of the week: 15 minutes after the show the band will sell an audio recording of the night’s performance on USB memory sticks bearing the band’s logo.

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