Train Show Off 'Soul Sister,' Ukulele in Live PopEater Performance

By Marc Schneider Posted Nov 2nd 2009 02:00PM

Like breaking up, writing a hit song is hard to do. Most artists go a lifetime without one, but not Train, who've delivered a steady stream of chart hits since 'Meet Virginia' met your ears ten years ago. Perhaps you've heard 'Calling All Angels' or a lil' ditty titled 'Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)'? Yes, of course you have. After a 3-year hiatus to concentrate on solo projects, the West Coast rockers are back with their fifth album ('Save Me San Francisco,' out now) and a gem of a single, the Jason Mraz-ish track 'Hey, Soul Sister.'

Armed with a voice and a ukulele, singer Pat Monahan and guitarist Jimmy Stafford (drummer Scott Underwood couldn't make it) dropped by PopEater HQ to perform the infectious track. Watch It Here:

"When people hear it, I think that what I hear mostly is that they're instantly happy," Monahan told us. "And I know I felt like that when I heard it first. After it was written, you go like 'Wow! I'm so happy all of a sudden.'"

For us, the best part of the song (aside from the Mr. Mister reference) is the ukulele and its elevation as the centerpiece of the track.

"It made the song sound right," Monahan said. "When it was written ... it [had] all the traditional rock instruments. Then a ukulele was brought out and changed the environment completely. When Jimmy plays all instruments, it's really easy for me to sing to, but man when he's playing the ukulele, I melt. I do. I melt."

In our extended interview with the guys, we talk about the new album, the genius of will.i.am and why they still love making music videos.

More Train: Watch Official 'Sister' Video, 'Jupiter' & More