When the Truth Comes Out - Blue Rodeo
aka: The city mouse and the country mouse :)
The 13th full length studio album was released by my favourite all-time band Blue Rodeo last week (Tuesday October 29, 2013). Of course that number doesn't include live albums and compilations. Pretty impressive still, considering more than a hours worth of new material is released every other year. A review of the numbers adds up like this. 18 releases which include several double (and more) albums while putting out 8 solo projects for Jim (3) and Greg (5) alone. Other band members have also released solo efforts. But it's not their prolific output that draws me in. It's more like, that as with a favourite author you can pick up an old book and enjoy as much or more than you did the first time you read it. No matter how many or few books that author writes you just can't wait to get the next one. The writing style will be the same the characters will change but it feels like an old friend has come back into your life. Blue Rodeo is my old friend. In the good times and the bad time in my life, they have always been there to comfort me with their words and music.
Alright, I know you can say that about many recording artists but unlike some of the music that is manufactured with a sameness quality that is cookie cutter to fit the mold of a world-wide success formulation, Blue Rodeo steps outside the box and seem to do what makes them happy and in the end, their fans also. Some releases have a decidedly country feel, others more blues and soul but none better (or worse) than the other. With their commitment to travel this country on tour and still continuing to play in smaller venues, they are accessible to the people and the people/fans can relate. It feels like you are going to support an old friend. No disrespect intended with the old reference :) The band was well into a successful career when I saw them for the first time - at a tiny, blink and you'll miss it town that was having a harvest corn festival. The seating was bales of hay on the edge of the field. But what did it matter - one song and you were on your feet dancing and swooning. To me they were mega stars who sang the music of my life. But they were Jim and Greg who sang the music of my life and happened to be very famous. :)
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Photograph by: Pat McGrath, Ottawa Citizen |
There was an additional attempt to break into the US market with the release of Casino that was produced to appeal to that specific market. I have read that the concern was the very different vocal and song styles of Jim and Greg being one band. Interestingly, it seemed to work for Paul and John (Beatles) but they really didn't stand out that way until they had established a foothold. I appreciate the differences in Jim and Greg. You can always count on Jim for a love song and Greg for a song with some deeper life meaning. It's not exclusive of course but relationship songs tend to be in the new and exciting stage when Greg tells the story and the maturing, comfortable family style with Jim. Well, that's the way I see it anyways.
In this country, Blue Rodeo has done well. They have won nearly half of the Juno awards they were nominated for which is unprecedented and includes Group of the Year 5 times. If you know Canadian music, you know that is impressive! Musicians and comedians, we churn out some good ones in the land of the Maple Leaf. In 2012, Blue Rodeo was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The country's capital city of Ottawa may have declared Friday, March 30th 2012 as Blue Rodeo Day, but in my world it is Blue Rodeo Day every day. For not a day goes by that I don't hear at least one song by my favourite band ever. They were given the keys to the city of Toronto, and a star on the Walk of Fame (2009) plus a street in the city will be named after them. Blue Rodeo Drive should be ready for fans and traffic in early 2014. I wanted to live there until I learned it doesn't exist just yet. Can I put an order in for a copy of the street sign please! I admire and appreciate the versatility of this band. You never quite know what you are going to get when you unwrap the CD but you can be guaranteed of bliss for your ears. Some of Jim's soft and swaying sound and lyrics that hold and comfort you like an old friend and make you feel safe and appreciated. Some of Greg's deeper and grounded sound that when it hits you, you know you are going for a ride - wild on the roads or deep within your consciousness. Wherever you want to go, Blue Rodeo will take you, it just depends what CD you put in the player. Sometimes it's like a roller-coaster with it's ups and down and curveball twists, sometimes it's like a wave at a sporting event. You know it's coming and you get a lot of joy from the ebb and flow because you are with friends.
New Morning Sun - Blue Rodeo
"Solo record..." :)
Let's consider the massive discography that has been covered in that 25 year career that thankfully shows no sign of easing up.
1. Outskirts - released 1987 - Try was the first big hit for the band on mainstream radio although they were still considered a primarily county band. This was based solely on their name with the country implications in the term rodeo. Although when I first heard the title Rose-Coloured Glasses, I immediately thought of a country song by the same name. But I was watching MuchMusic and this saucy looking young man singing didn't strike me as any cowboy I envisioned. I was hooked by the sound, words and beat to keep my eyes affixed on the screen. Jim and Greg's harmonies went together like rum and pepsi - smooth and leaving you wanting more. The whole band looked like they were really having fun and enjoying their own music. Truth be told nobody did that better than Bobby Wiseman when he jumped up to the beat while he pounded the keys on the keyboard. It was infectious and I caught the Blue Rodeo fever then and there!
Many songs for this release were written while the boys were trying to spread their wings in New York City. A YouTube search of my playlist entitled My Blue Rodeo Treasures will astound you with a very raw version of Rose-Coloured Glasses sung by a uncharacteristically dark-haired Greg Keelor in Fly To France (as they were known then). Ah to be young again :)
2. Diamond Mine - released 1989 - This is one of my favourite releases and not because of what snippets were shared with the public. Two releases: Ballad of Dime Store Greaser and the Blonde Mona Lisa - prompted me to create a video to share my love of the song - and House of Dreams. The record has a more country feel than some of the others with a distinct Blue note. I love where this whole album takes me on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
A little side note about this time in the life of Blue Rodeo. I recently learned that Greg Keelor was a part of another band - Crash Vegas. I always thought that band deserved far more recognition than it received. Have a listen to Smoke...you won't regret it.
3. Casino - released 1990 - Although there is a very pop mainstream feel to this album, there are a number of songs that I am drawn to over and over again - primarily for the lyrics. Songs like Til I Am Myself Again and Last Laugh. Of course how can you not gravitate to a release that gave you After the Rain! They have done a fabulous job of up-dating this but I thought the original was pretty damn good too...with Jim repeating his falsetto "oooh" that we first heard in Try.
4. Lost Together - released 1992 - The title track brought a new batch of followers to the Rodeo and there weren't too many weddings thereafter that didn't feature Lost Together as the first couples' dance if not in the playlist. We all wanted that surreal feeling of being lost together forever in someone else's arms and eyes. Of course the precursor to that should be Is It You! :)
Once again a transitional recording this one due to the loss of Bobby Wiseman as keyboardist. So we hear a lot of slide the introduction of a variety of instruments including violin if the song warranted it and minimal keyboard.
5. Five Days in July - released 1983 - This is the first release that includes a non-Cuddy/Keelor composition, but they make their cover of Rodney Crowell's Til I Gain Control Again their own. On a personal note, there are so many songs on this release that correlate to my own life events, particularly Hasn't Hit Me Yet and Bad Timing. Although it was many years after the release, I was starting a new chapter in my life and driving across the country with kids and belongings in tow listening to some Blue Rodeo when Know Where You Go/Tell Me Your Dreams precipitated a wonderful conversation between the kids and I that meant so much and still does. Gives me warm fuzzies every time I hear it still.
On the part of the band, this was their most acoustic release and one that they had the most control over. Not caring about how many would sell or if it would they did it almost "devil may care" inside and outside of Greg Keelor's farmhouse instead of in a studio and with only Blue Rodeo themselves acting as producer. This is another one of those lazy Saturday afternoon listens that transports you to that farm with the boys just jamming...and being wonderful.
6. Nowhere To Here - released 1995 - This release is darker in lyrics and the music more morose than anything else the band had shared previously. In fact Jim Cuddy has stated that this is a time when the band was in complete conflict and crisis, even on the verge of breaking up. Returning to the farm to try and recapture the magic of 5 Days was an abysmal failure. I've heard of some Blue Rodeo songs before described as stoned epiphanies. I would characterize this album like that. Head swimming and mellow tunes supporting you in the the background like a cloudy sky with the sun trying to poke it's way through. For all it's difference there is one thing that remains - great tunes like Blew It Again and Sky.
7. Tremolo - released 1997 - A definite return to the flavour and upbeat sound of the old Blue Rodeo including the uptempo Graveyard which is very reminiscent of the Hi-Fi's style. This is a close running to Diamond Mine as a personal fave with songs like Dragging On, Brother Andres Heart, It Could Happen to You, No Miracle No Dazzle, Falling Down Blue (which features Greg on drums). After the tensions of the previous release, they were re-grouping and learning to like and respect each other again even if they were walking on eggshells to ensure that no-one was offended or off-put in the recording process. According to one source, it was the first release to hit #1 in the country charts.
Falling Down Blue - Blue Rodeo
besides the beauty of the song, 2 things prompt me to include this video here, Greg playing drums and Greg in a suit!
8. Just Like A Vacation - released 1999 - A two-disc compilation of live performances from Stratford and other venues. The liner notes in this CD make it a must have in the collection. It is fascinating to hear the band talk about the songs and how they came to be. We all have our own personal experiences that we draw from when we hear music for the first time and that helps us to relate to the words and music. At least for me that is true. I can't tell you how many songs Blue Rodeo wrote about me and they don't even know me beyond a face in the crowd. :)
9. The Days In Between - released 2000 - A very eclectic mix of songs on this release and again a complete u-turn from Tremolo in terms of style and feel. The instrumentation seemed to be the focus instead of the lyrics and doesn't showcase the vocal talents of Jim and Greg that draw the audience in to sing along. Beyond Rage, Greg has stated that he didn't like the songs on this release and so they never play them live.
Ironically one of the lines in Rage is "You won't remember a word of this tomorrow" and when asked to comment on it, Greg struggles to recall the specific tracks stating that he never listens to it and during one interview he calls it the record the "runt of my litter". Personally if Rage was repeated 12 times I would be happy. Hands down, that song is the strongest in the catalogue for deriving strength and support with a little edge and defiance in the NSW lyrics :)
10. Greatest Hits Volume 1 - release 2001 - A couple of notes regarding this release. Firstly, After the Rain (from Casino) was re-recorded to include the current band members and a horn section. Secondly, a never before released tune was included and that was a cover of the Bee Gees To Love Somebody. Doesn't qualify as a greatest hit but it sure is a great one. Well done boys.
11. Palace of Gold - released 2002 - Featuring the personal faves Bulletproof and Love Never Lies this record with it's strong influence of strings and brass is a far cry from the countrified rock label that was attached to the band. Much more control was taken by the band in final sound of this CD that was recorded in the bands own brand new studio and produced by them alone.
12. Are You Ready - released 2005 - Tired of Pretending and Don't Get Angry both start with a heavy dark trumpeting solo that quickly gives way to lyrically beautiful songs. There is a sense of return to the Blue Rodeo of the days of old and in several of the tracks I get the sense of relaxing at the farm enjoying nature and life. Somehow, it seems that they have re-united in their shared voices. I can't get enough of I Will and the sense of peace I get from it.13. Live In Stratford - released 2006 - two disc release. Hard to come by and waiting on the mail to hear this gem. Meaning a little more since I had the opportunity to go to Stratford and listen for myself (albeit a little late for this recording).
14. Small Miracles - released 2007 - This seems to me to be a very reflective album. Lyrically there is a lot of looking back as opposed to looking forward - a byproduct of aging. But the whole album is still very upbeat and has a strong keyboard sound. Rather than an emphasis on a Greg song and a Jim song there is a lot of harmonization on every song. I like that because just like a left and right glove - one without the other just isn't as warm. Sure in a pinch you can put one hand in your pocket while the other way stays out but they can accomplish greatness when they are together. (Yes, I am glad that they have pursued solo careers while keeping Blue Rodeo alive).
15. Blue Road - released 2008 - a compilation album with acoustic versions of many of the faves that were recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto plus a bonus DVD documentary. As a special bonus, a throw back to yesteryear a (small) poster for the wall. I love these versions of the songs I know so well.
16. The Things We Left Behind - released 2009 - The release of a double length album when the trend is heading for single YouTube or iTunes releases was a bold move but for me it was a God send. Going through a very rough time in my life - from the first song to the last it was an orchestration of understanding and support. I clung to each and every word and held on for dear life. From One Night Left in Heaven to Don't Let the Darkness in Your Head I alternately cried and sang. And I love the nod to the Skydigger's in Arizona Dust.
17. Blue Rodeo 1987-1993 boxed set - released 2012. With the cost and my financial predicament at the time I was unable to pre-order and snag the video bonus which included the unreleased track "Let It Ride" live at the Horseshoe Tavern in 1989 among other video gems. Anyone get it and wanna share or sell?
I am grateful to the people in my life who love me enough to indulge my passions. This set is a fascinating insight into what makes the final cut and how it has changed over the years - technology advancements and all. The version of some of the tracks that were included in the Odds and Ends disc are superior (to my ears) than the commercially released rendition. Raw and real! Going back and listening to these re-mastered CD's is magical. The innocence and wide-eyed naivety of youth that has all but slipped through your fingers and left the smile lines behind comes flooding back.
18. In Our Nature - released 2013. I read a publicized review of this record that compared it to a comfortable well-worn denim jacket. I would agree with that analogy in that the sound is the classic Blue Rodeo we have all come to love, however I would add a warm blanket and a cup of Tims' to complete the comfort level of this latest release. The track Never Too Late touches a personal chord since I first heard it live in the spring of 2013. But I gotta say that Paradise is becoming a fast favourite as is You Should Know. In changing over the years and dealing with changes in personal and professional lives, Blue Rodeo has u-turned once more and come full circle to what made them iconic to so many ordinary Canadians (and music lovers everywhere) more than a quarter century ago. This is the perfect blend of Cuddy and Keelor, guitar, bass and keyboard, strings and horns, songs to contemplate and songs to sing and dance to. Beautiful! It almost seems unfair that we get to selfishly keep them within our border - but I for one don't want that to change if it means less small town face time :)
Flying Solo and Members of the Band and Other Media
1997 Gone - Greg Keelor says that his first solo effort never sold and bombed drastically. It was recorded after a trip to India and several life changing events that helped to shape his outlook on the later years of his life and look back with a new east coast viewpoint. I have recently been exposed to this recording and between Home and No Landing (Lucknow) this is far from a failure. It is hauntingly beautiful.
1998 All In Time - Jim Cuddy is a man in love and his passion is revealed in the songs he writes and sings. He makes you wish that you were in his same position. He makes you wish that he could be that other half for you. His smile is infectious and his eyes draw you in. You know you will be safe.
2005 Seven Songs For Jim - Greg Keelor is alone in this vocalization of raw emotions and final farewells. I personally have not heard this release but I understand that it is a very moving and deep tribute to his father who passed away at the age of 80 after 6 months of hospitalization after a fall. Are You Ready would eventually become a musically (if not vocally) upbeat Blue Rodeo title track.
2006 Aphrodite Rose - Greg Keelor has lightened up the mood of his songs and there are a lot of tunes here that may not entice anyone to crowd surf but they sure will get your foot tapping and maybe singing along. One of the first songs he ever penned Colour and Rhyme is showcased and it has a very 60's feel. Sounding like it's been recorded in a cavernous space, If You Go really gives the feel that Greg is alone in an empty place after the pictures have indeed been taken from the walls. Love that track!
2006 The Light That Guides You Home - Jim Cuddy spawned a lot of water cooler talk amongst his fans with this rollicking collection of tunes. Many tracks seemed to speak to relationship strife and that was very uncharacteristic. But he was just spreading his lyrical wings, all was calm and we sat back and enjoyed this latest offering. Jim doesn't really stray too far in musical tone from comfortable Blue Rodeo offerings. It's easy for Blue Rodeo fans to get a fix here in between band releases.
2010 Gunless Official Soundtrack - Greg Keelor takes the official billing for this musical release however, on the DVD and the CD it is more likely to be billed as Greg Keelor and Blue Rodeo. Makes some sense for not only does a track from The Things We Left Behind appear as the credits roll but Jim Cuddy did pen a couple of musical scenes. A long time fan of the work of the star Paul Gross, I knew this would be a must see - it became a must see opening night when I saw Blue Rodeo had a hand in it. The music is great but the CD is a lot more meaningful if you know the movie. Watch the movie - it's highly under-rated and hilarious.
2011 Skyscraper Soul - Jim Cuddy became a real person to me with the tour he embarked on with this release. I could count on one hand how many concerts I had been to previously, there were just other priorities in my life. But this was a time when the fruits of my labour could sweeten my existence with treats like tickets to a Hamilton show promoting this release. It was a dream come true - first the singing and then the picture and autograph session. One of my idols took the time for me (and a bunch of other fans too). But still - that connection with the fans - priceless!
2012 Down and Out in Upalong - Greg Keelor recently teamed up with Travis Good (from The Sadies) and Gord Pinsent (an actor and poet) to release this double album of Pinsent poems put to music and sung by Keelor and Good. Then the poetry is set to music as it is vocalized.
I know that other band member have released solo efforts. Bazil Donovan (bass player extraordinaire) has released Matinee. Bob Egan (pedal steel and multi-instrumentalist) has The Glorious Decline, The Promise and a self-titled efforts to his credit. Under the name of The Swallows, drummer Glenn Mitchum put down the sticks to strum and sing on three albums. They include The Beauty of Our Surroundings, Awkward Situation and Turning Blue.
This chart represents the evolution of Blue Rodeo in the terms of it past and present members. Colin Cripps has recently been officially added to take over some the guitar role that Greg Keelor has had difficulty with because of on-going ear issues. The addition of Colin ensures that Greg can remain on the stage during live performances.
I wouldn't consider it a band release, but you can catch a glimpse of the band performing live (in the background) of a scene in the latter part of the 1990 movie "Postcards From the Edge". It seems that Meryl Streep was a fan of Blue Rodeo and requested that they accompany her vocals on "I'm Checkin' Out" which was written by Shel Silverstein.
There are many references to how Blue Rodeo influenced, affected and were a part of my life. This is not intended to be a completely objective view of the band but a devoted fan of the band wishing to share the pleasures derived in the hopes that maybe you will give them a listen and judge for yourself. For me, this has been a labour of love and something I am proud to share under my banner. Here are links to some other thoughts I have shared about the band in the last year or so
http://pinkpantherfancanada.blogspot.ca/2013/06/see-you-down-road-blue-rodeo-in.html
http://pinkpantherfancanada.blogspot.ca/2013/05/a-part-of-rodeo-blue-rodeo_26.html
http://pinkpantherfancanada.blogspot.ca/2012/04/blue-rodeo-day-at-junos.html
http://pinkpantherfancanada.blogspot.ca/2012/02/jim-cuddy-beautiful-soul-with-voice-and.html
http://pinkpantherfancanada.blogspot.ca/2011/12/blue-rodeo-more-than-small-miracles.html
There are Blue Rodeo official versions of many of the bands songs for your listening pleasure ("Try" before you buy) on their official YouTube channel. I chose these CBC versions specifically because I own the CD's and I love to hear and see the interactions between Jim and Greg in this informal manner talking about how their music and songs came to be. A little insight into the mind and relationship of Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor. And the humour...I love their playful brother-like tongue-in-cheek banter.
One final note: I'll be front and center January 31st enjoying this latest tour! I can hardly wait! See YOU down the road boys!
credit where credit is due
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/twenty-five-years-later-blue-rodeo-is-still-at-work/article6113343/?page=all
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Rodeo
http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/story.cfm?content=194971
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Blue+Rodeo+That+familiar+sound/9092914/story.html
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