Customer Reviews

Are You Ready

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although typecast as Country/Pop/Rock, these guys sure know how to make music. These twelve cuts return them to their "Five Days in July" and "The Days in Between" form. Needless to say, I love it. This is as good and as honest and as fun as any music that is being made today. The writing/singing duo of Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor have been called the "Canadian Lennon & McCartney." I'm not sure there is a much better endorsement in the entire Pop/Rock world. I have been a long, long time fan and this album sits on the shelf along with the rest of the amazing catalog. They are one, if not the top, of my favorite groups for a single reason: they make great music.

You can stack this moment in music with Blue Rodeo's "5 Days In July". I'm not crazy about the first cut, but thereafter, watch out! This album soars with at times with a 60's sound which sounds fresh and fun! Typically, great Blue Rodeo ballads are in this mix, penned by Cuddy and Keelor, writers who can stand with any other writers, past or present. This is their best work since "5 Days"...I hope it won't be their last! I have this brilliant groups entire collection as they are easily one of my favorite groups and I'm not sure my wife listens to anything else! Once Blue Rodeo gets into your system, you're addicted and happily so...ENJOY!

My first listen-to was while I was doing some work at my computer. Nothing jumped out and grabbed me (OK, "Five Days in July is my favourite of the other 8 albums of theirs I own; I have favourite songs on every one) and my colleague, another major fan agreed with me. HOWEVER, I played the album through at home, earphones from my CD player firmly plugged into my ears, twice without pause. Oh, the melodies, the harmonies, the arrangements...now they ARE jumping out and grabbing me. I wasn't paying attention before, but I am now, and this ablum really demands, and deserves, attention. I particularly liked "Rena" and "Phaedra's Meadow"; in "Tired of Pretending" these phrases from the last verse caught me in a very vulnerable mood: "...and the smoke curls like a river/to some forgotten land/floating abandoned the mystery concealed/like the moonlit shadows/on a snow covered field/where the wind knows no mercy". First the listening, then the discovering. A polished set, showcasing the maturing sensibilities of a highly talented group of musicians who, by now, know they have nothing to prove but, apparently, have an unending wealth to share. Lucky us.

A surprisingly well done album with a good wide variety of moods. Good songs, include "Can't Help Wondering Why" and "Tired of Pretending". If you can, see Blue Rodeo live or get one of their live albums (Just like a Vacation)

I have every Blue Rodeo album and this ranks as one of my favorites.... right up there with Casino and Five Days in July. Cuddy and Keelor sound great and the album is a nice showcase for both their talents. Check it out.

I just want to start off by saying that this is a real good cd. With all of the crap out there nowadays, it is really refreshing that these boys, together over twenty years, are still able to create songs that are both fresh and exciting yet carry just a hint of yesteryears glory.

Do not compare this cd with their past works, I just don't find that to be productive. Take it for what it is. Part pop, country rock with a little injection of Greg's growl, which I love. I like the less polished and pretty feel of this one.

Though I enjoy the whole cd and find it blends very well, the 3 songs I find myself repeating most are Rena, Tired of Pretending and Don't Get Angry. Tired of Pretending being my favorite. Pulled at my heart and kicked me in the stomach the first time I heard it.

So whether you are a big BR fan or have never heard of them before (impossible), I suggest picking this one up instead of that JET or GOOD CHARLOTTE cd in your other hand.

Another Blue Rodeo album and what this means is another 6 months of bombardment of their new singles and videos. I've not been won over by this band. They always seem dull and uninspired to me but on first listen to their latest release I am at least intrigued by the addition of a serious 60 rock flair. Obviously the band has been influenced by Jet, Trews and the like minded. This album shows a brighter sound which has even grabbed my ears. I can't say I would have spent money to listen but since I got a promo copy from a local radio station I listened. It doesn't take long for the band to fall back into familiar territory but for some reason they sound inspired and fresh. Even the songs that are typical Blue Rodeo fair have something different about them. I have to say I wish that more tracks followed with the same rocking 60's spirit of the opener "Cant Help Wondering Why" & the following "Are You Ready". After the first two tracks the album becomes background music. "Tired Of Pretending" is about the worst track on the album because of its lame Bob Dylan impression by the lead singer. Again not being a fan of this bands previous work I was impressed that they made an album so long into their career which sounds inspired in song writing and playing. Still can't say I will pull this album out and take it for a ride in the car but I am not throwing it into the garbage and that says a lot for me.