Bark (IMPORT)

Blackie & The Rodeo Kings | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 7, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: True North Records
• ASIN: B00009VGKL
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,300 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

First U. S. Release! BARK marks the highly anticipated U.S. debut of the Juno Award-winning Canadian group Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden and Tom Wilson formed the band as a tribute to the much respected but little known Willie P. Bennett in late 1995. In 1996 their debut album High or Hurtin' was released to critical acclaim in Canada. All three continued their successful solo careers garnering numerous individual awards and nominations. The chemistry which first brought the trio together drew them back in 1999, resulting in the Juno Award-winning double album Kings of Love. The album's unique fusion of rock, roots, folk, blues and country influences established the band as favorites of both music fans and critics alike. Their newest effort finds the trio maturing musically, featuring some of the best material that these three talented songwriters have ever put to disc. Recorded in the winter of 2003, BARK captures the raw energy of the band, from the honky tonk twang of "Swinging from the Chains of Love," to the world weariness of "Stoned," to the unabashed and infectious rock 'n' roll of "Had Enough of You Today." BARK features 12 original songs, as well as covers of Willie P. Bennett's "Willie's Diamond Joe" and Bruce Cockburn's "Tie Me at the Crossroads." Featured musicians include Richard Bell (the Band), Gary Craig (Anne Murray, Jann Arden) and John Dymond (Bruce Cockburn, Natalie MacMaster). BARK mixes the many strengths of these talented artists to forge a uniquely entertaining and powerful record.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Album of the year 2003, January 2, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Bark (IMPORT) (Audio CD)

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings was CKUA's number one album of the year for 2003 and it was my number one album too. This roots rock endeavor for Steven Fearing, Colin Linden and Tom Wilson has a great full sound for a mere three piece band. But if you are lucky enough to hear them do the same songs unplugged, the music stands up beautifully without all the effects and thunder.

The lyrics are wicked and insightful. "I got a feeling stinging like a new tatoo black across my mind" -- (from Water Or Gasoline by Blackie and the Rodeo Kings). Moods range from rockabilly to ballads to psychadelic rock. BARK is gonna jump up and bite you.

If you only buy one album in the next while, this is the one to get.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cool roots-rock, country and blues from Canada, April 22, 2004

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Bark (IMPORT) (Audio CD)

Well, here's a puzzle: if it's Canadian, is it still Americana? Far North Americana, maybe? Sub-Arcticana? Anyway, this disc opens with "Swinging From The Chains Of Love," a tasty, upbeat country-billy tune, then it zips into more chunky-sounding roots-rockish territory, with a bouncy, agile slide guitar at the heart of the mix, bringing to mind old stuff by David Lindley and Ry Cooder. Mostly this is pretty darn catchy, although they do slip into some sluggish tropes, as with the forced profundity of "Heaven Knows Your Name," "Willie's Diamond Joe," and a couple of other tunes. If you like these guys, also try checking out solo albums by singer-guitarist Colin Linden.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best band that you have never heard!!, June 5, 2004

By 

Samuel E. Orrico (New Castle, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bark (IMPORT) (Audio CD)

Blackie & The Rodeo Kings may very well be the most under rated
band in the world. They certainly are the most under rated band in the Americana genre. Even though all three members are stars in their own right in their native Canada, there is most definitely no clash of egos from this group of Canucks. To the contrary, there is an undeniable chemistry and kinship among them that, in my opinion, makes them one of the mot talented trios of all time (I can attest to that having the opportunity

to recently meet them, and see them in concert, great guys).
In addition, their group of backing musicians including, Gary Craig, & Richard Bell, are superb. Their most recent effort,
Bark is a tasty mix of rockabilly, blues, country, & roots rock.
Their previous effort, Kings of Love, is more of the same. If you are fan of The Band, John Hiatt, Whiskeytown (before Ryan's ego exploded), etc., be sure to check these guys out.