Hi everyone!

My name is Brendan Glauser, and I'm a Masters student in Popular Music and Culture at the University of Western Ontario in London, ON. I've have been a Blue Rodeo fan for years. Born in Saskatchewan, and raised in New Brunswick, something about their Canadian, communal, folk/ rock/ country feel has me captivated... captivated to the point where this term, for a major research paper, I am analyzing "Hasn't hit me yet" from a variety of angles.

I'm excited about the project, but just figured I'd ask the greater community of Rodeo fans: does anyone have any advice for me as to where to go to find any literature of any kind on the band (more specifically, the recording of Five Days in July or "Hasn't hit me yet")? Anything about their past, the use of mandolin or pedal steel guitars to add textural elements to the music, the 1980s in Toronto, up to and including their recording ventures in neat spaces (from Greg's farm to the Bathouse, etc.) any readings, band interviews, etc. - really, just about anything! - that anyone has come across would be fantastic. I really appreciate any help with this; and I sure look forward to the feedback!

I hope you're all enjoying Small Miracles - their London show last month was simply fantastic, and my folks say their maritime appearances rocked as well... no surprise there!

All the best,

Brendan 

 Well, I cant really help you too much.. But if oyu have "Just Like A Vacation", when you go into the book, it tells oyu what the songs are about, and you really just need to listen to the song to feel it. (That how I do it at least, for an interpretation) But, if you look at the lyics page, for some songs it says what its about.

 I'm at my Gramma's house right now and I can't quote what he says on Just Like A Vacation, but wqhen I get home, I'll tell ya.

  By the way! Welcome to the Board!!!!

   Josh Dwyer

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Summer Girls they sure are fun, get so Golden in the sun that they could block out any other thought.

Brendan,

 You may have tried this already. What I did was to "Google" Blue Rodeo and then I wen to www.wikipedia.org On that site, you'll find info such as the following ...

Singer/guitarist Jim Cuddy has said that "5 Days in May" was inspired by his sound engineer's practice of writing his wife's name in the sand whenever he finds himself on a beach. Cuddy noticed the engineer doing so while the band was on tour in New Zealand, and was inspired to write lyrics combining this story with the story of how Cuddy met his own wife.

Hope that helps. Good luck on your research paper.

CowBoy Dave

There's a great book out there called "Have Not Been The Same - The CanRock Renaissance", written by Michael Marclay, Ian A.D. Jack and Jason Schneider that might be helfpful to you.  It is sort of like an encyclopedia of Canadian rock music from 1985 to 1995.  There's an entire chapter devoted to Blue Rodeo. 

I'd love to read your research paper after you're finished with it.  It sounds like it could be very interesting! 

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"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good...
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

Maybe you could interview BR, in person? If their schedules permit, I bet they'd be willing to sit and talk with you (especially if you offered to buy them a beverage.)

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No way that I can fake it
this times got to be real - JC

Ohhh yes, their Maritime performances sure did ROCK!!  I went to the Moncton, NB show and it was totally awesome!!  Can't wait to see them again...Jim is sure easy on the eyes!

Huge thanks to everyone for replying!

I've tried each of your suggestions, and they're all proving to be nice and fruitful! Thanks so much for the help ,the book about the CanRock Renaissance sounds great, and although I'm having trouble tracking down a copy, I'll be excited when I do.

And I love the suggestion to interview the band themselves - it's something I've considered but figured was unrealistic. I think I may just fire them an email!

Thanks again everyone - hope you're all finding plenty of Rodeo time these days... take care.

Brendan 

Hey Brendan... you can order it online at Chapters. 

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Have-Not-Been-Same-CanRock-Jason-Schneider/9781550224757-item.html

It's selling for $19.76. 

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"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good...
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

I think I'll check that book out myself next pay cheque.  Ive been wondering lately if anyone has ever written a comprehensive biography on Blue Rodeo, I imagine it would sell well if it were written.

Wouldn't that be a great job - doing the interviewing and research for a book like that??

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No way that I can fake it
this times got to be real - JC