This was the first Blue Rodeo album I bought, and I've been a fan ever since. While this was a moody, and at times, ethereal listen, I have never found anyone else as adept at taking the listener to those dim, smokey rooms where tales of heartache, regret, resignation, and triumph are aired in a way that embraces melancholy without ever deepening it.
They take you to those places of emotional trauma and anguish and allow you to examine your own forays, willing, and otherwise to those places in a way that lets you examine every corner of the experience without being so crippled by the review that you can't even function.
An irresistable musical journey through the kinds of wounds we all suffer at one time or another.
Submitted by Ayank@theRodeo on February 06, 2011
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This might be my favourite album. And I don't mean favourite Blue Rodeo album, I mean favorite period. The mix of rockers and slow songs, the different tempos, and the range of types of songs is just phenomenal. I'm always surprised when I hear Greg doesn't particularly like this album as a whole. Personal highlights would be "Rain Down On Me", "Already Gone", "Where Are You Now," and "Angels". My opinion might be coloured by the fact that I saw them on tour for the album at the Oakville Waterfront Festival, a set they just blistered through (complete with maybe the most kicking version of "Like a Hurricane" I have ever heard), but I doubt it. Every time I listen to the album I think, wow what a fantastic album.
Submitted by bmartin on November 20, 2009
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The first time I heard this album, I really didn't like it.
I was used to Blue Rodeo albums with songs of love and loss, set to unforgettable melodies, but with the exception of "Armour", which I have always thought is a very underrated BR tune, my first impression was "Wow. Did they all get divorces at the same time?"
But having learned that still waters run deep, I kept listening, and as is the case with every Blue Rodeo album it has been my pleasure to own, I was enriched for the hearing of it.
I still believe that it is their darkest album to date, due largely to the fact that the music itself speaks much more loudly than the lyrics. Many of these songs sound like the reflections of someone still bleeding from the realization of failure in a relationship, of failure of hope and of dreams. (The exceptions being Blew It Again, which is delievered more as a matter-of-fact admission, and Armour, which sparks with the hope that if the wounded can bring themselves to trust again, then love can return.)
I now regard this as the most emotional work in the band's catalogue, and the one that demands the most of the listener. It can be very rewarding, but you have to put yourself in an uncomfortable place to get the full effect.
Submitted by Ayank@theRodeo on February 06, 2011
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This is an album that took some time to grow on me. The slow to mid pace off the start took a little while to seep in, but now "Cinema Song" and "The Seeker" rank as some of my favorites. Of course "The Days in Between" and "Rage" are a couple of my all time favorite songs. "Rage" has such a sense of feeling behind it, while "Days" is as good a rock song as I have ever heard.
The TV special the band did for this album gives a lot of insight into how the band, and especially Jim and Greg work together. I guess you never believe that people that make such great music together could argue so vociferously over a single note in a song. I guess that's why they consistently come up with such fantastic music.
Submitted by bmartin on November 20, 2009
I loved this album, one of many of my favorites. What can I say. Blue Rodeo is my all time favorite band. We grew up with their music and still love their concerts when they are in our city. Hamilton
Submitted by wmanary on November 16, 2009
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These two albums should be the template for how to do live albums. Basically the tape starts when the band steps on stage, and stops when they stop playing. Besides the fact that you get a ton of great Blue Rodeo songs and covers, the banter and the stuff that goes on between songs is almost as entertaining. Okay, when you're talking about Blue Rodeo nothing is as entertaining as the music, but you get the idea. The versions of "Side of the Road" on these two albums is worth the price alone. Plus the second night show has a great selection of covers. All in all these constitute my favorite live albums ever recorded. And the sound is just awesome for something that was available fifteen minutes after the show.
Submitted by bmartin on November 20, 2009
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This album felt like an 'old friend' after four days of listening to it. Another EPIC album from a very hard working band - Blue Rodeo. ROCK ON!
Submitted by BlueEssence on November 15, 2010
Great album. Never stop creating great music.
Submitted by jymoon20 on August 28, 2010
this is a great record. It is both meaningful and easy, and like a good article
it won't get old.
Submitted by marve11 on August 04, 2010
They've done it again! Blue Rodeo never fails to deliver, the new double disc is fantastic, twice the fun, if you will. I am constantly awed by Jim Cuddy's way with words, fascinated by how he manages to paint such beautiful "soul pictures" with a lyric. Certain tracks will be worn clean through in no time. "One Light Left in Heaven" is my most played so far, but there is such a great selection of tunes that no matter what your mood, they've got you covered. Thanks, guys, for writing the soundtrack to my life.
Submitted by cuddybuddy on June 02, 2010
Ok I just bought it today..yes today..3 days into May( no pun) I admit I haven't bought a BR CD in awhile ( I have maybe 6 total).but I heard a couple of the new songs songs on radio..and I liked them so.. I Splurged!..and already I am urged to talk about it... that never happens. Just a great great double album. One of the first things that hit me is that the pure richness of the sound throughtout both discs, especially in Wasted and Million Miles.. Amazing. Great guitar work(try Venus) and piano and organ sounds all the way through . Some early favorites are the two mentioned above and One Light Left in Heaven and One More Night.
Submitted by Anthony22 on May 03, 2010
Another great CD by Blue Rodeo... I love "Waiting For The World To Change" all of the songs are fabulous... can't wait to see the guys in Oshawa in March....I have to see them at least once a year to get my fix...they really are the best band ever.... thanks guys...
Submitted by Greta on February 08, 2010
I remember back in the day when BR played the old Tivoli in Hamilton. The band was great then and just keeps getting better. I can't say what my favourite cut is on The Things We Left Behind because I love them all, however, Venus Rising is perfection.
Submitted by Chrisene on January 07, 2010
Songs that really mean something, thank you for your feelings, your poetry, and your continued artistic integrity. There is so much garbage out there, and Blue Rodeo continues to make us feel human.
Submitted by ThomAppleby on December 29, 2009
I was a bit skeptical about a double cd at first. It has not come out of the cd player in the car since day 1! An outstanding release, with great vocals, harmonies and lyrics. "Sheba", "Arizona Dust" and "Million Miles" will surely be on the Blue Rodeo playlists for years to come. A must have for any Blue Rodeo fans. Fans in Buffalo (like me), order now online and do not wait until January 2010 for this release!! A 5 star release!!
Submitted by NedStainsby on December 16, 2009
One of the guys best albums to date!
They make you proud to be a Canadian!
"One More Night" is so moving and "One Night Left In Heaven" is heart wrenching!
I picked this up (of course) the day it came out and have not listened to anything since. Good thing my husband likes Blue Rodeo too :)
Can't WAIT to see you in London!!!
Submitted by lightinyoureyes on November 27, 2009
Many great songs including "Million Miles", "Don't Let The Darkness In Your Head", "Never Look Back" and "One More Night".
Submitted by elekw on November 26, 2009
FABULOUS ! The band gets better as they mature. Harmonies, melodies, instrumentation – just wonderful! Proud that they are pure Canadians!
Submitted by toma on November 21, 2009
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