Blue Rodeo

Blue Rodeo continues to experiment on this release. Opening and closing with expansive mood pieces, it takes a little bit of listening to get into this album. But sandwiched in between lies the real meat of this record. Bluesy ballads such as "Sky" and "Train" are balanced by upbeat poptunes like "What You Want" and "Better Off as We Are."

Casino is a more pop-oriented album. Blue Rodeo seem to have finally established their fine blend of harmonies and laid-back country-rock à la the Band and Bob Dylan. Produced by Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam, Michelle Shocked).

Friday Music proudly presents for the first time on 180 Gram Translucent Blue & Green Swirl Audiophile Vinyl, the 50th Anniversary Edition of The Byrds’ "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo." Impeccably mastered by Joe Reagoso at Friday Music Studios & Capitol Mastering.

The second member of Toronto's Blue Rodeo to go solo. To be honest, much of the CD is not much different from the material Jim Cuddy performs with that band: country-tinged rock that isn't out of place on "new country" radio stations. But, as with Blue Rodeo, there is always an edge that prevents the music from sounding too slick, or too country. And the fact that Blue Rodeo bassist Bazil Donovan and former Blue Rodeo keyboardist James Gray provide backup only adds to the trademark sound that fans have come to expect over the years.

'Sweethearts' is a tribute to the 1968's classic 'Sweetheart of The Rodeo' album. Christian Parker & Earl Poole Ball, one of the original sessions, co-produced and contributed piano to this modern interpretation. Jaydee Maness, one of the original pedal steel players making a special appearance, joined the sessions. In 1968 the album managed to disappoint and, in many cases, alienate almost everyone who heard it. It would be much later before it was recognized as the iconic piece of work that it is. 'Sweetheart of The Rodeo' is widely regarded as the album defining country rock, but the rock part is almost silent. The whole thing is almost out and out of the country, with huge dollops of pedal steel, banjo, fiddle, and almost everything other kinds of instrument you would expect to hear in the mainstream twangy country that existed at that time."