Blue Rodeo

Lost Together is the fourth studio album by Blue Rodeo. It was Bob Wiseman's last album with the band, and was the first to feature drummer Glenn Milchem, and steel guitar player Kim Deschamps.

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."

Diamond Mine is a considerably more quiet affair. Beginning with the very Dylan-esque "God and Country," a darker, introverted mood is set by their minimalist approach and slow tempos.

On this, their eighth studio album, Blue Rodeo continues, quite frankly, pretty much as they always have. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as they produce fine country-rock music, but some new sounds would not be bad either. Principal writers Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy both released solo efforts since the group's previous studio release (Tremolo, 1997), and while neither solo albums were classics, they did attempt new sounds, especially Keelor. However, they returned to their tried and trusted formula for Days in Between. The playing is tight and professional, and their remarkable harmonies and strong melodies are all present.

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.