Oracle Sisters Rodeo

Days After The Rodeo is a sort of indirect sequel to the Folkjazz album. Although references to folklore are still present in their own way, for this album the band has consciously sought a more American expression. The method of making the album is of course very similar to the Folkjazz record, but it was clear from the beginning that it doesn't make sense to continue the success of the previous record just by copying the theme of the previous record as it is. By taking the musical tradition of the far west in all its diversity as a topic, the band has created something new and fresh, while maintaining continuity with the previous album.

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."

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.

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).

The songs on Tremolo were deliberately sprung on Blue Rodeo on the day of recording, in order to ensure spontaneity – they spent a day working on each song, but not becoming overly familiar with any of it, in order to keep a fresh edge to their performances. And for the most part, it worked – the result is a technically polished album that retains a good deal of jam-type spontaneity and can rank up there with the very best work of Poco…

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.