NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ PAI Media) - Canada's multi-platinum selling band Blue Rodeo announce the U.S. release of their new record The Things We Left Behind on January 26, 2010. This is the band's 12th studio record and the most ambitious to date. In a time where bands are posting "tweet songs," Blue Rodeo are releasing an old-fashion 16-song double record, which will be available on CD and vinyl.
"From the beginning when we first played the songs for each other, we knew we were going to do two records," says Jim Cuddy. "It's pretty organic, acoustic-y. It's got a lot of vocals on it. We're kind of harkening back to Neil Young, CSNY, that kind of vocal sound - much more falsetto, bigger choirs."
"a trip of an album, a double CD that finds [Blue Rodeo] exploring new textures as they summon the past." - Globe & Mail
"They have the chops to warrant the attention and high expectations they've sparked since their debut... When Rodeo hits the mark, they're first class." - Blurt
The Things We Left Behind takes the listener on a journey with its trademark roots-rock sound augmented by glorious orchestral touches. Ballads like as "One More Night", "Gossip" and "Waiting For The World" contain some of the strongest performances of the group's career while "Million Miles" and "Sheba" bear the unmistakable influence of groups like Fairport Convention. Keelor's "Never Look Back" reprises the sound of his and Jim's pre-Rodeo post punk band the Hi Fi's with a nod to the Everly Brothers.
"...consistently fresh and inspired!" - Allmusic
In their twenty-five year career, Blue Rodeo has sold over 4 million records, won an unprecedented 5 Juno awards as Group of the Year and been inducted onto Canada's Walk of Fame. But for them, the accolades and awards pale in comparison to the good fortune of being musicians. Â
"I think that's the testament - to really do it for a living," says Cuddy reflecting on all that has happened to the band. "Not just live the life of a popular band but to actually do music for a living."
Praise for their past recordings include:
"If as many bands played with the honesty and passion of Blue Rodeo, this would be a different world indeed." - Rolling Stone
"Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor have gained worldwide notoriety as two of Canada's greatest songwriters. "Cuddy and Keelor are gifted melodist." - The New York Times
"What their music does, more than anything else, is reach out to a rarely touched spot - a place where music and imagery are fused and lyrics become emotions, not just stories." - Chicago Tribune
They have appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Tonight Show, Austin City Limits among many others.
'The Things We Left Behind' was produced by Blue Rodeo at the band's Woodshed studios in downtown Toronto. A U.S. tour is planned for Spring 2010.
