Blue Rodeo "The Things We Left Behind"

I've been digging this record for almost two months, way more than the usual three spins. Just can't seem to pull it from the rotation. Been thinking of things to blog on it, jotting some of them down, even. One was how this is another great album unavailable in the States. Well, that is apparently not so anymore, as the website says it is out here after achieving Platinum status in their home of Canada. People, if you've ever considered yourself a fan of the Eagles, either the 70's version or this century's version, you must do your ears a favor and give this a try. Yes, I hear you say, "They don't make music like they used to anymore." Bullshite. Several of these songs should be on country-crossover stations all across this nation, not just along the border. I've seen these guys compared to Lennon/McCartney, though the Frey/Henley comparison is better. Country, folk, Americana, atmospheric, etc. all wrapped up in 80+minutes. It's not often that a band that's been together for twenty-five years actually gets better later in their career, but Blue Rodeo is one of the examples. "Small Miracles" from a couple of years ago is another gem. And they are supposed to be a great live band, but I don't think I'll ever get to see them in Florida. I have a promo live sampler from about ten years ago that smokes!

Sick Puppies "Tri-Polar"

This album came out last summer and has been doing quite well on the Rock charts, even currently. I had heard a track or two on some form of radio, not really knowing what I was listening to. Then I read something about them being an Aussie band who were fans of one of my favorites, The Living End. So I decided to give it a shot based on their influence. Well, there is no Living End
sound on here, just homogeneous LA screamo you hear continuously on today's Rock stations. It's competently performed, hooky at times, perfect for young metal fans, which I am not anymore. Every now and then it came off like the angry side of Blue October, but all formula and no passion. I didn't keep the first track...

Powderfinger "Golden Rule"

I know you hate it when I do this but here is another outstanding record not available (physically...the old fashioned way) in the US. You know of my tremendous love of Australian (& New Zealand) artists, and this is another one I found this past decade. This is technically a double CD (the old-fashioned way), one the new studio and the other live. Reminds me of Down Under favorites, INXS, Icehouse, Split Enz, Crowded House, etc.. If you like current

pop-rockers like Train, Nickleback, etc., you would like this band. Producing this album is Nick DiDia, who is famous for his engineering projects which include STP, Springsteen, the aforementioned Train, and bands of my liking such as Swimming Pool Q's (still one of the great band names of all time), The Music, and Trey Anastasio. If you can't be bothered with imports, then seek out "Odyssey Number Five" from 2001 or their last release "Dream Days at the Hotel Existence."

Robbie Williams "Reality Killed the Video Star"

I've liked this guy since 1990 when his first solo release stateside hit the stores and gave him his best sales here, thanks to the song "Angels." Yeah, you'd know it if I sang it, but you'd never wish that on anyone, now would ya? I've been known to call him Britain's version of Rob Thomas. And that's a good sign if you like Matchbox Rob, 'cause you've got good "pop" taste. This guy is a bonafide star everywhere except here. Shame on record companies. Anyway, this album isn't his best, but I dare you to listen to it and not catch yourself singing along somewhere in your third listen. The name of the record is a play on its producers' history, The Buggles' Trevor Horn. This guy was a major part of my eighties music favorites; 90125 Yes, FGTH, ABC, Propaganda, etc., along with his band Art of Noise. Wow! Now this record doesn't have that eighties sound, but it is lushly produced and TH delivers the everchanging styles that RW is known to do.