BLUE RODEO - The Things We Left Behind  BLUE RODEO

The Things We Left Behind

[TeleSoul Records]

In an age of dwindling attention spans, not many acts would consider issuing a double CD. Blue Rodeo has done exactly that on the group’s 12th studio release, and it’s a move that only a band that has such full confidence in its abilities could (or should) try to pull off. The size of The Things We Left Behind is justified because it’s chock-full of sweet harmonies, solid melodies and deft lyrical touches. The vocal and songwriting spotlight falls as usual on guitarists Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, who show off their close Everlys-type harmony on the tuneful “Don’t Let the Darkness in Your Head” and the CSN-style “Million Miles.” What may be surprising to longtime Blue Rodeo fans are the album’s bright splashes of instrumental color. Lush orchestral touches on “One Light Left in Heaven” and the stately “Gossip” add a sophisticated sheen to the group’s trademark roots-rock style. –Bob Cannon

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