Search - Blue Rodeo :: Nowhere to Here

Astonishing

Shelley Mckibbon | Halifax, NS | 03/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Possibly my favourite Blue Rodeo album, this introspective, moody, down-beat album was apparently the result of a lengthy tour behind the sunny "Five Days in July" -- when you are gone that long, things fall apart a little bit. This album reflects a turbulent period for the members of the band, in which everyone either had a problem or was upset by someone else's problems. It doesn't make for easy listening, but it's well worth the effort. The overwhelming feeling on this record is one of darkness, although it's not hopeless. Beginning with the dreamy "Save Myself" and closing with the ruminative "Flaming Bed," and including such gems as "Brown-Eyed Dog" which sounds like an acid trip set to music, most of Greg Keelor's songs on this one are slower than in the past, yet still as thoughtful. "Girl In Green" is roughly the same tempo as the classic "Diamond Mine" and has a great organ sound -- it's one of the biggest-sounding songs on the album. "Side of the Road" has great harmonies and a more positive feel than some of the other tunes hereon.Among the more interestingly downbeat is Jim Cuddy's "What You Want," which sounds equal parts heartbroken and furious, and gave me the willies (in a good way) the first few times I heard it. "Better Off As We Are" is a rocker about getting out and moving on. He's written two of his better ballads for this album: "Sky," which is a purely mournful lament; and "Blew It Again," a song whose shuffling beat matches the head-shaking lyrics ("Oh my, I can't help wondering why / I blew it again/ Let you down...") and is largely built around an unforced vocal that's absolutely central to the success of the song. It's the sound of someone trying to get around the inevitable but knowing he's doomed to failure. Cuddy's last song on the record, "Armour," is a positive relief: the character in this song knows he's in a relationship that may well be headed for trouble ("I know a fall is coming but it hasn't happened yet") but he's still trying to head it off. Well, in context it's a relief.The thing about this record, though, is that as dark as it feels, it's good dark. You don't have to save it for when you feel like you've blown it, too: the musicianship is so good, the songwriting is so strong, that it's possible to enjoy listening to it almost any time. One of those classic albums that feels like a direct reaction to a particular circumstance, it's not the kind of thing a band can readily duplicate. "Nowhere To Here" is something that should be treasured for its content, as well as for its uniqueness."

Alt-Country/Roots/Rock - Whatever You Call It, This Is Great

Supernova | Canada | 07/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Long revered in Canada as a great live band and a dependable studio group, Blue Rodeo provides yet another example why Canada remains their best major market, while other territories have yet to catch on to this great band. Though probably not going to get a great deal of recognition in the United States because they straddle the line of rock/country/roots so finely, the group serves up an offering that is right up there with their best ("Five Days In July" and "Casino"). With more of a rock edge than their last recording ("Five Days..."), Blue Rodeo gives the listener more of the same type of material - rockers, ballads, atmospheric experimentals (coutesy of Greg Keelor) and acoustic songs. This is all good. "Girl In Green" is a great rocker. Ditto for the trio of "Side Of The Road", "Get Through To You" and "Better Off As We Are", which is as good as anything they have recorded in the past. Jim Cuddy's "Sky" is a perfect compliment. There is something very satisfying about "Blew It Again" - it's down-to-earth tone, steady rhythms and countryish/roots feel. First rate. In fact, that's what this entire CD is - first rate. This is one of those albums when you don't wait for the greatest hits compliation - there's just too much good stuff happening here. Even Greg Keelor's psychedelic sounds are right at home here - the sound is just perfect from beginning to end. This remains the best recording they have put together in the last 5 years, one more reason to get this one. Satsify your Blue Rodeo curiousity with this great CD."

Another Winner

J. M. Zuurbier | Canada | 06/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Blue Rodeo returned after their very much successful (and rightfully so) album FIVE DAYS IN JULY. NOWHERE TO HERE is another quality album, a step in the right direction. This time around its a more edgier rock album, much more than FIVE DAYS, but just as good. My favorite has to be the single "Better Off As We Are", its just a feel good kind of song that you want to listen to again and again. But there is so much great potential in this album, such as the opening "Save Myself". What a great song, just one example of the potential that lies in the talent of this band. "Side of the Road" is a classic as well, so is "Sky". I think this is one of their more consistent albums, after this one I lost interest in the band, but this to me was their last great album. It's right up there with FIVE DAYS IN JULY and LOST TOGETHER. Other highlights include "Train", and "What You Want", although this is a CD that satisfies start to finish. Overall a triumph!"