Album Info
| Artist: | Blue Rodeo |
| Album: | Outskirts |
| Released: | Australia, 1987 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Heart Like Mine | 4:46 |
| A2 | Rose-Coloured Glasses | 4:28 |
| A3 | Rebel | 3:50 |
| A4 | Joker's Wild | 4:10 |
| A5 | Piranha Pool | 6:28 |
| B1 | Outskirts | 4:45 |
| B2 | Underground | 5:01 |
| B3 | 5 Will Get You Six | 4:23 |
| B4 | Try | 4:03 |
| B5 | Floating | 7:33 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Emerging from the vibrant Toronto music scene in the late 1980s, Blue Rodeo swiftly cemented their status as one of Canada's foremost roots rock bands. "Outskirts," released in 1987, is their debut album, and it provides a glimpse into the raw, emotive energy that would become the band's signature in the subsequent decades.
The album's sound is a delightful amalgamation of country, rock, and blues influences. But what really sets Blue Rodeo apart is their lyrical depth and the dynamic interplay between the band's two primary vocalists, Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy. Their voices, distinct yet harmonious, give the album a unique texture, painting a varied emotional landscape.
"Try," one of the standout tracks and a radio staple even today, showcases Cuddy's clear, poignant vocals, weaving a tale of love, yearning, and reconciliation. The track exemplifies the album's strength – simplicity in arrangement but profundity in emotion. The piano-driven melody, accompanied by Keelor's gentle guitar work, makes it an unforgettable ballad.
On the other hand, the title track "Outskirts" carries a rougher edge, with Keelor's raspy vocals narrating tales from the fringes of society. The track’s rock-infused vibe, juxtaposed against lyrics that speak of isolation and longing, captures the essence of what Blue Rodeo brought to the Canadian music scene – a blend of American southern rock influences with a distinctly Canadian narrative perspective.
"Rose-Coloured Glasses," a jaunty, upbeat number, provides a touch of classic country. Its twangy guitars and harmonica interludes transport listeners to a countryside bar, where tales of love and heartbreak unfold amidst clinking glasses and rustic charm.
"Rebel" stands out as an anthem for the free-spirited, with its rebellious lyrics and energetic instrumentation. It's a nod to the restless youth, the outsiders, and those who dare to dream beyond the confines of convention.
Instrumentally, "Outskirts" boasts a rich tapestry of sounds. Bob Wiseman's keyboard work is particularly notable, adding layers of depth to the tracks, whether it's the gentle piano chords of "Try" or the haunting organ sounds in "Floating."
The album also deserves praise for its production quality. Despite being a debut, there's a maturity in how each track is layered and presented. The production doesn't smother the rawness of the band's energy but rather amplifies it, ensuring that the emotions resonate clearly with the listeners.
In retrospect, "Outskirts" was a harbinger of the success to come for Blue Rodeo. It introduced a band that wasn't afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve, to blend genres, and to tell stories that resonated with the everyday experiences of their listeners. It's an album of introspection, celebration, love, and the myriad emotions that color the human experience.
Concluding, Blue Rodeo's "Outskirts" remains a landmark in Canadian rock history. It's a testament to the timeless appeal of heartfelt music and storytelling, and a reminder of the magic that can happen when talented musicians come together with a shared vision.