Published on Jun 21, 2004
About the only thing that Neil Young, Alanis Morissette and Rush
have in common is that all three have been the butt of Canadian
jokes. For some reason, Canada seems to be the unfunny punch line
to many ignorant music lovers. Geographical affiliation shouldn’t
be a part of criticism for any band, unless they’re from Omaha.
The U.S. definitely shouldn’t be making fun of Canada since some
of the best rock has been coming from its neighbors up north,
mainly with the New Pornographers, Neko Case and after one listen
to
Bark, you can add Blackie and the Rodeo Kings to this list
of great new talent. The band is a supergroup of somewhat,
featuring Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden and Tom Wilson, all
established singers/songwriters in previous solo career and other
band ventures.
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings has been featured in No Depression
magazine and opened for blue-collar hipster hero Merle Haggard.
Upon listening to
Bark, it’s hard to lump them into any category. There’s
definitely country influence, especially in Friday-night barroom
raveups such as “Jackie Washington” and the shuffling opening
track, “Swinging From the Chains of Love.” However, there’s also
brooding ballads like “Heaven Knows Your Name” and quirky,
Warren-Zevon like ditties, like “Stoned.”
After one listen, the biggest comparisons I can come up with are
Los Lobos and later-day Elvis Costello. However, Blackie and the
Rodeo Kings manage to sound distinctive without reinventing too
many genres. It’s a testament to solid songwriting, sharp hooks and
the band’s ability to lay down hooks that aren’t twangy or
flimsy.
Bark goes down easy, clocking in at less than an hour. The
songwriting rarely falls into sentimental sap, yet is simplistic
and uncluttered. “There’s a long list of whys / You’re not here
tonight / It’s dark outside / You couldn’t find a ride” opens “Lock
the Doors.”
Repeated listens reveal more of
Bark‘s muscle. It’s a bit too polished to be considered
alt-country and it’s definitely too country for Dave Matthews fans.
Still, with a little luck, and with songs like “Heaven Knows Your
Name” and for the High Times reading circuit, “Stoned,”
Bark will hopefully find a mass audience beyond its Canadian
borders. Lasso it up.