As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, Canadian music legends Blue Rodeo have announced the highly anticipated double-LP vinyl release of Greatest Hits Vol. 1, out mpw. This marks the first time this beloved collection will be available on vinyl, a moment fans have eagerly awaited for years. The album features the original, unchanged track listing, allowing listeners to experience the band’s foundational hits in a classic format. Greatest Hits Vol. 1 vinyl pressing follows the band’s release of Greatest Hits Vol. 2 earlier this year. Click here to order Greatest Hits Vol. 1 now.
Further enhancing their 40th-anniversary celebrations, earlier this year, Canada Post paid tribute to the band’s legacy by issuing a commemorative stamp featuring a collage of studio portraits of Blue Rodeo’s lineup. In addition to this, the band released the award-winning documentary Blue Rodeo: Lost Together, directed by Dale Heslip. The film offers an intimate look into the band’s history, creative process, personal challenges, and enduring friendships. Featuring interviews with band members past and present, alongside industry insiders, the documentary provides a compelling portrait of Blue Rodeo’s journey and their significant impact on the Canadian music landscape. Blue Rodeo: Lost Together was the #1 Canadian film in theaters during its theatrical run and won the 2024 Audience Award for a feature-length film at the Whistler Film Festival. It is available to stream now on the free CBC Gem streaming platform and on the CBC Docs YouTube channel.
Blue Rodeo’s journey began in 1984, when high school friends Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor formed what they called a “psychedelic country band” in an era dominated by other musical trends. After facing challenges in New York, their return to a thriving Toronto inspired them to craft music that resonated with their true artistic vision. Joined by bandmates Bazil Donovan, Cleave Anderson, and Bobby Wiseman, Blue Rodeo quickly gained momentum, filling venues and ascending to the top of the charts. Their unwavering commitment to authenticity and a distinctive sound became the cornerstone of their enduring success in the Canadian music scene.
Now celebrating their 40th anniversary, Blue Rodeo has solidified its place as one of Canada’s most enduring and important bands. Their rise in the late 1980s and early 1990s helped spark a roots and country-rock music revival in Canada, influencing a new generation of musicians. The magic of Blue Rodeo’s sound stems from the distinct yet complementary songwriting styles of its lead singers, paired with the exceptional musicianship of its members, including original member Bazil Donovan, drummer Glenn Milchem, keyboardist Michael Boguski, guitarist Colin Cripps, and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Bowskill. This unique blend of country, rock, and roots has created a body of work that stands as a benchmark in Canadian music, weaving deeply resonant, distinctly Canadian stories that have influenced countless songwriters and become woven into the fabric of the nation’s cultural identity. Blue Rodeo continues to prove their relevance and importance, maintaining an enduring love affair with Canadians through four decades of timeless music.
Blue Rodeo – Greatest Hits Vol. 1 Tracklisting:
1. To Love Somebody
2. Rose-Coloured Glasses
3. Try
4. Diamond Mine
5. Til I Am Myself Again
6. Trust Yourself
7. Lost Together
8. 5 Days in May
9. Hasn’t Hit Me Yet
10. Bad Timing
11. Dark Angel
12. Side of the Road
13. It Could Happen to You
14. After the Rain