Blackie and the Rodeo Kings "Swinging from the Chains of Love: the Best of" (True North Records, 2009)

Fine foot-stomping fare

Canadian "roots super group" Blackie and the Rodeo Kings were formed in 1996, when Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson came together to record a tribute album to their fellow countryman, songwriter Wille P. Bennett. The resulting album High or Hurtin' was nominated for a Juno award, and it wasn't long before the three were drawn back together to write and perform songs which didn't seem to fit into their other projects. The fact that the trio came originally from different musical backgrounds meant the folk, blues and rock traditions could be blended into a successful dynamic whole.

This release consists of songs drawn from their previous albums (including Kings of Love, winner of the 1999 Juno award for Best Roots & Traditional Album) such as "49 Tons", "Stoned" and "Heaven For A Lonely Man", as well as a rumbustious cover of "Folsom Prison Blues" and the previously unreleased title track. Sadly, I'm not in a position to comment authoritatively on whether this track selection does accurately represent a "best of", as this album has served as my introduction to the band. It's clear I've been missing out. This is a fantastically joyful record, where the musical talents of the players really shine through, buoyed up by their clear love of playing music together. This kind of bluesy Band-influenced rock can so often veer off into turgid waters, but here it is light, fresh and vigorous. Swinging from the Chains of Love certainly seems to serve as a good introduction to this highly accomplished, feel-good outfit.

Date review added:  Monday, March 30, 2009
Reviewer:  Jenny Higham
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Band website