by Richard Skelly » Sun Dec 10, 2017 1:49 am
Neck and neck, like two racing stallions, Blue Rodeo and The Tragically Hip were each regarded as “Canada’s Band.” True enough, although cynics argue the term really means: Couldn’t sell peanuts in the US of A. Who cares? They both moved enough CDs (when it mattered) and filled enough arenas up here to prosper.
Now, of course, with the tragic passing of Gord Downie (and likely end of the Hip), Blue Rodeo appear to be the last band standing.
Try is where it all began. I’d long thought the song got a boost when the band performed it during a key scene in the 1990 movie Postcards From The Edge. But memory plays tricks. Meryl Streep, backed by the achingly young Rodeos, sang I’m Checkin’ Out. It was composed by that great musical raconteur Shel “The Unicorn” Silverstein. The film performance was even nominated for an Oscar.
Too bad Blue Rodeo couldn’t parlay that break into other American opportunities. But the Yanks’ loss is our gain.