Five Days in July

by Tom DemalonWhile the members of Blue Rodeo are stars in their native Canada, the roots-based band remains a brilliant, well-kept secret south of the border. Blue Rodeo's fifth album Five Days in July didn't heighten the band's profile, but it is another stellar entry into the sextet's catalog. The group continues to experiment with longer mood pieces like the sparse, gentle (save for some fierce, almost dissonant guitar from Greg Keelor) title track. Lead singer Jim Cuddy's warm vocals add to the compelling, emotional thrust of songs like the infectious "It Hasn't Hit Me Yet," the heartbreakingly honest "Bad Timing" (with some breathtaking harmonies between Cuddy and Keelor), and the plaintive "English Bay." Sarah McLachlan lends some vocals (and piano) to a couple tracks, including the solemn "Dark Angel." Five Days in July builds on Blue Rodeo's wonderful blend of melodic rock and Americana, while continuing to push out around the edges, and it does so in spectacular fashion.