SOUNDTRACK: RHEOSTATICS-Melville (1991).
This fantastic Rheostatics album was one of the last ones I bought for some reason. It came after their debut, Greatest Hits, and is quite a departure for that more simplistic disc.
It opens with the two minute “Record Body Count,” which sets the tone for the disc. It’s quirky, with different pacings and loud/soft parts, and is quite affecting. In fact, the entire rest of the disc is quirky and off beat, as befits a disc with a big whale on the cover.
Three great tracks on this disc are “Saskatchewan,” “Horses” and “Aliens (Christmas 1988).” And the CD comes with a bonus track of their cover of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” which is rocking and swaying as a good nautical track should.
The CD ends with “You Are Very Star” a track that ended their live shows. On the disc, the track is a series of hockey announcements with quiet whistles as the song fades away,
Rheostatics are definitely an unusual band. Martin Tielli’s voice goes into high registers at unexpected times, he also sing-speaks (and you can hear the Canadian accent) at times. Tim Vesely and Dave Bidini also have vocal duties, and their more mellow style adds for a nice contrast. But basically, what you get is unpredictable rock. And really, there’s nothing better than that. Especially when, once you get comfortable with the songs, you realize just how catchy they are.
Melville, it’s in Saskatchewan, and it rocks.
[READ: December 21, 2009] Salt Water Taffy: The Legend of Old Salty
This is a delightful all ages comic set on the coast of Maine. As the story opens we see brothers Jack and Benny (I did wonder if there is some connection to Jack Benny, but I’d have to say no) driving to their summer house in Maine. Benny is younger and having fun playing the license plate game while Jack is absorbed in his gameboy. (more…)
SOUNDTRACK: MIKE FORD: Satellite Hotstove (2007).
SOUNDTRACK: RHEOSTATICS-Whale Music [Soundtrack] (1994) & Music Inspired by the Group of 7 (1995).
and then decided to name their new album Whale Music. (The follow up to Melville…they definitely have a nautical theme in their early records). Their awesome song “Claire,” is co-written by Quarrinton (I think some of the lyrics for the song were in the book). So, a few years go by, and a movie is made of Whale Music (which is basically a fictionalized story of a Brian Wilson-esque musical genius-recluse).
Whale Music [Soundtrack] (1994)
SOUNDTRACK: RHEOSTATICS-Introducing Happiness (1995).
This is where the Rheos really hit their stride! The first 4 songs are simply great, including their cover of Jane Siberry’s “One More Colour.” If you check out my comments on the Rheos’ Greatest Hits record, you will see a comment about Jane Siberry; I had totally forgotten they did this cover, and somehow this validates my earlier comparison, so good for me. Anyhow, the song “Claire” is on this disc, and it is simply one of the best songs ever. Ever. Totally catchy, totally pretty, great background vocals…everything about it is great. Later on the record you get a back to back of two more great songs, “Take Me in Your Hand” and “Jesus Was Once A Teenager, Too.” Simply gorgeous melodies with thoughtful lyrics. There are a couple of wacky tracks on here too. The kind where people prick up their ears and make a “did someone fart?” face. But they’re kind of brief, and contextually they work, its just that when you’re casually listening to pretty songs, and then you get one with screams and guitars, it tends to make things go wobbly. But overall, this is a great record. If you’re going to try the Rheos, obviously Double Live is the place to start, but this is a close second. 
SOUNDTRACK: RHEOSTATICS-Greatest Hits (1987) & ROGUES GALLERY (2006).
RHEOSTATICS-Greatest Hits: I first found out about the Rheostatics many many years ago on a driving trip to Niagara Falls & Toronto. I bought Introducing Happiness and really liked their weird sensibilities. They don’t really sound like anyone else (except perhaps one or two of Neil Young’s phases); whether it’s Martin Tielli’s alto voice, the meandering guitar work, or the harmonies of Bidini and Vesely, the Rheostatics are uniquely them.
I Just Read About That... 