Rheostatics Albums (10)
'Night of the Shooting Star'
Release Date 10/23/2001
Tracks 13
Label Perimeter
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Back on familiar turf following the successful children's album The Story of Harmelodia, Night of the Shooting Stars finds Rheostatics back in the land of more complex rock and pop tunes. In a lot of ways, the album is a more straightforward effort than ever before, a fact that may have a lot to do with the production -- this time partly handled by roadie and fellow musician Alan Piggins and partly done by Ian Blurton (Blurtonia, Change of Heart), Toronto's reigning King of Rock. The loud rock influence certainly comes through in songs like the opening track, "The Reward," and "Satan Is the Whistler," which sports a death metal interlude and is louder than anything the band has committed to tape since "Rock Death America." All three of the original Rheos contribute material to this album. Tim Vesely's strongest is "Superdifficult," though the slightly too long "We Went West" is still a nice road trip across Canada. Guitarist Dave Bidini is less in evidence here than on previous albums, but turns in the album's best number in "Mumbletypeg." As usual, you can always count on Martin Tielli to up the weirdness factor a notch -- only he could get away with a line like, "I chipped my eyetooth on the back of a urinal," in the chorus of a song -- but he also contributes the album's first single, "P.I.N.," one of his most conventional songs ever. The album also features reworkings of two previously released songs: "Junction Foil Ball" previously appeared on the curious Nightlines Sessions and "Song of the Garden" is a revved-up rock version of the album-closer from The Story of Harmelodia. The album also marks another turning point for the band: following the recording, drummer Don Kerr decided to focus his energies on his Ron Sexsmith gig and the day-to-day operation of the Gas Station recording studio. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although the Rheostatics aren't really a known quantity outside of Canada, they have some of the most dedicated fans around, including many a modern Canadian musician. That loyalty can be traced to the band's live shows. For years the band faithfully trotted across Canada both in summer and in the dead of winter, playing to audiences both hospitable and hostile (see Dave Bidini's book on a Cold Road for the gruesome details). Double Live collects a number of fan favorites (some previously unavailable on album, like the rare classic "People's Republic of Dave"), and provides an excellent overview of the band's career. Although many would consider a double-live album self-indulgent and a bad rock cliché, Double Live is neither. Despite the band's musical skill, mistakes are left in to preserve the spontaneity of the performances. The album was also recorded in a variety of settings, from proper concert halls to the lobby out front -- even pub gigs where it's obvious the audience was just there for the beer. Overall, it's a great snapshot of a band who has seen good times and bad, and has managed to keep a good sense of humor. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
'Music Inspired by the Group of 7'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 12
Label DROG
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What The Critics Say
In 1995, the Rheostatics were commissioned by the National Gallery of Canada to write and perform a piece for the Group of Seven's 75th anniversary. Another slight diversion from the band's history of bent but listenable pop music, the Group of Seven release is more instrumental soundscapes, incorporating the voices of Queen Elizabeth, MacKenzie King, the Dief, and more. Although it's not representative of the rest of the group's albums, it's perhaps the most accessible album for a general audience who may not be familiar with the group's pop work. As an historical note, it's also the first album to feature multi-instrumentalist Don Kerr, who filled in on the sticks after Dave Clark went off to do other projects. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
As a pop album, The Blue Hysteria seems a bit like a letdown after the from-all-directions assault of Introducing Happiness. It seems like some of the edges have been sanded off along the way, but in reality it's a more focused and mature affair. There are a bunch of biting lyrics, a lot of great playing, and the usual measure of whimsy (especially "Four Little Songs"). Martin Tielli turns in one of his best vocal performances in the epic "A Mid Winter Night's Dream," and the hidden track recounts Dave Bidini's experience as an audience member at many life-changing rock concerts. Even if the rest of the album seems disappointing initially, these last two tracks make the album worth seeking out. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Shortly after the release of Whale Music Soundtrack, the novel that it was based on was made into a movie. Author Paul Quarrington, pleased that the Rheostatics had chosen his novel as source material for their album, returned the favor by hiring the band to compose and perform the legitimate soundtrack for the movie. Although a soundtrack album was to follow, many of the rough sketches from the soundtrack made their way to Introducing Happiness in more completed form. As would be expected, Introducing Happiness musically picks up where Whale Music left off, but covers more stylistic ground. It's an album that is so full of ideas that it even throws in the kitchen sink; consequently it can be a bit trying for those looking for more of the quick pop fix provided by "Claire." There's a ton of pop culture references and oodles of goofiness throughout the album, but as the last notes of the epic "Onilley's Strange Dream" fade out, those who have been listening carefully can't help but feel a bit disturbed...and awed. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Whale Music Soundtrack album was conceived as a companion piece to Paul Quarrington's novel about an eccentric rock recluse who spends all his time in his studio composing music for whales. Just as the novel uses Brian Wilson as a reference point, so do the Rheostatics: songs become mini-symphonies with multi-layered instrumentation and pop-perfect harmonies. The album also shows the band stretching out into other styles, with nods to country punk. Martin Tielli's lead guitar becomes an especially interesting thing to pay attention to, with Tielli pulling sounds out of it that are simultaneously terrifying and beautiful. Although the last half of the album isn't quite as compelling as the first, both parts have their share of twisted pop genius. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Recorded prior to Introducing Happiness, the Whale Music Soundtrack contains some of the same material, but in a rawer instrumental form, for the most part. The movie is about an eccentric musical genius (think Brian Wilson) who holes up in his oceanfront mansion to create a symphonic pop masterpiece to play for the whales that occasionally swim by the shore. The Rheostatics had already based an album of their own around the novel, and they were the natural choice to compose the proper soundtrack, too. While it doesn't hold up as an album in and of itself, it works admirably as a companion piece to the movie. George Blondheim contributes orchestral pieces. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Rheostatics began their fish fetish with this album, and it's a good harbinger. After a four-year gap between albums and plenty of touring, it's not surprising that Melville is a much more accomplished affair. Although the playing is much tighter and the lyrics far more ambitious, the album still drips with Canadiana, name-dropping three provinces, one city, and two famous Canadian bands, and features a cover of another Canadian legend. There's also a song in Canada's other official language. "Horses" and "Saskatchewan" stand out, but all of the material on this album has a self-confidence that the debut lacked, making it a much better starting point. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
'Greatest Hits'
Release Date 1/1/1987
Tracks 9
Label Green Sprouts Music Club
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Although the title of their first album was perhaps just a bit too clever, Greatest Hits nonetheless contains at least one song bound to be near the top of any Rheos fan's list. While most of the rest of the songs were jangly pop that showed a band with decent lyrics and a lot of unrealized musical potential, "The Ballad of Wendel Clark" was a bullseye. The song is an homage to Wendel the hockey player, but also to many suburban Wendels who had to choose between picking up a guitar and picking up a stick. The rest of the album features many good moments, but the Rheostatics wouldn't actually hit their stride until their second long-player, Melville. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
