The Sheepdogs

That time of year has approached again; the time when I look back over past new years resolutions, usually with a sigh or a chuckle, and a promise to try harder. There are, of course, those lucky few who get to cross something off and even set the bar higher for next year. A group of Saskatoon rockers that I’m sure did just that in 2011 are, The Sheepdogs. As far as topping it this year, the band will have their hands full; 2011 saw The Sheepdogs become the first unsigned band to land the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. They hung out with Kid Rock, and joined the Kings of Leon on tour; I imagine the only resolution they have this year is to rock on, and I say, why not?! Their website describes them as, “…an old-school rock and roll revival” (thesheepdogs.com). The Sheepdogs have a groovy, undeniably 70`s rock vibe. For all us 2nd generation Pink Floyd, CCR, or Stones fans, their 2010 album, Learn & Burn, could be the album we have all been waiting for. Listen to tracks like “Right On”, “Baby I Won‘t Do You No Harm”, or “Please Don’t Lead Me On”, and I bet you will be jumping for joy or screaming Hallelujah . And if that doesn’t have you fully convinced,  I’m positive you will be completely hooked by the time the whole 15 track, psychedelic ride of an album, stops spinning!

The band released a deluxe version of Learn and Burn in 2011 and a 5 track EP titled Five Easy Pieces. The Sheepdogs are heading into 2012 with a new album that will be produced by The Black Keys own Patrick Carney, picking tracks from what they told Rolling Stone Magazine is, “…a shortlist of about 40 songs” (www.rollingstone.com). The band is also en route to play on Kid Rock’s sold out Chillin the Most Cruse which sets sail from Miami this April; the cruise ship heads for the private island temporarily known as Rock’s Reef and four days of music, sunshine, and beer, ensue. The Sheepdogs then abandon ship and skip over to Arkansas’ Wakarusa Festival  June 1st.

As for me, I can’t tell you for sure that I will be able to cross off my resolutions to ‘drink less’ or ‘swear less’ from last years extensive list; but what I can tell you, is that I will make every effort to scratch off ‘see the sheepdogs perform live’ from my reformed 2012 resolution list, which, yes, still includes ‘drink less’ and ‘swear less’.
Be sure to keep your eyes on these bearded, bell bottomed beauties this year as they rise from small-time Saskatchewan to stardom.