The Sheepdogs are a throwback to the rock of old. Their music feels good for the soul. It’s the kind of music that you want to hear sitting around a fire on a summer evening. They’ve described their music as a blend of Led Zeppelin and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
The band from Saskatoon includes Ewan Currie, Ryan Gullen, Sam Corbett, Ricky Paquette, and Shamus Currie. They’ve won four JUNO awards and were the first band to ever be on the cover of Rolling Stone before they were signed.
They released their first album, called Trying to Grow, in 2007. It’s highlighted by “Tonight,” “Hang on to Yourself,” and “Greedy Man.”
Their second album, Big Stand, came out in 2008 and it’s a nice follow-up. My favorites are “The First Year” and “Let It All Show.” In 2010, Learn & Burn was released with standouts “I Don’t Know” and “Southern Dreaming.” “I Don’t Know” was the first song I heard by them, and I immediately fell in love. After this album, they won Rock Album of the Year, Best New Group, and Single of the Year at the 2012 JUNO Awards.
The Sheepdogs came out in 2012, and it marked their true arrival. “Laid Back,” “Feeling Good,” and “The Way It Is.” By this point, they had become one of the fastest-rising bands in Canada. Future Nostalgia (2015) includes two of my absolute favorite Sheepdog songs: “Downtown” and “Bad Lieutenant.”
Changing Colours (2018) is yet another awesome effort by the group. “Nobody,” “I’ve Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be,” “Saturday Night,” and “Let it Roll” combine to make this one of their best albums. I think it’s at least their most consistent one.
Last year, Outta Sight was released. Its highlights are “Here I Am,” “Find the Truth,” and “So Far Gone.” It’s amazing how everything they put out they knock out of the park. They’re one of the great Canadian bands of the modern era, and it’s their old-school sound that makes them stand out in the era of electronic music. You can hear the legends in the making on Evolution 107.9 regularly!
They recently released a live EP, called The Sheepdogs on Audiotree Live. It’s a good little medley of some of their songs that’s worth a listen.
There aren’t any BC shows on the docket, but they will be playing in Calgary during Stampede weekend on July 12 at Wildhorse Saloon. If you’re planning on going, why not check out a Sheepdogs concert?
The Sheepdogs strayed from the mold and blazed their own trail. They’ve kept true to themselves and who they are, and their audience loves them for it.