David Bidini, rhythm guitarist with the Rheostatics, knows all too well what the life of a rock band in Canada involves: storied arenas one tour an...
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reviews
Jan 07, 2012
Sumofparts
rated it: 
I didn't love the book nor do I think it's one I recommend for Canada Reads. It was too scattered for me; there's this central narrative from the Rheostatics interspersed with stories from these other Canadian bands but I couldn't tell where Dave Bidini was going with it all. Either write about the Rheostatics or about the other bands. Or if a combination is absolutely necessary, change it somehow. I can appreciate that it was more of an oral history and I did think the format was interesting bu
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Oct 29, 2009
catechism
rated it: 
So, I didn't actually mean to read this book last night, because I started it at midnight, but then I didn't put it down until I was finished. It's basically the tour diary of the Rheostatics' Dave Bidini from when they opened for the Hip, interspersed with hilarious vignettes from earlier pioneering Canadian artists. I wish there had been a bit more information about who they were -- I had to google all of them; even if I recognized their names, I wasn't sure which band they'd been in, except t
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Dec 19, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
On a Cold Road is the first book on my list for Canada Reads 2012. The point of Canada Reads is to find the most quintessentially Canadian book for the year to recommend to all Canadians to read.
On a Cold Road delivers what the subtitle says: tales of adventure in Canadian rock by documenting the Rheostatics as they open for the Tragically Hip on a cross Canada tour. Interspersed with Bidini’s poetic expressions of band life, are interviews with the founders of Canadian rock. The boo More...
On a Cold Road delivers what the subtitle says: tales of adventure in Canadian rock by documenting the Rheostatics as they open for the Tragically Hip on a cross Canada tour. Interspersed with Bidini’s poetic expressions of band life, are interviews with the founders of Canadian rock. The boo More...
Jan 14, 2012
Tina
rated it:
Wonderful book! I was a bit skeptical when I started it, but Bidini turns out to be a terrific writer. His prose is clear and easy and he knows when to add a poetic flourish. I enjoyed his self-deprecating humour and his passion for music. I really wish there'd been more of him and fewer anecdotes from other people (which made up a significant portion of the book).
The only other caution I'd have is that, unless you're massively into Canadian music, all the name dropping may get a bit More...
The only other caution I'd have is that, unless you're massively into Canadian music, all the name dropping may get a bit More...
Nov 02, 2009
Janelle
rated it: 
The idea for Dave Bidini’s book On a Cold Road: Adventure in Canadian Rock first came about when excerpts from his tour journal were published in the Toronto Star. The dairies depicted the experiences of Bidini and his band The Rheostatics when they opened for the Tragically Hip on a cross-country tour. The Rheostatics are not new faces in the Canadian rock scene. Since 1980, rhythm guitarist Bidini, drummer Dave Clark (later replaced by Don Kerr), lead guitarist Martin Tielli, and bassist Tim V
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Jan 07, 2012
Sarah
rated it:
I really didn't know what to expect from "On a Cold Road". I thought the book was a tour recap by Dave Bidini, a member of the Rheostatics.
What I got was an overview of Canadian rock from the 60s to the 90s. Bidini's stories of his tour with the Tragically Hip is interspersed with stories from Canadian rock greats such as Ronnie Hawkins and Kim Mitchell.
What I got was an overview of Canadian rock from the 60s to the 90s. Bidini's stories of his tour with the Tragically Hip is interspersed with stories from Canadian rock greats such as Ronnie Hawkins and Kim Mitchell.
Jan 25, 2012
Sarah
rated it: 
This is probably a much better book then I am giving it credit for. I found the parts when Bidini wrote about his experiences with the Rheostatics to be the best parts of the book. However, I did not enjoy the many quotes from musicians. I could understand why people would love this book - I was just not the right audience.
Nov 21, 2011
Julie
rated it:
While fans of the Rheostatics will particularly enjoy this memoir of the band's time on the road, it has a wider appeal for readers interested in Canada's rock music history. Bidini has included some of his rock and roll friends' tour memories on a variety of related themes, creating a multi-faceted view of the road, its charms and its perils.
Feb 08, 2012
I really only read the first few pages before giving up. I don't know much about the music scene - I thought this would be a good education. Reading about the start of his music career was interesting, but I was done as soon as he started quoting other musicians... it just became too diluted for me.
Jan 11, 2012
Selina
rated it:
My love of the Rheostatics aside, I really liked this book. Dave is a very witty & real writer and as a music fan I really enjoyed hearing about being on the road - I felt like I was along for the ride too. And who wouldn't love Reading bout a concert they were at?!
Oct 20, 2011
Will probably borrow from my dad, assuming I can get that copy away from my brother (this is one of his favourite books)
May 12, 2008
Pam
rated it:
Thsi book is great if you love Canadian music!!! Esp. if you like the Rheos! :)
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