Rubber Rodeo

Did You Know?

• Music critic J.D. Considine coined the term 'cowboy pop' in his review of Scenic Views.
• Rubber Rodeo received a Grammy nomination in 1984 for a long-form video for Scenic Views.
• Bob Holmes and Gary Leib later formed the ambient country project SUSS, which released three albums as of December 2020.

History

Rubber Rodeo formed in Rhode Island in 1980. The initial lineup comprised Bob Holmes on vocals and guitars, Trish Milliken on vocals and keyboards, Gary Leib on synthesisers, Eddie Stern on pedal steel, Doug Allen on bass, and Bob's brother Barc Holmes on drums. Nearly all members were students at the Rhode Island School of Design, and lead singers Holmes and Milliken were romantically involved. Bob Holmes later described the band as "a cross between Gene Autry and Devo"; others noted that when Milliken sang, Rubber Rodeo sounded like a countrified Blondie.

Most material was original, composed by Bob Holmes or the Holmes-Milliken team, but the group also recorded covers of Ennio Morricone's "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" and Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight". Their first independent single, a cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene", appeared in 1981. Shortly after, pedal steel guitarist Stern left and was replaced by Mark Tomeo. The Boston Phoenix, reviewing a 1982 live performance, observed that Rubber Rodeo presented themselves as straights finding hipness in songs neglected by new-wave audiences as too quaint or too corny.

After two independent EPs on Eat Records in 1982 and 1983, the band recorded their full-length debut Scenic Views for Mercury Records in 1984. Producer Hugh Jones used a Linn drum machine instead of letting Barc Holmes play, and bassist Allen played only on part of "Walkin' After Midnight" before being let go. Former producer John Doelp took over bass for the remainder of the sessions, credited with "bass and musical direction" on the final release though not an official member.

Bassist Hal Cragin joined for live work after the album and appears as bassist and band member in the Scenic Views videos.