It's been more than a decade since one review said "the best American band is from Canada," but much has changed for Blue Rodeo since that proclamation. For better or worse, the Toronto group hasn't deviated from the roots-rock path it started down more than 20 years ago. That's the band's strength and weakness, as witnessed with "Small Miracles." Country-tinged songs like "Mystic River" and "Blue House" wear the Blue Rodeo trademark of twangy guitars and rootsy harmonies, and wouldn't be out of place on any of the group's 12 studio efforts. However, the band does mix it up on tracks like the jazzy "Together," the early-'70s vibing "Summer Girls" and "C'mon," which works out its inner Byrds. It's a breezy listen that won't likely convert many who haven't already drank Blue Rodeo's particular brand of Kool-Aid.—Robert Thompson