I haven't posted anything in forever and so to potentially ease my way back into writing more I have decided to do my patriotic duty and create my own Canada150 playlist. But not a typical Canada 150 playlist of favorite songs or a pointed commentary on Canadian art. No this is a personal list of favorite Canadian musicians and their most impactful songs on me. Not even my favorites, just songs and moments related to songs that have stuck with me. They are presented in chronological order from when they were written and I have given myself a strict rule of only one song per band - with one notable exception, my rules, I can bend them if I want.
For those that don't want to click on individual links you can go straight to the youtube playlist here and listen along while reading.
Not my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song, that honor goes to Sundown or Summerside of Life depending on my mood. This song however, is the only song in my life I ever heard my father sing along to.
Growing up I spent many summers fishing on the family boat with my mother, father and any combination of siblings. Our family boat was somewhat of an anomaly to me growing up. It was uncharacteristically deluxe with a big inboard motor, adjustable orange leather/plastic seats and a tape deck. An actual tape deck in a boat! How sweet was that. None of our cars had a cassette player but our boat did. Of course we had only 2 or 3 tapes consisting mostly of songs taped off the radio and a very special bootleg of my brother Geoff singing Tiptoe Through the Tulips. One fateful night while jigging for pickerel Dad actually sang along a little bit to Did She Mention My Name. It was faint, but in the still of Greenwater Lake I heard it. He had a nice voice.
Plus - check out Gord looking like a Troubador Jesus above. What a stud.
All time classic. My favorite version of this song is the one above that was a studio rendition to complement the live recordings of The Last Waltz. The Last Waltz is of course the greatest concert film of all time. When I wake up early on weekends with my daughter I sometime pop in the DVD and it forms the soundtrack of our morning. Mavis Staple in the last second of the video sums it all up with a breathless "beautiful". Check out Mavis reminiscing on it all years later.
The Last Waltz gets me again as does the line "In my mind I still need a place to go".
For those that don't want to click on individual links you can go straight to the youtube playlist here and listen along while reading.
Suzanne - Leonard Cohen
A dream like song that always transports me to "her place along the river". In my youth I secretly wanted a woman to feed me tea and oranges, I still kind of do.For Loving Me + Did She Mention My Name - Gordon Lightfoot
Not my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song, that honor goes to Sundown or Summerside of Life depending on my mood. This song however, is the only song in my life I ever heard my father sing along to.
Growing up I spent many summers fishing on the family boat with my mother, father and any combination of siblings. Our family boat was somewhat of an anomaly to me growing up. It was uncharacteristically deluxe with a big inboard motor, adjustable orange leather/plastic seats and a tape deck. An actual tape deck in a boat! How sweet was that. None of our cars had a cassette player but our boat did. Of course we had only 2 or 3 tapes consisting mostly of songs taped off the radio and a very special bootleg of my brother Geoff singing Tiptoe Through the Tulips. One fateful night while jigging for pickerel Dad actually sang along a little bit to Did She Mention My Name. It was faint, but in the still of Greenwater Lake I heard it. He had a nice voice.
Plus - check out Gord looking like a Troubador Jesus above. What a stud.
The Weight - The Band
All time classic. My favorite version of this song is the one above that was a studio rendition to complement the live recordings of The Last Waltz. The Last Waltz is of course the greatest concert film of all time. When I wake up early on weekends with my daughter I sometime pop in the DVD and it forms the soundtrack of our morning. Mavis Staple in the last second of the video sums it all up with a breathless "beautiful". Check out Mavis reminiscing on it all years later.
Helpless - Neil Young
The Last Waltz gets me again as does the line "In my mind I still need a place to go".
Log Rollers Waltz - National Film Board
Pure nostalgia.I must have seen this a 100 times or more while watching CBC on Saturday mornings I can practically feel the weight of Mom's jean jacket quilts around my shoulders when listening to this.
A guilty pleasure....no screw that...a good rock pop song. For some reason the local Classic Rock station KRock 97.3 plays it a lot and it's not uncommon for me to hear this a couple of times a week...which is weird right? But then I started listening to lyrics and thinking about the song on my commutes. First off Bryan Adams knows how to craft a catchy song. Secondly, he does a great job of making a slutty one nighter sound not so slutty by calling it a 'love affair'. Third, unrequited love, or in this case requited then longed for again is a much better story than a traditional found and kept love story. Seriously though, it is best played at higher volumes.
I love the driving guitar, the snarly vocals and pace. I feel comfortable saying The Smalls are the best garage rock band Canada has produced. They were big with all of my buddies while in High School and when they re-united to play a festival in Edmonton 2014 we had our own impromptu reunion and that weekend probably ranks as one of the favorites of my life.
The first time I really payed attention to The Tragically Hip was this song. My sister Monica had just got the Road Apples CD and I heard this song a couple of times in the course of a weekend. I thought it was raw and cool. I don't think it has held up all that well over the years but I kind of still appreciate how unprocessed it sounds.
The era between Road Apples and Day for Night for me is the pinnacle of the Hip. They were young, sweaty and straight forward rock n roll. There were no lame songs about music at work or cool hats to hide the balding. Look at Gord in that video above, vibrant and just giving'r. This era is how I will remember him. When they embarked on their final cross country tour and played their final show I couldn't watch it. I appreciated and admired the courage and drive that Gord and the whole band had but I hated it at the same time. I didn't want that memory of the Hip. I have a theory that if a heaven exists and if we take any form of corporeal form, that corporeal form is based on what your obituary picture looks like. I chose young Gord.
Die, die, die, die, die, die worms eating you eyes. God, did I love Kids In the Hall. If Fine Ham Abounds was a more complete song it would be on the list but alas they just gave us a taste of what that song could be...But it was really fucking good.
The most romantic song I can think of. Greg Keelor has never sounded better.
On November 29, 2009 our nation hit what I consider peak Prairie Canadiana. It was the half time show of the 97th Grey Cup - Blue Rodeo was playing Lost Together at the 50 yard line - the field was swarmed with Rider fans wearing green - Couples are boozily slow dancing on the field - as the camera sweeps by a woman wearing a Bobby Jurasin style bandana kisses her goateed man. This is the most Canadian prairies thing ever. With such a high peak we had to descend and this is evidenced by the Riders losing the game like idiots as they can't count to 13. The rest of the country laughs.
Here is where I break my own rule. Yes, it is another Blue Rodeo song but this one is sung by Jim Cuddy. Jim Cuddy is cool. I wish that I could pull of the denim shirt with piping look like he does. I have even bought a couple over the years - Chrissy will confirm though that I just look stupid. I am such a poser.
When I started at EEDC I would often default to Blue Rodeo songs to listen to while working. They blended into the background well. Around this time I started to really take notice of the pretty girl in the office beside me. Chrissy, that pretty girl, remarked one time that she liked this song so it stayed on high rotation. It has continued to be a favorite ever since.
Writing this blog I have come to realization that I like a lot of pretty songs. To keep my street cred up I present to you some great Canadian metal; 3 Inches of Blood. It was a tough call between this song or Curse of the Lighthouse Keeper but Balls of Ice wins based on the call out of "Balls, Balls, Balls, Ice, Ice, Ice (repeat). Probably every couple of weeks someone says balls or ice in a statement and in my head I sing "Balls of Ice" in my best metal voice and smile.
The first time I heard Arcade Fire I was in Saskatoon driving around listening to CFCR 90.5FM. When this song was over and the DJ came back on I pulled over so I could write down who it was. That same day I bought the Funeral CD. It is still in my car even though my CD player no longer works. When they broke out they seemed to have an urgency to them. They had music they needed to get out of them (to steal a quote from Bryce). Subsequent albums have been solid but the urgency is gone. They seem more content to try and get you to dance - whatever.
The whole You're a Woman I'm a Machine album is outstanding. This song sticks out above all else for DFA's performance of it on Conan O'Brien back in the day. I remember flipping through channels late one night and caught Conan announcing his guests which included DFA. It was quite late and I was starting to fall asleep when they came on. They absolutely killed it with an assist from Max Weinberg. Check out the smile on Max's face, he is loving it. Suck it Springsteen.
Another pretty song that I can't help but like. A few years back on a Halloween night Chrissy and I went to go see them live at Edmonton's Winspear Centre. The Winspear is renowned for its great acoustics and Amy Millan in full preggo glory sounded outstanding. This night was also memorable for Chrissy wearing the full length brown leather and fur trimmed jacket I got her out in public. It only ever sees the light of day on Halloween which is a shame as Chrissy looks great in it.
It's a song about a guy that can't articulate what he wants to say to his lady friend and so instead drinks by himself at a curling rink. We've all been there man. Fucking genius.
The best song ever written about Edmonton. Why this gets no love on local radio and they play Tornado 87 instead is beyond me.
I can dream some days of moving to the coast or living in a foreign country for an extended period of time but it won't happen. I won't be leaving Edmonton. Chrissy's family is here, we have good jobs, a great house and I am too shitty of a hockey player for any other rec team in another City to take me. And that is ok. Edmonton has been good to me.
Honorable Mentions that didn't make the playlist:
One Night Love Affair - Bryan Adams
A guilty pleasure....no screw that...a good rock pop song. For some reason the local Classic Rock station KRock 97.3 plays it a lot and it's not uncommon for me to hear this a couple of times a week...which is weird right? But then I started listening to lyrics and thinking about the song on my commutes. First off Bryan Adams knows how to craft a catchy song. Secondly, he does a great job of making a slutty one nighter sound not so slutty by calling it a 'love affair'. Third, unrequited love, or in this case requited then longed for again is a much better story than a traditional found and kept love story. Seriously though, it is best played at higher volumes.
The Smalls Dan Diddle A Na
I love the driving guitar, the snarly vocals and pace. I feel comfortable saying The Smalls are the best garage rock band Canada has produced. They were big with all of my buddies while in High School and when they re-united to play a festival in Edmonton 2014 we had our own impromptu reunion and that weekend probably ranks as one of the favorites of my life.
Little Bones - The Tragically Hip
The first time I really payed attention to The Tragically Hip was this song. My sister Monica had just got the Road Apples CD and I heard this song a couple of times in the course of a weekend. I thought it was raw and cool. I don't think it has held up all that well over the years but I kind of still appreciate how unprocessed it sounds.
The era between Road Apples and Day for Night for me is the pinnacle of the Hip. They were young, sweaty and straight forward rock n roll. There were no lame songs about music at work or cool hats to hide the balding. Look at Gord in that video above, vibrant and just giving'r. This era is how I will remember him. When they embarked on their final cross country tour and played their final show I couldn't watch it. I appreciated and admired the courage and drive that Gord and the whole band had but I hated it at the same time. I didn't want that memory of the Hip. I have a theory that if a heaven exists and if we take any form of corporeal form, that corporeal form is based on what your obituary picture looks like. I chose young Gord.
Terriers - The Kids In The Hall
Die, die, die, die, die, die worms eating you eyes. God, did I love Kids In the Hall. If Fine Ham Abounds was a more complete song it would be on the list but alas they just gave us a taste of what that song could be...But it was really fucking good.
Lost Together - Blue Rodeo
The most romantic song I can think of. Greg Keelor has never sounded better.
On November 29, 2009 our nation hit what I consider peak Prairie Canadiana. It was the half time show of the 97th Grey Cup - Blue Rodeo was playing Lost Together at the 50 yard line - the field was swarmed with Rider fans wearing green - Couples are boozily slow dancing on the field - as the camera sweeps by a woman wearing a Bobby Jurasin style bandana kisses her goateed man. This is the most Canadian prairies thing ever. With such a high peak we had to descend and this is evidenced by the Riders losing the game like idiots as they can't count to 13. The rest of the country laughs.
5 Days in May - Blue Rodeo
Here is where I break my own rule. Yes, it is another Blue Rodeo song but this one is sung by Jim Cuddy. Jim Cuddy is cool. I wish that I could pull of the denim shirt with piping look like he does. I have even bought a couple over the years - Chrissy will confirm though that I just look stupid. I am such a poser.
When I started at EEDC I would often default to Blue Rodeo songs to listen to while working. They blended into the background well. Around this time I started to really take notice of the pretty girl in the office beside me. Chrissy, that pretty girl, remarked one time that she liked this song so it stayed on high rotation. It has continued to be a favorite ever since.
Balls of Ice - 3 Inches of Blood
Writing this blog I have come to realization that I like a lot of pretty songs. To keep my street cred up I present to you some great Canadian metal; 3 Inches of Blood. It was a tough call between this song or Curse of the Lighthouse Keeper but Balls of Ice wins based on the call out of "Balls, Balls, Balls, Ice, Ice, Ice (repeat). Probably every couple of weeks someone says balls or ice in a statement and in my head I sing "Balls of Ice" in my best metal voice and smile.
Rebellion (Lies) - Arcade Fire
The first time I heard Arcade Fire I was in Saskatoon driving around listening to CFCR 90.5FM. When this song was over and the DJ came back on I pulled over so I could write down who it was. That same day I bought the Funeral CD. It is still in my car even though my CD player no longer works. When they broke out they seemed to have an urgency to them. They had music they needed to get out of them (to steal a quote from Bryce). Subsequent albums have been solid but the urgency is gone. They seem more content to try and get you to dance - whatever.
Romantic Rights - Death From Above 1979
The whole You're a Woman I'm a Machine album is outstanding. This song sticks out above all else for DFA's performance of it on Conan O'Brien back in the day. I remember flipping through channels late one night and caught Conan announcing his guests which included DFA. It was quite late and I was starting to fall asleep when they came on. They absolutely killed it with an assist from Max Weinberg. Check out the smile on Max's face, he is loving it. Suck it Springsteen.
Ageless Beauty - Stars
Another pretty song that I can't help but like. A few years back on a Halloween night Chrissy and I went to go see them live at Edmonton's Winspear Centre. The Winspear is renowned for its great acoustics and Amy Millan in full preggo glory sounded outstanding. This night was also memorable for Chrissy wearing the full length brown leather and fur trimmed jacket I got her out in public. It only ever sees the light of day on Halloween which is a shame as Chrissy looks great in it.
Tournament of Hearts - The Weakerthans
It's a song about a guy that can't articulate what he wants to say to his lady friend and so instead drinks by himself at a curling rink. We've all been there man. Fucking genius.
Edmonton - Rural Alberta Advantage
The best song ever written about Edmonton. Why this gets no love on local radio and they play Tornado 87 instead is beyond me.
I can dream some days of moving to the coast or living in a foreign country for an extended period of time but it won't happen. I won't be leaving Edmonton. Chrissy's family is here, we have good jobs, a great house and I am too shitty of a hockey player for any other rec team in another City to take me. And that is ok. Edmonton has been good to me.
Honorable Mentions that didn't make the playlist:
- I'm An Adult Now - The Pursuit of Happiness: I used to think this song was a joke but I grew into it.
- Here For A Good Time: Trooper: My Uncle Ed opened up the big Kehrig family reunion back in 2000 with the prophetic wisdom of Trooper "We're here for a good time not a long time".
- The Lines You Amend - Sloan: Another pretty song
- Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under - Shania Twain: In high school I was on Team Faith Hill as opposed to Team Shania. I was wrong.
- Lovers in a Dangerous Time - Barenaked Ladies: Steven Page nails it on this one. I irrationally hate Bruce Cockburn so I love that someone did one of his songs a 1000 times better than he ever could. Go listen for trees falling in the forest Bruce.
- Taking Care of Business - DOA: Save us Joey Shithead.
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