Oh, Canada! – A Celine-free Canada Day playlist
No, I’m not Canadian, but there were many times I wished I was. Being a hockey fan will do that to you. When your country doesn’t embrace your favorite sport the way you do, you look upon the country where that sport is its national pastime with envy and longing. Oh, to live in Canada, in such exotic places as Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan or Medicine Hat, Alberta. To spend your days eating poutine, watching hockey and…what? An average temperature of 18 degrees in the winter? Maybe I’ll move to Toronto instead.
While my hockey-romantic dreams of moving to Canada faded, my adoration of the country and its people did not. I ordained myself the Unofficial Defender Of All Things Canadian (with some exceptions). Maple syrup! Old time hockey! Free health care! The great outdoors! Apologetic people! In all seriousness, I do love your country. I have been there several times, though only to Montreal and Toronto and I hear they don’t count as actually visiting Canada.
I thought we’d take some time today to listen to the music of Canada. No, no Bryan Adams or Celine Dion here. We’ll stick to the good stuff.
NoMeansNo – Heavy doses of funky jazz and funky doses of heavy metal with punk rock sensibilities. My favorite band to come out of Canada. My favorite thing to come out of Canada next to hockey.
Propagandhi – Arrogant punk rock with a political agenda. I like when they sing about Canadian things. I have no idea what they mean by “pine cone wealth and cedar fence bliss” but it makes me feel solidarity with Canadians when I sing it.
Rush – Listen, I’m not a big fan of Rush. But I have to concede some things here if I’m not including some of their other greater national treasures.
Triumph - One of the most underrated power bands of the 70s. What? I mean that. I don’t know anyone my age who hasn’t once held up a lighter while singing “I’m young, I’m wild, I’m free.” Canada, be proud of your power rock.
The DeFranco Family – Yes, I mean that. No, I’m not being ironic or funny. This song should be Canada’s national treasure. It’s such an amazing song that I have written an entire novel (well, almost written) in which this song is almost a character. Embrace it, Canadians.
Doug and the Slugs – I’m starting to think that my love of Canadian music isn’t exactly what actual Canadians love about their music.
Finger Eleven – The caveat here is that I’m only including the first Finger Eleven album, back when I thought they’d end up being an awesome band instead of the ridiculous parody of themselves they are now.
Trans-X - “Living on Video” is the only Trans-X song I know but it’s on every single 80s playlist I ever made, so that counts for a lot.
Skinny Puppy – I’d probably be skinned alive if I made a list of Canadian music and didn’t include them.
Strapping Young Lad - Really, anything Devin Townsend has ever done. He should be on Canadian money.
Hot Hot Heat – This is a seriously good band. Makeup the Breakdown is in constant rotation on my stereo. They’re what the Cure would sound like if Robert Smith took Prozac.
I know, I know. I forgot your favorite Canadian band. But the list can only be so long. As much as I love Canada and I have several times been bestowed an “Honorary Canadian” I don’t think I’m allowed to take the day off from work to celebrate my inner Canadian. So I’ll just walk around work all day singing “Oh, Canada!” and saying things like “aboot” and “hoser” because stereotypes are always amusing.
Happy Canada Day! May your yaks always be large.
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No BTO? No Bruce Cockburn? I have to go eat a Crunchie to feel better.
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NoMeansNo! Can’t hear that name without thinking about driving around Sarajevo talking about the racist co-option of the “hatecore” label with my Serbian colleague. Of course, that has nothing to do with Canada, other than the fact that he too deemed the band one of the finest things to come out of that nation.
As a Canadian I commend you for the list! But many Canadian may be asking where is The Tragically Hip (a band only Canadians seem to get)?
Michele,
Have to agree with Spartacus. I’m not a big fan of tragically hip, but am a fan, coach, former player, parent of two college hockey kids playing with 60% Canadian. I know some of your bands you list but most Canadians would not have this list in that order. The Hip would be way up there and the Great Big Sea would be as well. Give them a listen and talk to a few more Canadians.
Well, this list was MY favorite Canadian bands. But I’ll talk to a few more Canadians to find out who I’m supposed to like.
In response to another comment. See in context »As soon as I saw your headline, I prepared to comment about Doug & The Slugs. Happily, I didn’t need to tell you about one of the most fun, and thoughtful acts to come out of Canada. Doug (Bennett) left us much too soon.
Gotta give you a demerit though, for leaving Bruce Cockburn off of the list!
Thanks.
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