Canada’s Best Music – Page 5 – Is It Possible To See It All

Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 4

Welcome back to the list of Canada’s best music. This entry includes some current stars, a classic rocker and a pair of icons, one of whom you may not have realized was Canadian based on music history and cultural impact. Let’s start with the video.

1. Sam Roberts

“Canadian Dream”

This is the first entry in the list for Sam Roberts. The band is a current favourite and has an extensive following.

2. The Guess Who

“Running Back to Saskatoon”

Another Canadian icon makes its first entry to the series. This song has always been one of my favourites for several non-musical reasons. First I am originally from Winnipeg, where they hail from, and second Saskatoon is my second home, lived there for 15 years.

3. David Wilcox

“Riverboat Fantasy”

David Wilcox, love this guy. The prototypical live guitar player. Writes some very interesting lyrics and simply loves to play live. We saw him play at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary on Canada Day and it was just nuts. Lots of fun when this guy cuts loose.

4. Neil Young

“This Note’s for You”

Bet you didn’t know Neil Young was a Canuck did ya. The first time on the list, this tune rocks.

5. Our Lady Peace

“Julia”

A second entry in the first twenty songs posted.

Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 2 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 1 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)

Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 3

This time out we have a bit more country/bluegrass, my first entry from a Canadian icon, some classic rock and a Christmas collaboration used for a fundraiser.

1. Eagle and Hawk

” NDN Cars”

A North American native anthem, the only version I can find on YouTube that wasn’t crap was the attached by Keith Secola. Although not a Canadian, I will allow this as a pseudo-Canadian version. My post, my call.

2. 5440

“She-La”

A Canadian classic, this is also a first entry, there will be more by this band. One of our best bands, they never got the recognition they deserved.

3. Various Artists (Northern Lights)

“Tears Are Not Enough”

Part of the “We Are The World” famine relief efforts in the 1980’s, this song was Canada’s contribution. The song, written by Bryan Adams, and features such artists as Neil Young, Geddy Lee, Burton Cummings and Anne Murray, a who’s who of Canadian artists at that time.

4. Bryan Adams

“It’s Only Love”

The first entry by a Canadian icon, this song was a major hit with Tina Turner. The version I have inserted is a live one, recorded in Lisbon, Portugal and highlights the energy he can create on stage. Oh, and Keith Scott is great on guitar.

5. Headstones

“Settle”

A 90’s band, they settle nicely into the classic rock genre. A very successful group in their time.

Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 2 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 1 (joebeans2002.wordpress.com)

Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 2

Today brings 5 more Canadian songs that I would like to share. The mix this time out includes some bluegrass/country with the Good Brothers, some modern pop with Justin Bieber (sorry, but he is Canadian), some classic rock with the Ian Thomas Band (Dave Thomas of Strange Brew‘s brother), some hip hop/dance with Kreesha Turner and some out and out rock and roll with Billy Talent. As always, please follow-up on these people using the links, and on YouTube.

1. The Good Brothers

“Fox on the Run”

Some mighty fine picking on this live version of the song. These guys have been around a LOOOONNG time, their first album was out in 1967 and they are still recording and touring.

2. Billy Talent

“Try Honesty”

Another hard-working band that made it big world-wide, Billy Talent has recorded since 1999 and together in one form or the other since 1987. Great song.

3. Ian Thomas Band

“The Runner”

A couple of things on Ian Thomas. First, he is the brother of Dave Thomas of SCTV fame, and Mackenzie brother fame, the hoser. Second, you may recognize the song as a Manfred Mann song. Not so, Manfred Mann’s version was a cover of the 1980 original.

4. Justin Bieber

“Baby”

Catchy, other than that – No comment.

5. Kreesha Turner

“Don’t Call Me Baby”

As if in response to Justin.

Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 1

Shania Twain, live in Wembley, UK — Shania Twain

As people may have noticed, I am an unabashed supporter of Canada and Canada’s music scene. I have begun this series to highlight Canadian music history and will do this 5 songs at a time. I hope you enjoy the music and find some new favourites and rediscover some old ones. I encourage you to click on the links and learn about the bands, and listen to more of their material.

Interesting collection this week, from country to alternative to a scintillating live rock performance.

1. Our Lady Peace

“Somewhere Out There”