As I sit here prepping this post, I noticed something odd, or not odd perhaps. My top 5 consists of a Brit and 4 Canadians. Not much bias on this blog. My Top 5, in no particular order.
Today we post the first 5 of my Top 10 for 2013. The Canadian content in this group consists of a great song by Donovan Woods. The Wire is likely the poppiest tune I have posted (or will post) but it is very catchy and becoming a huge hit. Having said that, some “purists” will contest John Mayer being on any list. I am a huge fan of his and greatly appreciate his abilities as both a songwriter and as an excellent guitarist. Both are highlighted in Wildfire. Enjoy!
Guster makes another appearance on SOTD with a song off their 2010 album, “Easy Wonderful” titled “Architects and Engineers. These guys are masters of creating hook filled power pop that is quite infectious. In many ways they remind me of Wilco or Dave Matthews. At any rate, a nice tune for a cold blizzard day in Calgary.
A nice little number by Boy (pun intended). Actually a very catchy song called “Little Numbers”. Find myself tapping the steering wheel when it came on during its stint on CBC. The band is a duo, Valeska Steiner, the singer is from Switzerland and bassist Sonja Glass is German. The song is off their 2011 début “Mutual Friends” and was released as a single in 2012. Neither was released in North America until early 2013. Enjoy the catchiness.
Just a drive by post today. Blog favourite (and Guapo fave) Fitz and the Tantrums doing a live performance of “Breakin’ The CHains Of Love”. Great band, great song. Have a great Monday evening. Love the sax solo.
We move up to number 345 in this edition of Canada’s Best Music. We have another entry from the Spoons, some classic rock, some new rock from Billy talent and a song from a Canadian staple known as The Tragically Hip, who are, well, hip. Nice set if you like rock.
The Spoons were in my last post, Part 31. An 80’s hairband, they had several hits back in the day, including this one in 1983. Not a great video, but, hey, pretty lucky to find it at all, I’d say.
Winnipeg band, The Watchmen had a string of hits in the mid 90’s, including this song off their 1994 album “In the Trees”. Very good band in their time.
Billy Talent has been around since the early 90’s (known as the Pezz until 1999), but struck it big over the last couple of years, earning a deserved world-wide following. Turn Your Back is from Billy Talent III, released in 2009. They have been nominated for Junos every year since 2004, winning 7 times. The video is a live version. Great rocker voice.
5440 has been rocking Canadians since the 1980’s, releasing albums as recently as 2011. One of my favourite bands at one point. Still enjoy hearing them.
A legend to many Canadians, The Hip consistently release quality material, time after time. This tune was released in 1991 on their Road Apples album. Great song.
I had a serious infatuation with Duffy’s voice back about 4 or 5 years ago. Her debut album “Rockferry” is one of those stunning debut records that show incredible potential. She came on the scene with an entire bevy of English female singer songwriters that quickly took over the airwaves. Think Amy Winehouse and Adele. In many ways, Duffy was the Animals to the others Beatles and Stones. Very good, but not at the top of the heap. Unfortunately, she lost me with the release of her second album in 2010 called “Endlessly”. Still, Rockferry will be an enduring classic and should be in your collection. songs such as this “Serious” will likely be timeless and enduring.
Dido has carved out a very nice career since breaking into the scene in the mid 90’s. Since 1999, she has released 4 albums, 19 singles and an EP. The one song that I always remember is “Thank You”. The song here, No Freedom, released off her March 4, 2103 album, “Girl Who Got Away” is reminiscent in places of Thank You. Personally, I was surprised that 4 albums is all she has given us, seems like more. Her style is soothing and eclectic all at once, veering from pop to electronica. Good singer and a pretty good song.
Heard this on CBC2 today during an interview she was doing and had to post it. Serena Ryder is the next big thing. The vocals on this are amazing, almost Adele, yet different, kind of like Aretha, yet different, and a dash of Amy Winehouse. This is the exact performance I heard. Sit back and enjoy “For You”. Oh, and get the album “Harmony”, you will not regret it.
2010 was a great year for Guster. They released their “Easy Wonderful” album which contained this song “Do You Love Me” among others. A light pop song, very catchy and feel good, the band captures a touch of quirkiness which comes through very clearly in the video. The song is full of hooks, and comes across as a genuinely well constructed power pop song. I hope you enjoy.
Is It Possible To See It All 