I’ve done the Canada Day editorial every year since I’ve started writing for ShoutWire. This year, I thought I’d do something a little different.
Instead of blathering on about Canada’s politics, history, etc, I have decided to post a few music videos. What follows are Canadian videos by Canadian acts featuring Canadian music.
Classified – All About YouBelieve it or not, Classified has been dropping albums for the past 10 years! In honour of his recently released greatest hits album, I give you “All About You” from the album
Hitch Hiking Music. It’s a rap-meets-acoustic-guitar song featuring Chad Hatcher. One of my favourite Classified tracks (well, that and “The Maritimes”).
Toronto residents may recognize the neighbourhood that the video was shot in (Symington and Wallace).
Billy Talent – Line and SinkerBilly Talent’s 4th studio album won’t be released until 2009, so fans will just have to wait. Until then, here’s my favourite track from one of Canada’s best bands. This is “Line and Sinker” from their eponymous album.
This song doesn’t have a video, and I didn’t want to use concert footage. This was the best quality YouTube version that I could find, and the only one that didn’t feature some loser’s homemade video.
Feist – 1234I just knew that you haven’t heard enough of this song. Hell, I only heard it 16 times today. Still, I had to include Feist due to her ridiculous recent success. That’s 2 (count ‘em) east coast musicians on my list now. Who’d have thought?
The Guess Who – Albert FlasherSince they’re touring again, I thought I’d take us back to the good old days with this golden oldie. I guess I have a weakness for piano.
Naturally there’s no video, but some guy recorded this track off of a 45. The video shows the 45 spinning for the entire duration.
The Tragically Hip – The Darkest OneMy favourite band meets my favourite television show! If you haven’t yet seen this video, Gord offers the Trailer Park Boys a bucket of chicken if they can steal an engine for him.
There’s so much Canadiana in this video that I’ve lost count. Nothing says “Canada” like east coast rednecks, Don Cherry, TPB and engine stealing. Oh Canada indeed.
Hopefully these tracks put you in the mood for some good old-fashioned Canada Day fun. So bust out your red and white rolling papers, crack open a Keith’s and don’t stop partying until July 2nd. Just make sure there’s still a bit of partying left in you for July 4th. After all, we don’t want to offend our neighbours by staying sober on their birthday, do we?
Bonus Track: Classified - The MaritimesThis is Classified's tribute to his home. Funny shit, though the "Smokes cost $10 a pack" lyric is a little outdated, since it costs $10 everywhere now.