Armed With Will And Determination

And grace, too.

Canadians are a funny bunch.   We’re too busy looking over our shoulder to be able to wave the flag.  Our anxiety over what we might (or might not) be often blocks our pride in who we are.

But boy, when we grab something and decide it’s Canadian, we do not let go.  Musically, the best example is The Tragically Hip.  Whatever it means to be a Canadian, this band was it – and we knew it.

Who cares if The Hip were never huge outside Canada?  They were ours, dammit.  They sang songs about us, and we sang ‘em right back.

We may be grieving for the loss of Gord Downie, but their gift to Canada will endure forever, because they have given us another undeniable marker in our national identity.  The Tragically Hip were as Canadian as a hockey stick.

Oh What A Feeling

One of the ways I celebrate Canada Day each July 1 is to put on my CanCon (Canadian Content) playlist, which includes my favourite Canadian rock, folk and blues tunes – and is, by the way, quite lengthy.

Damn, but we do make some good music here.

True North Strong and Free

Rush notwithstanding; there is such a thing as Canadian rock and roll.  The best Canadian bands seem to be able to retain some of that bar band sound even after they’ve made it big.  You know that sound.  When you're digging the band in the bar.  In the bar.  That sound.

The Hip, 54:40, Tom Cochrane, The Northern Pikes, Colin James, The Arkells … even Our Lady Peace and The Guess Who.  They all preserved a bit of their roots, remained true.  

Makes ‘em more approachable, dontcha think?