As most of you know, I did a post a few weeks ago about my favorite songs from Australia and New Zealand. Well, this time I thought I would pick out some of my favorite tunes from one of my other favorite countries, Canada. So many great artists have come out of Canada like The Guess Who, Neil Young, Rush, Gordon Lightfoot, Loverboy, April Wine, Thor, D.O.A., The Band, Corey Hart, Triumph, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Bryan Adams to name a few. Even some of my favorite one-hit wonders that were also hits in the U.S. came from Canada too like Sheriff's "When I'm with You", Men Without Hats' "Safety Dance", Glass Tiger's "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone", and Alannah Myles' "Black Velvet". Of course, I chose some my favorite lesser known Canadian songs much like I did the last time. 'Cause like I said before, hopefully more people will want to learn more about these artists who are big there, but never really had the chance to do the same here.
The Headstones - "Cubically Contained"
If you've ever seen the film Hard Core Logo, then you probably know who The Headstones are. You see, Hugh Dillon who is the lead singer for The Headstones starred in Hard Core Logo. If you have not seen the film, I highly suggest that you do. Anyways, The Headstones were pretty well known during the '90s when alternative rock was big. When I think of my favorite songs from the '90s, I think of "Cubically Contained".
Martha and the Muffins - "Echo Beach"
This song just takes me to a different place. I love it! It was the only Martha and the Muffins' song that became an international hit back in 1980.
Chilliwack - "My Girl (Gone Gone Gone)"
First of all, any band named Chilliwack is cool in my book. They were pretty well known during the '80s and scored a few hits such as "I Believe", "Whatcha Gonna Do", "Fly at Night", and my personal favorite "My Girl (Gone Gone Gone)". What makes me love this song even more is that it was spoofed on SCTV!
The Northern Pikes - "Teenland"
All the way from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, The Northern Pikes scored their first hit with "Teenland" in 1987. It's a catchy little tune. Every time I hear it, I'm surprised that it was never used in a teen films back in the late '80s/early '90s.
Ian Thomas - "Painted Ladies"
Brother of actor/comedian Dave Thomas, Ian Thomas was a successful musician during the 1970's. His biggest hit was "Painted Ladies", which reached both the Canadian and U.S. charts in 1973. The song has such a great psychedelic feel to it.
Anvil - "Metal on Metal"
Probably one of the most successful heavy metal bands from Canada, Anvil have been together for over thirty years and have released a total of fourteen albums. Although they were popular during the '80s, the band gained more recognition when the documentary film Anvil! The Story of Anvil was released in 2008. If you have never listened to them, I suggest that you listen to "Metal on Metal" and go on from there.
Doughboys - "Shine"
If you want to hear some '90s alternative rock, I suggest you listen to the Doughboys.
Idle Eyes - "Tokyo Rose"
In 1985, Idle Eyes scored their only No. 1 hit with "Tokyo Rose". Once you hear that opening guitar riff, you're hooked.
Christopher Ward - "Once in a Long Time"
The first time I heard this song was on an episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation and right away I was in love with this song. If you're into '70s love songs, then you will dig this.
Fun Fact: Christopher Ward co-wrote the song "Black Velvet" that was recorded by his then-girlfriend Alannah Myles.
The Kings - "This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide"
The fact that "This Beat Goes On/Switchin' to Glide" is two songs in one is awesome, and the fact that it always puts me in a good mood when I hear it is even better. Check it out!
Sloan - "Underwhelmed"
Do you want to feel cool? Listen to Sloan. That's all I'm gonna say.
Rough Trade - "High School Confidential"
I love "High School Confidential"! It's such a dirty little song and Carol Pope can sure sing it too.
The Demics - "New York City"
If this song doesn't make you want to go to New York City, then I don't know what will.
Red Rider - "Lunatic Fringe"
I always think of Matthew Modine jump roping when I hear this song. (Hint: Vision Quest) "Lunatic Fringe" is probably the most well known song on this list, but how could I not put it on here? It's a classic! When I was a kid, I used to think it was called "Lunatic Friends".
Fun Fact: Red Rider frontman Tom Cochrane scored a hit in the '90s called "Life is a Highway".
The Payolas - "Eyes of a Stranger"
Of course, "Eyes of a Stranger" is best remembered for being featured in the 1983 film Valley Girl. It's one of those songs that just never gets old. Definitely one of my all-time favorites! Doesn't Payolas vocalist Paul Hyde look a lot like Tackleberry from Police Academy and Billy Bibbit from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
Platinum Blonde - "Standing in the Dark"
"Standing in the Dark" is such an underrated '80s song. I know it's a serious song and all, but I have have to dance every time I hear it.
Saga - "On the Loose"
Words cannot describe how much I love "On the Loose". I like to say that it's my "Warrior" song.
Teenage Head - "Ain't Got No Sense"
Teenage Head is such an underrated band. They were so unique with their different styles of rock 'n' roll. I mean, there's not one song that I don't love by them. If you've seen the film Class of 1984, I'm sure you've heard this song before. It's a good one!
Trans-X - "Living on Video"
I didn't know they made music like this in Canada. Then again, Trans-X is from Montreal. "Living on Video" is one of my all-time favorite synthpop songs. It actually makes me want to pick up a synthesizer and just jam out to some rad tunes. I also love that the song was once featured in a Diet Pepsi commercial.
Rheostatics - "Claire"
"Claire" became the Rheostatics' biggest hit when they recorded all the music for the soundtrack to the film Whale Music back in 1994. I still say that it's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. It makes me wish that my name was Claire.
