4 posts tagged “folk”

Gordon Lightfoot was a major force in Canadian music through the 70s and early 80s, and he influenced an entire generation of singer-songwriters with his lyrical style and authentic nature. Between Lightfoot and Anne Murrary you've basicly got the prime can-con of the first generation of artists to benefit from the can-con requirements (laws we enacted in the 1970s that basicly say broadcast media channels (tv/radio) must air a certain percentage of canadian-produced content, which in turn developed our industries at home).  I believe this law is largely responsible for the great wealth and diversity of Canadian music and film we enjoy today, and attempts to lower the requirements to please American media conglomerates is yet another short-sighted choice on part of our Conservative government.  While Gordon Lightfoot isn't the kind of music I listen to often, I can't think of a single American or World artist who can compare to Lightfoot in his style/genre.. easy gold baby, easy gold. And if you're wondering, I chose this track over The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald as it's less well known and The Wreck was just too damn obvious.  Someone else can post that if they want to share.. ;)

04 Gordon Lightfoot - Canadian Railroad Trilogy

Gordon Lightfoot

So, as it's Canada Day up here in The Great White North, and as promised, here's my appropriation of Dave's USA-mp3eme.  All day I'll be posting nothing but Canadian music, and hope others will do so too!  C'mon, all you emo hipsters would be even sadder without The Stars, et al.. share your favorites! :D

11 - Stompin' Tom - Canada Day, Up Canada Way

Stompin' Tom Connors

What can I say about Stompin' Tom?  He's a real Canadian Legend, having played from shore to shore to shore for 56 years, bringing with him his signature side-piece - a 4'x6' sheet of plywood (upon which he stomps and drives his bands harder than any operatic conductor, don't let the basic elements of the sound fool you).  His music isn't the kind of thing I'll listen to often, but whenever I hear it I instantly recognize something distinctly our's within it. I'm sad to say I've never seen him play live though.  In the right beer-hall and proper beverage, and assuming there's enough dead animals on the walls, I could almost believe it's 1977 again except for the lack of stubby beer bottles (bring back the stubby!).

AWARE1CD

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Label: Awareness Records
Catalog#: AWARE1CD
Format: CD
Country: USA
Released: 1993 (Recorded on August 8, 1968)
Genre: Rock
Style: Folk Rock
Notes: This was Charlie's first album, recorded before the murders which brought him his fame.  He wasn't much of a singer, but this album has been highly sampled by goth rockers (FLA, Manson, etc) and covered by alot of artists (see the wiki if you're really interested).   According to California law, all artist-royalties from this recording go to the families of Manson's victims..