To help celebrate Canada's 145th birthday, CBC Music invited great Canadian artists to tell us about their plans for Canada Day, answer a few questions and share their all-Canadian playlist.
Here, vocalist and guitarist Ewan Currie of Saskatoon, Sask., roots rockers The Sheepdogs tells us how he'll spend Canada Day.
Q: What are your plans for Canada Day?
A: We will be in England performing at the Hop Farm Festival. Other artists playing include Bob Dylan, Ray Davies and Dr. John. It's unlikely we'll be able to have any Canadian beers on the day, but we'll celebrate nonetheless.
Q: What Canadian venue or city would you still like to play or visit?
A: Always thought Massey Hall would be a special place to play. Lots of history there, including Neil Young's live acoustic album I've listened to many times.
Q: What Canadian band or artist would you most like to play a Canada Day jam with?
A: There's no finer live band in Canada than the Sadies. I got to sing "Running Back to Saskatoon" with them once, which was a real thrill. We've looked up to them for years and have jammed a tune or two with them before and I hope we'll get to jam some more.
Q: Who is your favourite Canadian of all time?
A: Close call between Neil Young and Steve Nash. My two favourite things are music and sports (particularly basketball), and these two fellows represent the best from both fields. I look up to them both.
Q: And, most importantly, what’s your top-five all-Canadian playlist for great Canada Day listening?
A:
1. Neil Young, “But Only Love Can Break Your Heart.” An achingly beautiful tune from Neil that just rolls its way sweetly into your heart.
2. The Sadies, “Northumberland West.” A perfect song for driving down any stretch of Canadian highway.
3. Matt Mays & El Torpedo, “Good People.” This song has a big, sweeping scope that evokes Eastern Canada wonderfully.
4. The Band, “King Harvest.” Just an awesome, grooving rock song and proof that four Canadian lads can put their own spin on American music.
5. The Guess Who, “Running Back to Saskatoon.” Coolest song with our hometown in the title. A real crowd pleaser for folks back in the 306.
Related:
The Sheepdogs release trailer for new single, 'The Way It Is'
The Sheepdogs recorded LIVE at SxSW
The Incident: The Sheepdogs deal with Project Runway
My Canada Day playlist: Marcus Mosely of The Sojourners
The Sheepdogs upcoming gigs
posted by
Derek Bird
on Jun 28, 2012