From ‘A Case of You’ to ‘The Hockey Song’: Canada’s National Playlist Unveiled

Travel Blog  •  Eva Holland  •  01.27.09 | 9:37 AM ET

Despite my earlier reservations, I was curious to see the results of the CBC’s search for a Canadian national playlist. Now, more than 100,000 votes later, 49 Songs from North of the 49th Parallel has been unveiled—and, presumably, presented to an unsuspecting President Obama. It’s a mixed bag of vintage rock, classical, jazz and folkier stuff—pop music is strikingly absent, while hip-hop received only a token mention—and probably says as much about CBC Radio’s demographics as it does about Canada. Still, it makes for an interesting read (spot any artists on there that you never realized were Canucks?) and I was tickled to see a couple of my favorites—the Tragically Hip, and the aforementioned hip-hopper, Shad—included.

One final quibble: sure, they’re all by Canadian artists, but I’m not sure how many of the tracks listed here achieve that ever-elusive goal of saying something meaningful about place. The list’s most powerful song in that respect, for my money, is Neil Young’s “Helpless.” Check out video of a live, unplugged performance of the song after the jump:

Tags: Music, Nation Branding, Pop Culture Travel, North America, Canada, News and Briefs

Eva Holland is co-editor of World Hum. She is a former associate editor at Up Here and Up Here Business magazines, and a contributor to Vela. She's based in Canada's Yukon territory.


8 Comments for From ‘A Case of You’ to ‘The Hockey Song’: Canada’s National Playlist Unveiled

Michael Yessis 01.27.09 | 12:36 PM ET

I can’t say I’m familiar with everything on the list, Eva, but from what I do recognize I think I’m with you on the Helpless pick. I’ve always wanted to go to that town in north Ontario.

And if we’re looking for a sense of place maybe substitute “No Cars Go” instead of “Rebellion (Lies)” for the Arcade Fire pick?

Valerie Conners 01.27.09 | 12:47 PM ET

Ah, Neil. That man playing live positively slays me.

Jim Benning 01.27.09 | 1:01 PM ET

Joni Mitchell and Neil Young are both on my top 10 list.

You go, Canada.

Eva Holland 01.27.09 | 1:33 PM ET

Good call on “No Cars Go,” Mike. Y’know, a couple of Arcade Fire members went to my high school (before my time) and came back to play a show in the cafeteria once they made it big (after my time). So I always feel kinda-sorta connected to them.

I like both Hip songs that made the list, but sense-of-place-wise, I think there’ s something to be said for “Fireworks”—best-known for the one line that everyone I know loves to belt out in a bar: “You said you didn’t give a f*ck about hockey, well I never saw someone say that before…”

Valerie, Jim—I have to admit to a bit of a love-hate relationship with Neil (“Harvest Moon” gets played a LOT on the radio up here) but “Helpless” is definitely on the love, love, love side.

TambourineMan 01.28.09 | 12:13 PM ET

Glaring omission: Bob & Doug McKenzie’s “Take Off (to the Great White North)”

Tim 01.28.09 | 12:38 PM ET

I have to disagree with the Helpless pick.  Check out “One Great City” by The Weakerthans. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1WxZ4w7NFM

This song has an amazing sense of place, especially if you’ve ever gotten stuck in Winnipeg.

Eva Holland 01.28.09 | 6:24 PM ET

Hmm, yeah, that’s a sweet pick, too. I read a great essay once in the New Yorker (of all places) about the Weakerthans and the ‘Peg.

Olivia Ballard 03.04.09 | 2:12 PM ET

As for the list, I don’t really see many of them about Canada, either.  But I do remember that Joni MItchell’s “A Case of You” has a line where she sings, “Oh, Canada” in a similar way as the anthem (?).  I thought it was rather witty of Mitchell. 

And Coca Tea’s “Barak Obama” is rather hilarious - how does The President think of a song where his name is chanted over 20 times?  I can picture him laughing. 
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OliviaB.
San Diego DUI lawyer

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