Yeah Gob was a fun show. Remember those surprise Molson Canadian Rocks concerts where they'd have a band play a small show? I saw Gob at one of those at some bar (can't remember which one, but I think it was on MacLeod). There were maybe 100 people there. It was an awesome show with free beer and free pizza.
I guess it was 80s, but I was surprised to hear the Payolas Eyes of a Stranger playing in Ballers season finale. It seemed very random for a band that I don't think ever made it outside of Canada.
I guess it was 80s, but I was surprised to hear the Payolas Eyes of a Stranger playing in Ballers season finale. It seemed very random for a band that I don't think ever made it outside of Canada.
I think that song was also pretty big in the US. I remember that song being in a Miami Vice episode.
If you like, I can share my notes on 90s Canadian bands that I research for the radio (I know my music ramblings and self-promotion might annoy some).
Ex.
Sons Of Freedom– “Super Cool Wagon” – Sons Of Freedom
The band, consisting of vocalist James Newton, guitarist Don Harrison, bassist Don Binns and drummer Don Short, formed in 1986 in Vancouver. Because three of the four band members had the first name Don, the band was also sometimes jokingly nicknamed "Dons of Freedom". This debut album was marked by a hybrid rock-funk style which was described by critics as a cross between Led Zeppelin and Gang of Four. [wikipedia]
Sons Of Freedom - "Call Me" - Gump
Although it still retained a fairly hard edge, Gump (named after the hockey player, not Forrest) polished that edge somewhat and the volume was reduced a few notches. The newly-commercial Sons of Freedom racked up video play and some airplay on modern rock stations (notably for the catchy "Call Me") [allmusic]
As per wikipedia, apparently their albums were never released on CD. Very odd. That songs seems pretty big and seems to get all sorts of radio and other random play.
If you like, I can share my notes on 90s Canadian bands that I research for the radio (I know my music ramblings and self-promotion might annoy some).
Ex.
Sons Of Freedom– “Super Cool Wagon” – Sons Of Freedom
The band, consisting of vocalist James Newton, guitarist Don Harrison, bassist Don Binns and drummer Don Short, formed in 1986 in Vancouver. Because three of the four band members had the first name Don, the band was also sometimes jokingly nicknamed "Dons of Freedom". This debut album was marked by a hybrid rock-funk style which was described by critics as a cross between Led Zeppelin and Gang of Four. [wikipedia]
Sons Of Freedom - "Call Me" - Gump
Although it still retained a fairly hard edge, Gump (named after the hockey player, not Forrest) polished that edge somewhat and the volume was reduced a few notches. The newly-commercial Sons of Freedom racked up video play and some airplay on modern rock stations (notably for the catchy "Call Me") [allmusic]
They were named after the Doukhobors. My dad told me that when he noticed me wearing one of their shirts. He lived near some of them growing up.
Did anybody used to watch Placebo? They would play the Black Lounge all the time. In case you didn't know, the lead singer is better known as Feist. Still have a Placebo CD I bought at one of their shows.
Chixdiggit were also always a good show.
And Heuvos Rancheros.
A-Team was great. Infernos were fun.
Watched Placebo open for the Wheat Chiefs and Doughboys at Mac Hall. Still have the concert ticket stub. She was great that night. Also loved Annihilator from the 90's. Jeff Waters is an amazing guitarist.
I loved 90s rock, but in terms of strictly Canadian groups during that time, I'd have to say Sloan is at the top of the list.
Whoever said Tragically Hip...no. Possibly the worst band to ever go sort of mainstream.
I could never get into Sloan. Their music just didn't resonate with me. I feel I Mother Earth was probably the highest quality Canadian Rock band of the 90's. Edwin is a fantastic vocalist and their sound was fairly creative at a time where a lot of grunge bands sounded the same.
Last edited by Erick Estrada; 10-19-2017 at 07:19 AM.
They released an ep called "Don't Drink the Bathwater". I remember selling my copy on eBay for a small fortune when Feist hit it big, and that money came in handy as I was a poor graduate student at the time. You can stream the entire ep on youtube.
Thrush Hermit– “North Dakota” – Sweet Homewrecker
Thrush Hermit was formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1992 by Joel Plaskett (vocals, guitar), Rob Benvie (vocals, guitar), Ian McGettigan (vocals, bass), and Michael Catano (drums). [wikipedia] The single "North Dakota" was probably considered too "heavy" for most U.S. alternative stations in 1997 (though it did well in Canada). [allmusic]
Pluto – “When She Was Happy” – Pluto
Pluto formed in 1993 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They were active from 1993 to 1999. The band was nominated for Best New Group at the 1997 Juno Awards. Their single "Paste" appeared on the first Big Shiny Tunes compilation. The band briefly reunited for Mint Records' 20th Anniversary Concert. [wikipedia]
Cub – “Magic 8 Ball” – Box Of Hair
Third album Box of Hair in 1996 - Vancouver-based trio Cub had settled into a consistent lineup-- drummer Lisa G, bassist/frontwoman Lisa Marr, and guitarist Robynn Iwata. On "Magic 8 Ball", Marr serenades a crush with a list of lucky charms, as accordion, lilting harmonies, and a rickety, Merseybeat-esque backing move to a chorus about the title toy. One of Cub's best-ever songs? [pitchfork]
Cool Blue Halo– “Throw Me Down” – Kangaroo
The power pop band Cool Blue Halo was formed in 1990 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It's an album full of sparkling, smart, and memorable power pop songs. Cool Blue Halo's fuzzy, fizzy guitars suit the vocalists' harmonies quite well; the album is full of toe-tapping pop gems that took the best of Sugar, the Doughboys, and Jesus and Mary Chain. [allmusic]
Tristan Psionic– “Air Traffic Control” – TPA Flight 028
Triston Psionic was formed in 1991 in an industrial warehouse loft in Hamilton, Ontario. The band members also founded the music label Sonic Unyon. The album held the number one position for Canadian college radio for eight weeks. It also reached the top thirty on the CMJ (Top 200) college radio albums chart. [wikipedia]
They released an ep called "Don't Drink the Bathwater". I remember selling my copy on eBay for a small fortune when Feist hit it big, and that money came in handy as I was a poor graduate student at the time. You can stream the entire ep on youtube.
You don't say....
I have an old placebo record sitting around somewhere. It's labelled Placebo4 though. This was after the much bigger band Placebo had come out, and there were copyright issues. I remember it having a blue cover. Pretty sure this is it: