Kenny's 6 Essential Canadian Hits for The Long Weekend!

So Canada turns 151 this weekend and It’s looking pretty good for 151 I might add 😉

Now each year, as Canada Day descends upon us, it’s hard not to reflect on how great it is to be a Canadian. Say what you will about our government and its policies, with the current landscape of other governments you can’t say we’re not trying to be a great forward-moving country. No real need to “Make Canada Great Again” because we’re already great and always will be! Just saying. Now on with the blog…

It’s the Canada Day long weekend and here is my list of the six greatest, tried and true, Canadian jams that go great from coast to coast. Some tunes that will keep the kitchen party in Newfoundland to the bonfire on the black sand beaches of Tofino going.

6- Maestro Fresh Wes – “Drop the Needle” 
My guess would be that most people would say “Let Your Backbone Slide” was the must-have hit from 1989 Symphony in Effect album, but for me, it’s all about the 2nd single from that record. It was fast, fun and true Canadian hip-hop at its best!

5- Tom Cochrane – “Mad Mad World”
What a great great song! The song that came after “Life is a Highway”. I remember the song all those years ago but was re-introduced when Tom melted faces with it at the PNE Summer Nights concert last summer! A great moment was when Tom, backstage, gave my wife a knuckle bump and said, “JACK rocks!” She replied with, “Yes, Mr. Cochrane”. She was kind of star struck. But can you blame her, it’s Tom!

4 – Spirit of the West – “Venice is Sinking”
This song always brings me back to college when I was at a dirty busted down pub in Detroit and I convinced a group of classmates to go check out this really cool band from the west coast of Canada. It was a great night and a night that made me burst with Canadian pride amongst my American friends! To be honest, I’m not quite sure if the subject matter in the song is chart worthy but the melodies are epic!

3- Gordon Lightfoot – “The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald”
It’s not much of a party tune but it’s a tune that shows the world that Canadians can tell a tale with no bias, just passion and truth! Plus, I was raised around the Great Lakes and as a kid we all heard the stories of Superior and how she never gives up her dead! Haunting stuff, perfect for a party right???

2- Kim Mitchell – “Patio Lanterns”
This is on the list because well it’s Patio friggen Lanterns! ‘Nuff said.

1- Tragically Hip – “The Last American Exit”
You will find this song on the 1st Hip EP and it’s an amazing tune. The message is that of a band looking for success down south but home is where the heart is! Goosebumps!

So there’s my list. What do you think?

I hope your Canada Day is spent with loved ones, cold drinks and some great tunes!!

As always love your face! Hit me up on Twitter and add to the list!

@KennyOnJACK