49 Songs from North of the 49th Parallel
Canadians choose 49 songs from North of the 49th parallel that defines Canada to the new President.
Beginning Monday, January 5, CBC Radio 2 invites Canadians to help select the top “49 songs from north of the 49th parallel” that would best define our country to the incoming U.S. President Barack Obama.
His playlist could definitely benefit from some Canadian content, especially given the depth of our musical offerings – spanning a wide variety of genres and representing our culture from coast to coast.
“One of the best way to know Canada is through the depth and breadth of our artistic expression,” says Denise Donlon, Executive Director, CBC Radio. “We're excited about the new President and we want him to be excited about us, so we're asking our audience to help compile the list of our most definitive Canadian songs!”
A total of 49 songs will be determined.
So, what Canadian music do you think are the most definitive 49 songs from North of the 49th parallel?
Celebrity suggestions
Movie Critic Richard Crouse
1. FOUR STRONG WINDS: Ian and Sylvia
Quite simply, the greatest Canadian song of all time. It’s been recorded by everybody—there are more than 50 versions floating around—but Ian and Sylvia’s version is the best. Simple, genuine and beautifully rendered it is the sound a heart makes as it is breaking. From the vocal performance to the sparse musical arrangement this is a near perfect record.
2. LET YOUR BACKBONE SLIDE: Maestro Fresh Wes
Great old school hip hop. This song is significant because it opened doors for all the Canadian hip hop artists who followed. It also has a good beat and you can dance to it! Also I think Obama might find the opening line, “This is a throw down!” to be inspiring in the first days of his presidency.
3. Takin’ Care of Business: BTO
Supreme hoser rock! Obama needs to be inspired and uplifted by the music he listens to and Takin’ Care of Business is exactly the kind of positive message he needs to be surrounded by. Also it was one of Elvis’s favorite songs!
Maestro Fresh Wes
1 Let Your Backbone Slide
Why? It's Canada's Hip Hop National Anthem and just like Obama is the first brother to be elected President of the United States, I'm the first brother to be elected in receiving a gold Hip Hop single in Canada
2 Stick to Your Vision
Why? It's a song dealing with perseverance and inspiration. Obama has inspired millions with his perseverance
3 These Eyes from the Guess Who
Why? That's where I sampled Stick to Your Vision and it's a great Canadian song by one of the greatest Canadian rock groups in history
4 Wild Flower by Skylark......just a great Canadian classic
5 Angel by Sarah McLachlan
6 I'm like a Bird by Nelly Furtado
7 I've traveled by Jully Black
8 Sunday Morning by K-OS
Something from Celine Dion
More David Foster.
Stand Tall by Burton Cummings
Rupert Bottenburg, Music Editor of the Montreal Mirror
I think Barack Obama really needs to hear the song "Deux par Deux Rassembles" from the album La Foret des Mal-Aimes by Pierre Lapointe. He's one of the best things going in Quebec pop music right now. The reason Mr. Obama needs to hear this song is because he needs to be reminded that not all of Canada is entirely English speaking.
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