On November 27, 1974, a day before Thanksgiving, musical legend Sly Stone and comedy icon Richard Pryor teamed up for an unforgettable moment on The Mike Douglas Show. As part of Sly’s week-long guest appearance, the duo delivered a spontaneous, lighthearted jam session—blending humor, soul, and star power. Their chemistry and playful energy captured a rare and joyous intersection of funk and comedy on daytime TV.
XTC’s 1980 BBC2 Special ‘At The Manor’ Offers Rare Behind-the-Scenes Look at “Towers of London”
Originally broadcast on BBC2 on October 8, 1980, XTC At The Manor is a one-hour mockumentary chronicling the band’s recording of “Towers of London” at The Manor studio over one August weekend. Directed by Roy Chapman and produced/narrated by Tony Staveacre, the film blends interviews with every band member and rare studio footage. Viewers also get a glimpse of producer Steve Lillywhite, engineer Richard Manwaring, and label head Richard Branson during this creatively charged session.
Fairport Convention’s 1981 Granada TV ‘Celebration’ Captures Folk Rock Legends in Rare Hiatus Performance
Broadcast in August 1981 on Granada TV and hosted by Mike Harding, Fairport Convention: Celebration is a rare full-set look at the band’s “Full House” lineup during their hiatus years. Featuring Dave Swarbrick, Richard Thompson, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, and Dave Mattacks—with guest Linda Thompson—the special blends 1970-era tracks, material from Smiddyburn, and unreleased gems like “Wall of Death.” This performance is a must-watch for folk rock fans and a snapshot of a band between chapters.
Inside Pop 1967: Leonard Bernstein Presents Rock Music as Art
In 1967, Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution made history by treating pop and rock not as fleeting fads, but as serious art. Hosted by Leonard Bernstein and directed by David Oppenheim, the CBS documentary featured performances by Janis Ian and Brian Wilson, and examined how young musicians were shaping and responding to the era’s social upheaval. It marked one of the first major acknowledgments of rock music as a legitimate cultural force on American television.
Video: Young Marble Giants Captured Live at the Western Front, 1980
Experience the minimalist magic of Young Marble Giants in their rare live performance at Vancouver’s Western Front on November 6, 1980. With Alison Statton’s ghostly vocals and the Moxham brothers’ stripped-down sound, this set remains a haunting document of post-punk at its most fragile and fearless.
Canadian Women Who Rewrote the Global Pop Playbook
From folk icons to pop powerhouses, opera stars to country queens, Canadian women have long stood at the forefront of musical innovation, creativity, and cultural impact. Their voices have filled stadiums, shifted genres, and built bridges between language, identity, and expression. These artists continue to shape how the world hears Canada—one unforgettable song at a time.
Alanis Morissette
Jagged Little Pill introduced the world to a songwriter unafraid to tell the whole truth. With bold emotion and poetic strength, Alanis redefined what it meant to be raw and powerful in mainstream rock. Her work continues to influence artists exploring vulnerability and freedom in their music.
Anne Murray
Anne’s warm, timeless voice made her the first Canadian female solo artist to reach #1 on the U.S. charts with Snowbird, opening doors for countless women in music. With 25 JUNO Awards, she continues to be one of the most decorated and beloved voices in Canadian music.
Avril Lavigne
A pop-punk trailblazer, Avril burst onto the global stage with Complicated and Sk8er Boi, giving voice to a generation of young fans through a sound that was catchy, confident, and unmistakably hers. Her blend of punk edge and pop melodies remains influential around the world.
Celine Dion
Celine’s voice remains one of the most recognizable in music history. Her emotional delivery, unmatched technical control, and heartfelt global ballads like The Power of Love and My Heart Will Go On set a new standard for vocal performance across genres. Her influence spans decades and continents.
Deborah Cox
A powerhouse vocalist and international chart-topper, Deborah Cox holds a place in music history with the enduring anthem Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here. Her induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2022 highlighted her remarkable legacy in R&B and beyond.
Diane Dufresne
A trailblazer in Francophone performance art, Diane Dufresne’s theatrical flair and vocal versatility have shaped Quebec’s musical landscape for more than six decades. Her 2023 Hall of Fame induction honoured her as the first artist recognized entirely for French-language performance.
Jann Arden
Jann’s songs—like Insensitive and Good Mother—offer tender reflections on life, family, and identity. Beyond music, her wit, humour, and advocacy work have made her a cherished voice in Canadian arts and culture.
Jessie Reyez
Known for her raw vocals and poetic, socially conscious lyrics, Jessie Reyez blends R&B, pop, and hip-hop with a storyteller’s spirit. Her work highlights vulnerability, resilience, and empowerment—earning her international acclaim and a dedicated following.
Joni Mitchell
One of the most revered singer-songwriters of all time, Joni Mitchell transformed folk music into something deeply introspective and entirely her own. Albums like Blue and Hejira continue to inspire generations of musicians and writers with their lyrical nuance and musical sophistication.
Liona Boyd
As Canada’s “First Lady of the Guitar,” Liona Boyd introduced classical guitar to wide audiences with elegance and flair. Her compositions and collaborations span the globe, and her artistry has inspired generations of musicians across classical and crossover genres.
Maureen Forrester
One of Canada’s greatest operatic voices, Maureen Forrester’s commanding contralto brought the works of Mahler, Brahms, and Wagner to life for audiences worldwide. Her classical legacy continues to shape vocal music education and performance to this day.
Measha Brueggergosman-Lee
Blending opera, gospel, and classical repertoire, Measha brings a dynamic energy and global perspective to every performance. Her work as a vocalist and advocate celebrates cultural connection, education, and innovation in music.
Molly Johnson
Molly Johnson’s soulful jazz stylings reflect both deep tradition and contemporary cool. Her voice carries emotional clarity and elegance, and her commitment to social causes, including music education, and organizing the Kesington Market Jazz Festival further proves her cultural impact.
Rita MacNeil
Rooted in Cape Breton storytelling, Rita MacNeil’s music carries messages of community, resilience, and belonging. Her powerful vocals and unwavering authenticity connected with audiences across the country and continue to resonate with fans today.
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah’s emotionally rich songs like Angel and Adia are staples of heartfelt storytelling. As the founder of Lilith Fair, she also created space for women artists to tour together, lifting up new voices and shaping an inclusive movement in live music.
Shania Twain
With her groundbreaking album Come On Over, Shania brought country-pop to new heights. Her empowering lyrics and infectious hooks made her the top-selling female country artist of all time, inspiring artists across genres to embrace both sparkle and substance.
Tate McRae
A voice of the now, Tate McRae’s breakout hits like You Broke Me First have brought Canadian songwriting to the forefront of Gen Z pop. With her background in dance and ability to channel real emotion, she represents a dynamic new era in global music.
Terri Clark
With a string of chart-topping country hits, Terri Clark’s voice seeps with strength and storytelling. Her membership in the Grand Ole Opry speaks to her lasting contributions to both Canadian and American country traditions.
k.d. lang
With her velvety voice and fearless artistry, k.d. lang has delivered unforgettable songs like Constant Craving while bridging country, pop, and jazz influences. Her artistry and advocacy continue to set an inspiring example across the creative industries.
20 Canadian Songs That Define the Nation
Canada’s soundtrack is stitched together with prairie poetry, coastal harmonies, and downtown grooves. From soaring ballads to indie anthems, these songs capture the heart of the country — not just in sound, but in spirit. Whether you’re skating on a frozen pond or dancing at a summer festival, these 20 songs echo through the landscape like familiar friends.
“Ahead by a Century” – The Tragically Hip
A poetic meditation wrapped in guitars and golden-hour nostalgia, this track remains one of Canada’s most beloved anthems. It conjures both the personal and the collective, always just a few steps ahead of time.
“Big Yellow Taxi” – Joni Mitchell
With just a dulcimer, a voice, and a whole lot of clarity, Joni crafted a call to action that feels just as fresh today. Few songs spark so much awareness with so much charm.
“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
Synths that shimmer like neon on a rainy Toronto night. This global smash brought retro-future pop into the mainstream and reminded the world that Canada still sets the pace.
“Born to Be Wild” – Steppenwolf
A rock ’n’ roll road trip of a song that defined freedom for generations. It still revs like an open highway under northern skies.
“Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen
Pure pop with brains and a chorus you’ll never shake — this gem brings pure joy. It gave Canada a new global anthem and a meme that never quits.
“Closer to the Heart” – Rush
Epic, earnest, and eternally progressive, this song speaks to unity and idealism. Rush made technical brilliance feel deeply human.
“Constant Craving” – k.d. lang
Haunting, lush, and timeless — this ballad floats between desire and dignity, always pulling at something just out of reach.
“Echo Beach” – Martha and the Muffins
Urban angst never sounded so escapist. The beat’s infectious, the lyrics eternal — a perfect slice of synth-pop nostalgia.
“Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen
A song for weddings, funerals, and everything in between. With every cover, its reverence only deepens — proof of its transcendent power.
“Home for a Rest” – Spirit of the West
Folk-rock that runs on adrenaline and nostalgia. It remains a rite of passage for every Canadian student and partygoer alike.
“I’m Like a Bird” – Nelly Furtado
Weightless yet grounded, this early-2000s anthem launched a voice that soared far beyond borders. It’s freedom in pop form.
“Life is a Highway” – Tom Cochrane
Windows down, engine humming — this song carries the energy of endless summer drives. Every lyric steers straight to the heart.
“Lost” – Frank Dukes, Charlotte Day Wilson, BADBADNOTGOOD
A hypnotic blend of soul, jazz, and ambient cool. This collaboration from Toronto’s genre-melting scene shows how Canadian artists are shaping the sound of tomorrow with no rules — just vibes.
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain
An empowering anthem wrapped in rhinestones and sass. Shania brought country-pop to stadium-sized heights — and invited everyone to dance along.
“Northwest Passage” – Stan Rogers
A folk hymn that stretches across the map, its harmonies as wide as the land itself. History, legacy, and longing in perfect harmony.
“People’s Champ” – Arkells
Anthemic, energetic, and unapologetically hopeful, this song captures a rising movement of civic pride and feel-good rock. Stadiums bounce to it — and so do morning commutes.
“Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams
Every chord rings like a campfire memory. It captures youth, ambition, and the raw thrill of a guitar plugged into life.
“Sundown” – Gordon Lightfoot
With a voice like worn leather and lyrics like campfire stories, Lightfoot paints the twilight hour with pure Canadiana.
“Try” – Blue Rodeo
A classic ballad from a band that bridges rock and roots. It speaks to second chances, quiet resilience, and the kind of love that lingers.
“You Oughta Know” – Alanis Morissette
Bold, fierce, and fearless, Alanis shook the world with this confessional firestarter. It redefined emotional honesty in music — with a distinctly Canadian roar.
11 Country Songs That Are Actually Punk as Hell
Country and punk might seem like distant cousins — one rides horses, the other stage dives — but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find they share the same heart: rebellion, grit, and zero patience for B.S. From outlaw classics to yeehaw anthems that flip the bird with a twang, here are 11 country songs that are, in spirit, punk as hell.
“9 to 5” – Dolly Parton
Dolly may be rhinestoned royalty, but this working-woman anthem is pure punk protest in disguise. It’s a corporate takedown with a catchy chorus — and it still punches like a union on payday.
“Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
Key your car? Smash your headlights? Carrie turned heartbreak into full-blown destruction, and no one’s ever wielded a Louisville Slugger with more vengeful flair. Sid Vicious would’ve been proud.
“Copperhead Road” – Steve Earle
Moonshine, military trauma, and generational defiance all wrapped in a stomping, minor-key snarl. It’s country’s answer to Clash-era storytelling with Appalachian grit in place of guitar feedback.
“Follow Your Arrow” – Kacey Musgraves
This pastel-hued rebel told small-town America to kiss off and follow your heart — whether that meant lighting up or loving who you love. Whisper it with a steel guitar, scream it with a mohawk: same message.
“Fist City” – Loretta Lynn
You want sass? Loretta wrote the blueprint. She basically says, “Touch my man, and I will drag you into a fistfight.” It’s less of a country song and more of a warning.
“Girl in a Country Song” – Maddie & Tae
A perfect eye-roll in musical form, this duo called out bro-country tropes and flipped the script. Objectified women in cutoffs? Not today, Luke. Not today.
“Jackson” – Johnny Cash & June Carter
Two lovers tearing each other down with smiles on their faces and flames in their voices. “We got married in a fever” sounds a lot like “we’re gonna burn this all down and rebuild it our way.”
“Kerosene” – Miranda Lambert
Miranda didn’t just break up with her cheating ex — she burned the whole thing to the ground. A guitar riff, a gasoline trail, and a gleam in her eye: country revenge never sounded this combustible.
“Not Ready to Make Nice” – The Chicks
This is protest in its purest form — defiant, wounded, and gloriously loud. After being blacklisted for speaking their minds, The Chicks came back swinging with a track that refused to apologize. It’s country with a punk backbone and a string section.
“Okie from Muskogee” – Merle Haggard
Whether it’s sincere or satirical (still up for debate), it’s punk through paradox. A middle finger to hippie culture… or a clever critique of performative patriotism. Either way, it rages against something.
“Redneck Woman” – Gretchen Wilson
Unapologetic, loud, and flipping off the gated community. Gretchen’s declaration of muddy boots and beer drinking was a rebel yell in a world of polished perfection — and it echoed across America like a stomp in the dirt.
5 Ways to Spot Fake Streams (And How to Avoid Them)
So you just released your new single, and a random “music promoter” slides into your DMs promising 50,000 streams in a week. Your heart says, “This is my big break!” Your brain says, “Wait, what?” Fake streams are like fast food for your music career — tempting, easy, and absolutely not good for long-term health. Here are five ways to spot fake streams before they sabotage your momentum, your royalties, and your reputation.
1. 🚩 Anyone Who Guarantees a Number of Streams or Playlists
If someone promises you 10,000 streams or a guaranteed placement on a playlist with 100k followers, run. Real curators don’t offer guarantees — they offer opinions. Spotify’s algorithm is smarter than all of us, and when it sees suspicious traffic, it punishes your entire catalog. No number of fake streams is worth your real fans.
2. 🚩 Super Skewed Country Data
If you’re an indie artist in Ontario and suddenly 93% of your streams are coming from Jakarta and Bulgaria… we’ve got a problem. While international fans are great, massively unbalanced geo data usually means bots are at play. Always check your Spotify for Artists dashboard for suspicious spikes.
3. 🚩 Short Play Times and Zero Saves
You’ve got 8,000 streams but only 3 saves and no playlist adds? That’s not real traction — that’s a bot parade. Real listeners hit “like,” follow your artist profile, and add your song to their favorite sad-girl playlists. Bots hit play, then leave before the chorus.
4. 🚩 Generic-Looking Playlists With No Theme or Vibe
If a playlist is called “Chill Vibes 2023” but features death metal, reggaeton, and yacht rock in the same batch, it’s not curated — it’s cluttered. Real playlists have mood, cohesion, and a follower base that actually engages. Fake ones just exist to farm clicks and burn through artists’ budgets.
5. 🚩 Zero Fan Engagement, But Wild Streaming Numbers
If your track hits 20,000 streams but your Instagram post gets 9 likes and your email list is still at 7 people (5 of whom are your family), something’s off. Real fans stream and stick around. Fake streams are a mirage — big numbers with no community behind them.
The Takeaway?
Don’t be fooled by inflated numbers. Building a music career is a long game — and it’s about connection, not quick fixes. Work with people who care about your voice, not just your volume. Authenticity always wins… and the algorithm knows it too.
Jon Anderson Of Yes Strip It Down With Isolated Vocals Version Of “Roundabout”
This vocals-only version of “Roundabout” by Yes pulls back the curtain on the band’s legendary harmonies. Jon Anderson’s unmistakable voice, supported by Chris Squire and Steve Howe, takes center stage in this stripped-down rendition of the 1971 prog epic. It’s a rare chance to hear the intricacy behind one of rock’s most iconic tracks.