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Obama's Canadian Playlist ~~ 49 Songs That Define Canada and Our Music!

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Barack Obama's Canadian Playlist ~~ 49 Songs From North of the 49th Parallel

When you think of a Canadian music playlist, what songs do you think of? What type(s) of music? The CBC (The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) set out to define music in Canada by creating a list of "49 songs from north of the 49th parallel" with the intent of giving Barack Obama, when he was the incoming President of the United States, some Canadian content for his iPod. The week of January 9th, 2009, was dedicated to submitting songs for Obama's Canadian music playlist. Canadians voted for their favorite songs between January 5th and January 16th, 2009.

Barack Obama made it clear that he likes music from many genres. In the summer of 2008, he offered up his list of top 10 songs, which included artists and songs like Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter, Bruce Springsteen's I'm on Fire, The Fugees' Ready or Not and Aretha Franklin's Think. Later, he added Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and Earth, Wind and Fire. His list may be good but that is not to say it could not use a little more Canadian content.

Canadian music covers many genres and cultures and includes a diverse musical collection -- from bach to rap music. What better way to get to know Canadians a little bit better? Canada is definitely ready to add some excellent Canadian content to President Obama's playlist!

Canadians had one week to vote. What did they came up with? Do you think it defines Canada? Read all about it and discover some of the best Canadian songs in 49 Songs From North of the 49th Parallel!

Obama's Canadian Music Playlist...

Photobucket
Picture by axb500.

  1. What is Canadian Content?
  2. The Top 49 Songs, Listed By Artist
  3. Do you think this playlist does a good job of representing Canada's music?
  5. Are you a fan of Canadian music? Did you know that these songs and performers were Canadian?
  7. Links To More Information about CBC's 49th Songs North of the 49th Parallel Program
  8. The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The English, Pop, Folk, Rock Section
  9. The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The Jazz Section
  10. The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The Classical Section
  11. The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The French Pop, Folk, Rock Etc. Section
  12. What is your favorite Canadian song?
  13. Oh What A Feeling! Three Fantastic Canadian Music CD Collections Compiled from The Juno Awards
  14. Read More About Some Great Canadian Music Artists At The Following Squidoo Pages
  15. Here Is A Nostalgic Peek At Canada ~~ The Longdriver's Waltz Music Video
  16. Follow These Links To Great Canadian Music on CBC Radio
  17. The Barack Obama Cabbage Patch Doll!?! The Barack Obama Tulip!?!
  18. What does Obama's Canadian Playlist tell us about our Canadian musical culture?

"One of the best ways to know Canada is through the depth and breadth of our artistic expression. We're excited about the new president, and we want him to be excited about us."

~~ CBC

What is Canadian Content?

Canadian English language radio has a policy called the Commercial Radio Policy which states that 35 percent of all of the music on the radio each week on AM and FM radio stations must be Canadian. Plus, 35 percent of music broadcast Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. must also consist of Canadian content.

The MAPL system says that inorder for a song to have 'Canadian content,' music must meet at least two of criteria:
  • M (music) - the music is written entirely by a Canadian.
  • A (artist) - the music and/or the lyrics are performed mainly by a Canadian.
  • P (production) - the musical selection is a live performance that is either recorded wholly in Canada or performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada.
  • L (lyrics) - the words are written only by a Canadian.

Hank Snow

Hank Snow
Picture by michaelwfreem

What do you think of when you think of Canadian music? Any specific artists, groups or style of music?

Every country has a musical tradition of some sort but what country can agree on the music and the artists that best represent them and their country? What do you think represents Canadian music?

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  • Reply
    Intuitive Apr 14, 2010 @ 8:02 am | delete
    There is a certain sound that apparently comes from a particular recording studio, or did at one time, but there's a certain kind of reverb that seems to appear on a lot of Canadian music. Makes me think of the Canadian landscape. And a lot of Celtic influence, too. Blessed by an angel.
  • Reply
    Intuitive Apr 14, 2010 @ 7:58 am | delete
    I had a Canadian friend who schooled me in Canadian Music 101 and I will always be grateful for that. My faves are Sloan, Jann Arden, Sam Roberts, the Tragically Hip, Kim Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, the Rankins, the Waylin' Jennys, Sarah McLachlan, Nelly Furtado, Nickelback, and even Goddo.
  • Reply
    Susan52 Jul 1, 2009 @ 10:15 am | delete
    Celine Dion is the only Canadian musician that comes to my uncultured mind. Can't wait to read on down your list as I'm guessing I'll be surprised by many of the names.
  • Reply
    Joan4 Jul 1, 2009 @ 9:48 am | delete
    Happy Canada Day! Blessed by a joyful angel!
  • Reply
    Tiddledeewinks Jan 14, 2009 @ 8:45 pm | delete
    Hank Snow was Canadian? I like country music best (the old classics).
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The Top 49 Songs, Listed By Artist

Posted January 20th, 2009.

Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies)
Barenaked Ladies - If I Had $1,000,000
Beau Dommage - La complainte du phoque en Alaska
Ben Heppner - We'll Gather Lilacs
Bruce Cockburn - Wondering Where the Lions Are
Buffy Sainte-Marie - Universal Soldier
Daniel Bélanger - Rêver mieux
Daniel Lanois - Jolie Louise
Daniel Lavoie - J'ai quitté mon île
Diana Krall - Departure Bay
Gilles Vigneault - Mon pays
Glenn Gould - Goldberg Variations
Gordon Lightfoot - Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Gordon Lightfoot - Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Great Big Sea - Ordinary Day
Harmonium - Pour un Instant
Ian & Sylvia - Four Strong Winds
James Ehnes - Barber Violin Concerto
Jesse Cook - Mario Takes a Walk
Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell - A Case of You
Karkwa - Oublie pas
k.d. lang - Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen - Democracy
Leonard Cohen - Suzanne
Malajube - Montréal -40°C
Marie-Jo Thério - Évangeline
Marjan Mozetich - Affairs of the Heart
Measha Brueggergosman - I'm Going Up a Yonder
Mes Aïeux - Dégénérations
Michael Bublé - Home
Moe Koffman - Swingin' Shepherd Blues
Neil Young - Rockin' In the Free World
Neil Young - Helpless
Oscar Peterson Trio - Hymn to Freedom
Oscar Peterson - Place St. Henri (from Canadiana Suite)
Parachute Club - Rise Up
Raymond Lévesque - Quand Les Hommes Vivront D'amour
Rush - Closer to the Heart
Sam Roberts - The Canadian Dream
Shad - Brother (Watching)
Stan Rogers - Northwest Passage
Stompin' Tom Connors - The Hockey Song
The Arrogant Worms - Canada's Really Big
The Guess Who - American Woman
The Tragically Hip - Wheat Kings
The Tragically Hip - Bobcaygeon
The Rankin Family - Rise Again
The Weakerthans - One Great City!

Anne Murray, Canada's Snowbird

Fraser MacPherson & Anne Murray
Picture by guyman22

Do you think this playlist does a good job of representing Canada's music?

One may argue that making a national playlist is a bit odd -- for doesn't each individual's playlist represent their own lives and memories? Perhaps we should be creating our own playlists and not choosing to represent the whole country with a single list! I do agree with that point of view but I also think that seeing a playlist picked by a country is also an interesting process. Passing it on to Americans like Barack Obama may also be a great way to share our musical culture. What do you think?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Yes, I think that it is an amazing list because...

PAUL HAMILTON says:

AVRIL LAVINGE. AVRIL HAS FREAT SONG'S

Posted October 04, 2009

Betts says:

No matter what songs were picked there would be some unhappy people. For me it is like Lotto 649, didn't buy a ticket so couldn't win. I didn't submit or vote so can't complain. I would have like to seen O'Siem by Susan Aglukard and Real World by Trooper make the list but was happy to see Universal Soldier and Rise Up.

Posted February 19, 2009

No, I think it is way off base because...

Mike says:

WHY???? I do not understand why we Canadians are so GD insecure and care about what our friends south of the border care about!!! Why do we have to have pass this along to Americans...I don't get it. That is the most absolute ludicrous logic. If we have to stoop to this, that we define ourselves by how we are not American and the way America thinks of Canada is unconditional idiocy!! DO THINGS FOR OURSELVES!!! WHY, WHY WHY do we continue to make complete asses of ourselves by constantly comparing ourselves to America? This demonstrates our shortcomings, and deep rooted insecruities imbedded within an ingenuine, imitation Canadian patriotism.

Posted June 14, 2010

Samantha says:

our lady peace? sum 41?? Maybe "if I had a million dollars" was popular back in like the 90's but guys, it's a different world.

Posted March 15, 2010

Janice Holts says:

Not at all... Where the Celine Dion?? Shania??? State of Shock??? Nickelback??

Posted October 19, 2009

Ivan from Creative Loafing Tampa, FL, USA says:

No. I don't see Bryan Adams "Heaven" or Alanis Morrissette's "Ironic" up there... Plus, I think Mike Myers' crooning from "So I Married an Ax Murderer" should be allowed on the list as well. I <3 Canada.

Posted January 15, 2009

 

On this list, there were a total of six artists who had two songs make the top list which included The Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Oscar Peterson.

Are you a fan of Canadian music? Did you know that these songs and performers were Canadian?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

LakeshoreTara says:

Yes - I love Canadian music (I am Canadian) - also I like this lens; I listen to the CBC almost faithfully when in the car and I remember this... (on a side note - I would like to add this lens to my lens about Leonard Cohen, if that's okay - thanks!)

Posted August 25, 2011

canhchimtroi says:

thanks!

Posted October 01, 2010

nyfamily5 says:

Welcome to Squidoo, very nice first lens. It would be great if you could add something about yourself in your bio.

Posted October 01, 2010

Susan52 says:

I forgot about Anne Murray, but many of the others were surprises!

Posted July 01, 2009

Tiddledeewinks says:

I knew Anne Murray and Shania Twain were Canadian. I LOVE the song "Four Strong Winds" by Ian and Sylvia.

Posted January 14, 2009

 

Word from CBC has it that a last minute swarm to the 'polls' from Rush fans pushed 'Closer To The Heart' above Gordon Lightfoot's 'Canadian Railroad Trilogy' to the number one position in the English pop/folk/rock section.

Links To More Information about CBC's 49th Songs North of the 49th Parallel Program

Obama's Playlist | CBC Radio
You have until January 16th to VOTE HERE! There is a link to hear a part of the song. Listen to CBC all week to hear the full song. You can vote once per day in each section. If you find a tune you love, you can also buy it through iTunes.
Home - Obama's Playlist | CBC Radio
A total of 49 songs will be determined. So, what Canadian music do you think is the most definitive 49 songs from North of the 49th parallel?
Hail to the Leaf: CBC campaign pitches a Cancon playlist for Obama
Barack Obama has proclaimed himself a fan of music both old-school and new, but a new CBC Radio campaign specifically aims to get some Cancon onto the U.S. president-elect's radar for Inauguration Day.

The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The English, Pop, Folk, Rock Section

  1. Closer to the Heart - Rush
  2. Canadian Railroad Trilogy - Gordon Lightfoot
  3. Hallelujah - k.d. lang
  4. Democracy - Leonard Cohen
  5. Northwest Passage - Stan Rogers

The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The Jazz Section

  1. Hymn to Freedom - Oscar Peterson Trio
  2. Home - Michael Bublé
  3. Place St. Henri (from Canadiana Suite) - Oscar Peterson
  4. Departure Bay - Diana Krall
  5. Swingin' Shepherd Blues - Moe Koffman

The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The Classical Section

  1. Goldberg Variations - Glenn Gould (performer)
  2. I'm Going Up a Yonder - Measha Brueggergosman (performer)
  3. Affairs of the Heart - Marjan Mozetich (composer)
  4. We'll Gather Lilacs - Ben Heppner (performer)
  5. Barber Violin Concerto - James Ehnes (performer)

The Top 5 Canadian Songs In The French Pop, Folk, Rock Etc. Section

  1. Mon pays - Gilles Vigneault
  2. Montréal -40C - Malajube
  3. Évangéline - Marie-Jo Thério
  4. Pour un instant - Harmonium
  5. J'ai quitté mon île - Daniel Lavoie

What is your favorite Canadian song?

I hate it whenever anyone asks me to pick a favorite but maybe you will take one look at this list and go oh yes, that is it for me! You are also free to add Canadian songs that I have missed and your choices definitely do not have to be from CBC's list. Once you have submitted your favorite Canadian song, Squidoo will ask me to approve it and you can come back and vote for your favorite!

1

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Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

3 points

2

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American Woman by The Guess Who

2 points

3

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Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot

2 points

4

Vote Up
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Barenaked Ladies - One Week

(or anything else by BNL!)2 points

5

Vote Up
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The Maker by Daniel Lanois

1 point

6

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Snowbird by Anne Murray

0 points

7

Vote Up
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Flip, Flop, Fly by The Downchild Blues Band

0 points

8

Vote Up
Vote Down

Lovers in a Dangerous Time By Bruce Cockburn

0 points

9

Vote Up
Vote Down

Rockin' in the Free World by Neil Young

0 points

10

Vote Up
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Superman's Song by The Crash Test Dummies

0 points

11

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We'll Gather Lilacs by Ben Heppner

0 points

Oh What A Feeling! Three Fantastic Canadian Music CD Collections Compiled from The Juno Awards

No longer available from the manufacturer, these CDs are still available through Amazon from various sellers. I think they capture a wonderful selection of Canadian music.


The first Oh What A Feeling album was produced in 1996 and includes music from The Guess Who, Lighthouse, Crowbar, Steppenwolf, Sweeney Todd, Rush, Loverboy, Bryan Adams, Corey Hart, Anne Murray, The Guess Who, The Stampeders, Five Man Electrical Band, April Wine, Celine Dion, Roch Voisine, Gino Vannelli, Alannah Myles and Jann Arden. Four discs, many hours of wonderful Canadian music!

Click here to buy Oh What a Feeling:
A Vital Collection of Canadian Music
from Amazon
Available new and used starting at $13.45.




Oh What A Feeling Volume 2 was produced in 2001 and includes recordings by artists like Lange, Robert John, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, A. Loree, J. Joyce, P. Dean, Aldo Nova, R. Higgs, Tom Cochrane, Burton Cummings, S. Prokop, Cat Stevens, R. Wamil, N. Sedaca, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLaughlan. Once again, four compact discs with hours of listening enjoyment.

Click here to buy Oh What a Feeling Volume 2:
A Vital Collection of Canadian Music
from Amazon.
Available new and used starting at 23.99 and up.




Oh What A Feeling Volume 3, another wonderful music collection was produced in 2006 and includes songs from the following artists: Geddy Lee, Ch Randolf, Ann Wilson, Rich Dodson, Burton Cummings, Chad Kroeger, James Black, Jeremy Hora, Raine Maida, Charles-And Comeau, Lauren Christy, Ed Robertson, K. Brereton, Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan, Aldo Nova, Jann Arden, Jim Cuddy and Sarah Harmer.

Click here to buy Oh What a Feeling Volume 3
from Amazon
Available new from $32.76.

Read More About Some Great Canadian Music Artists At The Following Squidoo Pages

Please feel free to add your Squidoo music-themed page IF it meets MAPL Guidelines for Canadian content. The guidelines for Canadian content are that the piece meet meet at least TWO of the following criteria:

The music is written entirely by a Canadian.
The music and/or the lyrics are performed mainly by a Canadian.
The musical selection is a live performance that is either recorded wholly in Canada or performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada.
The words are written only by a Canadian.

1

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Daniel Lanois

Daniel Lanois is perhaps one of the most creative more...0 points

2

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Rush

This lens is dedicated to the music of Rush, one o more...0 points

3

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Leonard Cohen - Various Positions - Hallelujah Lyrics

Melancholic Messiah Leonard Cohen, writes his word more...0 points

4

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Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne Whibley (born September 27, 1984), b more...0 points

5

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United Breaks Guitars Story & T-Shirts

United Breaks Guitars ~~ that is the name of the l more...0 points

6

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Vote Down

Neil Young Archives Volume 1 on CD, DVD and Blu-ray

An amazing collection, Neil Young Archives Volume more...0 points

Here Is A Nostalgic Peek At Canada ~~ The Longdriver's Waltz Music Video

CANADA VIGNETTES: LOG DRIVER'S WALTZ
by nfb | video info

1,503 ratings | 251,168 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Follow These Links To Great Canadian Music on CBC Radio

The results of the voting will be unveiled on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, 2009. You will be able to hear the selected songs throughout the day on the following Canadian radio stations RADIO 2 MORNING, TEMPO, RADIO 2 DRIVE and TONIC.
CBC Radio 2 - Radio 2 Morning
With Tom Allen and Molly Johnson hosting the new Radio 2 morning show, we get the best of both worlds.
CBC Radio 2 - Tempo
Convincing Julie Nesrallah to host Radio 2's new weekday classical show is a coup.
CBC Radio 2 - Radio 2 Drive
If any one host can represent the excellence and diversity of Canada's emerging singers and songwriters, it is Rich Terfry.

The Barack Obama Cabbage Patch Doll!?! The Barack Obama Tulip!?!

You bet! Once you are famous they do everything from making you into a doll to decorating a tulip in your name to telling you what should be on your iPod's playlist!

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What does Obama's Canadian Playlist tell us about our Canadian musical culture?

Well, there you have it, some quintessentially, made-in-Canada music. What did you think of this page? Of CBC's '49 Songs From North of the 49th Parallel?'

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    malloryjane Nov 18, 2010 @ 11:07 pm | delete
    Absolutely amazing - a lot of work went into this lens I'm sure! I think the Canadian playlist was missing a few artists & songs, but happy with a lot of selections that were made! Thanks for sharing this, I believe I was living in Canada at this point and had no idea about it.
  • Reply
    ChapelHillFiddler Nov 25, 2009 @ 5:34 pm | delete
    I was visiting my daughter her senior year at Yale and we went out to dinner with a bunch of her friends and two of them, Canadians, burst out in an absolutely perfect unison rendition of "Canada is Really Big." I feel out of my chair. They were kind enough to do it again out on the sidewalk. I'm so happy it made it onto your lens. I'm about to feature this lens on my thank-you lens.
  • Reply
    Susan52 Jul 1, 2009 @ 10:21 am | delete
    Really neat topic! I learned a lot. I think having a national play list is really a good idea. Of course the United States would have a "Top 40" and probably a few suggestions would end up being Canadian!
  • Reply
    awelldressedbullet Feb 5, 2009 @ 9:59 pm | delete
    Wow Brenda, it really shows how much time, effort and work you put into this lens! I'm totally impressed! Five maple leafs for you LOL - Kathy
  • Reply
    AdrienneJenkins Jan 19, 2009 @ 5:45 pm | delete
    I know all about CANCON as a former radio DJ from Vancouver, Canada, eh. Great idea for a lens. Good luck on reaching giant squid status. 5 stars.

    7 Reasons Why I'm Not Going to Obama's Inauguration
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