Indie rock trio Close Talker have a pair of shows in New York City: with Sofar Sounds tonight and tomorrow night at Pianos. The Saskatoon, Canada, natives put together a playlist for today paying tribute to their favorite Canadian bands and songs. Give it a listen, and make sure to catch them while they’re in town!
–Dave Lucas, Talkhouse Marketing Manager
Royal Canoe – “I Am Collapsing So Slowly”
We’ve been lucky to share the stage with Royal Canoe a number of times. They are one of the most creative and talented bands we’ve ever seen perform. This is my favourite song from their new record. It’s so close to 4/4 time, really 15/16 or something weird. It’s so cool to see live.
Andy Shauf – “Quite Like You”
Andy is an amazing and talented songwriter. He has a unique ability to transport you into the story of his songs. His new record, The Party, is my favourite album to come out this year. This is one of those songs. The video was animated by another talented Canadian, Chad Vangaalen.
Chad Vangaalen – “Inside the Molecules”
I saw Chad Vangaalen play a show in Saskatoon once where instead of chanting “one more song” at the end of the set, for whatever reason the entire bar started yelling “poop on stage” for five minutes. He never did, but it was memorable nonetheless. Great songwriter, too.
Plants and Animals – “Stay”
Plants and Animals was one of first bands I successfully snuck into the bar to see as a kid. They’ve continued to be one of my favourite bands and I think the video for this song is amazing.
Patrick Watson – “Drifters”
One of my favourite musicians. I feel like everyone I know has gotten to see him play and they always say it was the best show ever. Somehow I’ve missed every opportunity, for now.
The Acorn – “Restoration”
Every road trip I go on this record gets played at least once. Best driving tunes.
Braids – “Warm Like Summer”
I love every level of this record, this song in particular. Great drums and powerful vocals. So many cool effects and the production is perfect in my mind.
Broken Social Scene – “Cause = Time”
You Forgot It in People is one of my most played albums. Probably one of my biggest inspirations for drums.
Wolf Parade – “I’ll Believe in Anything”
There’s no way I could make a list of favourite Canadian bands without Wolf Parade. Wolf Parade rules. I missed their show six years ago in Saskatoon for some stupid reason and I think I will always regret that. Apologies to the Queen Mary is what nostalgia is to me.
Suuns – “Instrument”
I remember when we first listened to their new album, Hold/Still, on our last European tour. The first song on the record is basically noise. I think we were all a bit hesitant about how the rest of the album would play out. This song was next and once the beat kicked in, we all looked at each other with instant gratification. We were hooked.
Drake – “Feel No Ways”
What can I say? I’m a sucker for the 6God. Definitely my favourite track on Views. Pretty much the exact same beat and key line through the entire song. But its got vibes for dayzzzz.
River Tiber – “No Talk”
Discovered this guy last year and this track is probably my favourite of his. The voice layering he does while incorporating really creative and thoughtful tones with hip-hop style beats is something that I think sets him apart from other artists in his genre. It’s refreshing.
