Happy Canada Day, EH! Which is what I wish to the community every July 1st (since 2017) with a pack of customs from my favourite artists, with the help of my fellow Canadian authors. This year I thought, Hey Mr. Prez, why can’t we celebrate Canadian music more than once a year? Way better than a six-pack of Lucky Lager, here are six customs by yours truly with some help from my good buddy Spindoctor.
54-40 “BLAME YOUR PARENTS”
Since the early 80’s, 54-40 has had a consistent presence in Canada’s alternative music scene. Their name stems from the USA’s expansionist slogan “54-40 or Fight!” which was a reference to the northern latitude of the disputed Oregon Territory boundary. A cornerstone of Canadian rock radio, they are known for their anthemic and introspective songs.
The song reflects on how our upbringing shapes each one of us, and how many of us deflect responsibility by ‘blaming the parents’. In a broader sense, it is a satirical take on generational cycles and coming to terms with adulthood. While not a single, the song became a deep-cut fan favourite.
LOWEST OF THE LOW “PISTOL”
Lowest of the Low were an influential indie rock band from Toronto, best known for sharp lyrics, melodic guitar-driven sound and a fiercly independent ethos that helped them become one of the most important acts in the early 1990s alternative scene.
“Pistol” was the lead single on their sophomore album Hallucigenia, and despite minimal radio airplay it became a huge underground success. The song describes the tension between affection and destruction, with the Pistol being a metaphor for emotional volatility.
SLOAN “IF IT FEELS GOOD DO IT”
One of Canada’s most enduring and respected rock bands, Sloan are famous for their harmony focused power pop, a fusion of British Invasion influences and indie rock attitude, with distinctly clever and self-aware lyrics. Starting in 1991, the lineup of Chris Murphy (Bass, vocals), Jay Ferguson (guitar, vocals), Patrick Pendland (guitar, vocals) and Andrew Scott (drums, vocals) has remained steady thoughout their tenure, and they have released 18 albums.
The first single off of 2001’s Pretty Together, it is one of Sloan’s most recognizable songs, as it was chosen to be the song playing during Much Music’s channel ID throughout the 2000’s, with the iconic intro being played virtually every hour between programming. The song features big crunchy guitar riffs, a sing-a-long chorus, with a hint of grunge rock and a big dose of Sloan’s melodic intelligence.
TROOPER “3 DRESSED UP AS A 9”
CO-AUTHORED BY SPINDOCTOR
Trooper are a legendary Canadian rock band from Vancouver, known for their working-class charm, hook-heavy songs and upbeat and straightforward rock and roll music. They are often referred to as “Canada’s Party Band”. Singer Ra McGuire and guitarist Brian Smith were first discovered by Randy Bachman (of BTO and The Guess Who) while playing at a bar in the early ’70s, who signed and produced their self-titled debut album in 1975 and several subsequent recordings.
From 1979’s album Flying Colors, the band’s fourth album in as many years, the song describes someone who is trying hard to look more impressive than they really are, a tongue-in-cheek observation about vanity. The song resonated with Canadians due to its relatable, fun and unpretentious humour.
This is a full re-chart of the custom originally released by Spindoctor.
B.A. JOHNSTON “GEORGE THOROGOOD WAS RIGHT” AND “HOW MANY T-BONE STEAKS CAN I FIT IN MY PANTS”
B.A. Johnston is a Canadian folk/punk/lo-fi comedy musician and performance artist, celebrated for his hilarious, self deprecating songs about everyday Canadian life, greasy diners, small-town sadness, cheap beer, and nostalgia for the low budget days behind us. Over the past two decades, he’s built a cult following as one of Canada’s most singular live performers, with his act featuring part stand-up comedy, part music and complete chaos.
In “George Thorogood Was Right” B.A. tries his best to convince his friends, girlfriend and even the cops that every single song written by the prophet Thorogood was true and accurate to his personal experience. B.A. gets denied a 25 cent raise from his boss in “How Many T-Bone Steaks…”, and takes revenge by teaching his co-workers how to pilfer imported cheese without getting caught.
DOWNLOAD LINK (GEORGE)
DOWNLOAD LINK (T-BONES)
B.A. JOHNSTON WILL RETURN ON CANADA DAY 2026
Have a wonderful Canada Day in December!
-MrPrez
