Dear Mr. Downie
32. Four One Six, Middle of Nowhere, Syd Taylor, Gord Downie & The Country of Miracles, Porcupine, Dire Straits, The Blenders, Great Lake Swimmers, The Tragically Hip, Feist, Sarah Harmer
Once a week or so, I share a 10 song playlist of grooviness… My idea is to highlight music I love and to post sweet performances, outstanding videos and great audio recordings which tickle the ears and leave a lasting impression.
Tomorrow, being my birthday, I have created a mini tribute to one of my favourite artists, Gord Downie. This will be my first birthday without my wife, best friend and longtime companion, Ruth. Cancer took her from me. Wherever you are, please consider donating to your local cancer society’s fundraising efforts. A button for donating to the Canadian Cancer Society is included at the bottom of the page. Thank You.
Dear Mr. Downie by Four One Six
2019 …and We All Shine On
Middle of Nowhere by Hot Hot Heat
2005 Elevator
Heaven by Syd Taylor
2025 Tiny Desk Contest Submission
The East Wind by Gord Downie & The Country of Miracles
2010 The Grand Bounce
Trains by Porcupine
2003 In Absentia
Wild West End by Dire Straits
1978 Dire Straits
Don’t Fuck Around With Love by The Blenders
1953 (released 1971)
Think That You Might Be Wrong by Great Lake Swimmers
2012 - New Wild Everywhere
It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken by The Tragically Hip feat. Feist
2021 Juno Awards
Now for Plan A by The Tragically Hip feat. Sarah Harmer
2012 Now For Plan A
Canada Strong
The Tragically Hip x Terry Fox - Courage
I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with your playlists, John. I listened to this one yesterday, finishing just before heading out for the evening. I missed the last one, will try to get to it!
This was the second time I'd heard something from FourOneSix (the other one was on David Marsden's show), and I like the sound. I was really blown away by Hot Hot Heat, both by their sound and the video. Their look struck me as being plucked straight out of a 1960s Yardley ad. Brilliant track, very catchy, too.
Syd Taylor was new to me; reminds me of someone I can't place, and I liked her sound with the blend of melodic and rap-ish and of course the soaring vocals. "Trains" and "Think That You Might Be Wrong" are both songs I've shared before; fine tracks, both of them. "Wild West End" is one I haven't heard in a very long time... superb. The Blenders are also completely new to me. A catchy, naughty song with a good sound.
I like how you paid homage to Gord through him as part of the Hip, them without him years after his death, and some of his solo work showing the versatility he and the band demonstrated. Harmer in a duet with Gord and Feist singing lead with the band add nicely to the Hip's trademark solid sound.
It was great to see you in the NYtheSpirit chat on the weekend to receive birthday wishes from the crowd and I was glad to hear it was a good day for you, despite the circumstances. All the best, John.