Inspired by Rosanne Cash’s The List Steve Duchrow, the Arts Center’s Director of Performing Arts, decided to make his own list of essential songs of Americana. In the last of his blog entries he focuses on Canadian songwriters. Want to see Steve’s whole list? The entire 100-125 song list (hey, there are a lot of songs-it’s hard to choose) will be posted in the lobby at Rosanne Cash’s performance tonight.
This list of 5 songs breaks the rules. These are not American songwriters but we need to include our Canadian friends. Bruce Cockburn and Stephen Fearing will give you a lifetime of listening pleasure. They tackle strong subjects and are superb lyricists. I could pick 25 Neil Young songs but this poignant song about Native American relocation is hard hitting. He sings, “They slaughtered all our buffalo, kitty corner from the bank”. In ten words, he summarizes so many themes on modernity. I urge you to get one of the live Harry Manx records. He merges Indian music and blues and does it in a way that will turn your head. Finally, if you listen to “Horses” by Dala, make sure the Kleenex box is near. The harmony of their voices gives Emmy Lou Harris (and anybody on the planet she’s harmonizing with) a run for the money. Check out their song “Levi Blues” too.
“Pacing the Cage”-Bruce Cockburn; Listen to the song.
“Pocahantas” -Neil Young
“Horses”-Dala; Watch the video here. And Steve’s right, grab some Kleenex.
“Wailing Wall”-Stephen Fearing
“Coat of Mail”-Harry Manx; Listen to the song here.
Rosanne Cash will appear at the Elgin Community College Arts Center on Saturday, October 8 to perform songs from her album The List.
