Part II: Legacy Playlist carries on into my mid-20s when my tastes were all over the place covering different genres and eras.
The playlist is a mix of a) Random amazing songs I listened to on repeat. And b) Songs from my most-loved artists/bands.
However, there are so many greats missing in action here and it was incredibly difficult to whittle down a playlist to feature only my most favourite songs and artists.
There are three main events that influenced my music collection during these years:
1) I hosted the program “Sweet Sweet Candy” on CJTR Regina Community Radio for seven years. It was an insane amount of music that I listened to and organized. I accessed the station’s library. I collected CDs and vinyl. I followed indie internet radio stations and bought music magazines with album samplers. I researched and got suggestions from fellow programmers - especially those who were keen to help me explore 80s jangle pop and post-punk.
2) Long live CD Plus and my illustrious seven year reign as a part-time employee. I worked here throughout University, afterward while also working full-time at SaskMusic, and right up until I moved to Toronto in 2011. Ask any of my former co-workers and I’m sure they’d all agree - it was absolutely the best job of our lives. We had the freedom to listen to whatever we liked, we ensured the store had great stock, and we took pride in curating our staff picks. Of course, the main perk was that glorious employee discount. I wish I had a printed list of everything I bought during those years. I’m certain half of my earnings went back into the store. I certainly didn’t need every Cure or REM album. But hey, for $5.99 each how could I not?
3) Going to concerts during these years was my jam. I was out to see someone almost every week. If only I had kept all of my ticket stubs. For this playlist, I chose a few artists whose shows are burnt in my brain - Echo & The Bunnymen in Vancouver, Matt Mays and The High Dials in Regina, and Robyn Hitchcock in Seattle.
I need to also mention my time working at SaskMusic. This job was influential and opened doors for me working in the Music Industry. I listened to and supported many fine Saskatchewan musicians at concerts in and around SK or at festivals/conferences within Canada.
PART II: Legacy Playlist
She floats like a swan
Grace on the water
Lips like sugar
Lips like sugar
Just when you think you've caught her
She glides across the water
She calls for you tonight
To share this moonlight
You'll flow down her river
She'll ask you and you'll give her
Lips like sugar
Sugar kisses
“Lips Like Sugar” - Echo And The Bunnymen
This one from The Clientele is an example of a favourite song on repeat. I didn’t listen to much else from them, but “The Violet Hour” was on my radio show playlists likely way too many times.
The Jesus and Mary Chain are the coolest of the cool. Their records ruled my turntable.
Echo & the Bunnymen. My favourite band. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Your album covers are gorgeous. Ian McCulloch, your lyrics are dreamy. Will Sergeant, your guitar gleams and radiates through my speakers. It was impossible to choose only one song for this playlist - I love all their songs so much. Seeing the band perform in 2005 at Richards on Richards in Vancouver was a highlight of my life; I was at the front of the stage just awe inspired the entire time.
Robyn Hitchcock is another all-time favourite. In 2010, I went to visit my friends in Vancouver and we took a road trip to Seattle to see him and the Venus Three which included Peter Buck of R.E.M., Scott McCaughey of Young Fresh Fellows, and Bill Rieflin of Ministry. Another concert highlight of my life. I saw Robyn Hitchcock more times throughout the years in Toronto. Including a memorable in-store acoustic performance in the basement of Sonic Boom Records.
T.Rex (Marc Bolan) - A funny and wonderful obsession. I’ll say no more and just include lyrics from the song, “Jeepster”.
You slide so good
With bones so fair
You've got the universe reclining in your hair
'Cause you're my babe
Yes, you're my love
Girl, I'm just a Jeepster for you love
Matt Mays and The High Dials remain among my top Canadian bands. These two songs with their lyrics and pounding rhythms are my anthems. Imagine me singing at the top of my lungs in the car, my apartment, in the control room at my radio show, and of course at their concerts.
Siouxsie and the Banshees because Siouxsie Sioux is my Goddess.
Thank you, CD Plus for that sweet employee discount. Thanks to you I own and cherish every single Nick Cave album.
Stay tuned for Part III covering my years living in Toronto up to present day ...
CJTR studio approx. 2005.
My old apartment on Rose Street, Regina SK. 2007-10.
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 in Seattle. 2009.
Kensington Market in Toronto, ON. 2009.