Saturday, January 03, 2009

49 Songs for Obama


Monday the CBC is starting an all-Canadian music search. They're looking for 49 songs representing those of us who live north of the 49th Parallel. The 'winners' will go into a playlist for Obama that will supposedly be presented to him on January 20th, the day he's inaugurated as President of the U.S.


I've got a few ideas for songs I think he'd like, or maybe just ones he should listen to. Some are likely obvious, others maybe not so much.


Neil Young 's "Rockin' in the Free World".


Almost anybody's version of Leonard Cohen's beautiful anthem, "Hallelujah", but preferably Lenny's own or k.d. lang's.


And you couldn't skip the Tragically Hip. Lots of candidates for songs here, but I have to nominate my fave, "Ahead by a Century".


From here on the West Coast, I nominate Wyckham Porteous for "Deep into the Water" -- a place that Obama's certainly stepping.


For fun, the compilation should include Leslie Feist singing "1234".


Think the new Mr. Prez could use a shot of humility? He could try the Barenaked Ladies' "Celebrity". Or for that matter, if he wants to offer a recipe for the economy, how about their "Shopping" song? Or even better, "If I had a million dollars".


If you want to know more -- or better yet, you want to get a vote in, here's a link to the CBC's 49 Songs site.
And if Barack is going to understand Canada better, which songs do you suggest for him?

3 comments:

shelley said...

Hi Heidi

I got distracted on the Obama list. I suggested Bruce Cockburn, gave them quite a list to chose from.

Shelley

hg said...

Of course, Cockburn is essential. Good for you, Shelley!

Kimmy said...

totally, "New Girl Now" by Honeymoon Suite. "You've got a new Prez now! And he's a lot like YOU!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJBxxDSmXEA

Pat Benetar throwing away guitars!!!