WRMC 91.1 FM Canada

Author: BENJAMIN GOLZE

When prompted as to the best that the Canadian music industry has to offer, most Americans would probably identify only Celine Dion, if anyone at all. As far as I can tell, since Robbie Robertson left The Band in 1976, the Great White North has had little to offer their friendly southern neighbors in the way of quality audio entertainment. According to the unwashed masses at Wikipedia (on whose opinion I am basing this entire column), the Canadian industry managed to export only such middling acts as Sum 41 and Rush. Not exactly the most inspiring stuff.

The loads of new music that comes pouring into the WRMC mailbox each week, however, seem to be telling a different story. The music scenes in Toronto and Montreal are producing as much raw output as the enduring American indie machines in places like Seattle, Austin, and Athens, GA. What's more, as we separate the proverbial wheat from the metaphorical chaff, more and more Canadian bands such as, say, the Arcade Fire, are rising to the top.

What is it about Canada that has recently led to such an aural smorgasbord for indie kids across America? Do coonskin caps provide better natural acoustics? Does nationalized health care allow for more investment in aspiring rock stars? Or do 10-month winters mean more time is spent inside writing music? Only Paul Martin knows the answer, and he hasn't been returning my calls. Instead, I suggest you grab your headphones and a flannel shirt, as I present a run-down of Canadian groups, both new and old, worthy of your attention.

The supergroups: Broken Social Scene and the New Pornographers

These Toronto- and Vancouver-based collectives have been peddling their quite different versions of indie rock for quite some time. The former hit it big again with the October 2005 release of their self-titled third album (see the 11/3/05 edition of The Campus), while the New Pornographers' latest, titled "Twin Cinema," features another flawless line-up of songs based on the best pop-hooks in music history. Yeah, I said it.

The new arrivals: the Golden Dogs

Straight out of somewhere in Ontario (my money's on Toronto), the Golden Dogs transcend their stupid band name on their debut album, "Everything in Three Parts." According to promotional materials and the enigmatic blogosphere, the Golden Dogs put on the best live show since sliced bread, and I can believe it. They take the best parts of Wolf Parade and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and mix it up into straightforward rock that goes right to your gut. Ooof!

The farmers: Great Lake Swimmers

This group recorded their self-titled first album in a grain silo in Southern Ontario, and not because they're poor, but because it sounds cool, and is entirely appropriate for the haunting alt-country and soaring vocals that are their trademarks. Great Lake Swimmers' second album, "Bodies and Minds" was released stateside last fall, and it pulls their expansive sound down into more conventional pop song structures. My entire conception of Ontario is based on Great Lake Swimmers - lots of nothing filled with fantastic music.

The fake Canadians: Kiss Me Deadly

As I was taking down equipment after last Friday's concert, I overheard that at least one band member is from Massachusetts. However, that imposter didn't keep the Montreal quartet from rocking Coltrane to the ground and then leading the crowd into the kicking-est dance party since McCullough '01. And the melodic dance pop on their album, "Misty Medley," is pretty good, too.