We got to thinking on this snowy, blustery day, of all the music inspired by and captured in the weather us Ottawans are forced to endure each winter. Here are top picks all released in the last two years. All are Ottawa-specific in location or hometown of the artist.
What are your favourites??
The White Wires– Let’s Go To the Beach
Nothing says crazy Canucks like throwing a punk-rock beach party in the snow at Mooney’s Bay. This video is like a fun Saturday morning cartoon short that makes you long for lazy days on the beach, and quite frankly question the sanity of the White Wires fans. The disclaimer makes enough sense: “Warning: Do not attempt to shoot videos in sub-zero conditions in beach wear.” Impossible to watch without a smile on your face.
The Acorn – Misplaced
Those of us that have grown up in Canada know the right-of-passage dare of stepping onto thin ice. The Acorn take it a step further and lay down their bodies and music in this visually compelling song.
Amanda Rheaume – Better Days Ahead
Amanda’s song Better Days Ahead just works so well for inspiring us to move beyond the crappy Ottawa weather that becomes symbolic of how we get stuck in a rut sometimes. You can literally see her breath as she sings in a country barn house. Plus, we love her neon green gloves.
My Dad Vs. Yours – Happy Wanderer/Carry the Weight
This is actually two songs fit into one video and it’s the second half of the video of the kids throwing themselves down Carlington Hill in the West End that we’re focusing on. Being a government town, plenty of people can identify with being stuck inside a stifling office when there’s clearly an awesome snow-day to be enjoyed. The kids are so full of glee on their sleds and yes, it ‘s OK to laugh when they fall off.
The Goodluck Assembly – Wait For Me
A heartbroken boy wandering through a forest while the snow falls heavily to a dreamy Muse/Radiohead-like tune? Because of the weather you don’t have to wait long to get the feeling of sorrow that goes along with this song. Seriously, CGI needs to catch up on the realness of this snowfall.
Amos the Transparent – Sure as the Weather
With musicians shivering in Russian hats and sipping hot cocoa, Amos the Transparent take you through all four seasons helped out by some cute kid drawings of snowmen and Christmas trees in this fantastic one-take video.
Philly Moves – I’m Tired
Another group of rebellious office worker are griping (not necessarily about the weather) but surely about the OC Transpo buses they are chasing after in the slush of Slater Street. They head to a bar to do what Ottawans do best to stay warm, share a couple of drinks.
The Yips-PGLM
A guy in a costume bear gallivanting in the snow along Rideau Street, checking out Winterlude sights and partying it up with local hipsters along Elgin Street to the tune of new female-fronted indie band The Yips makes for a fun couple of minutes. If anything, who knew that bears could party so hard?
<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/60098726″>The YIPS – PGLM</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/productionmaverix”>Production Maverix</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>The Weakerthans – Our Retired Explorer
And when in doubt, there’s an Ottawa connection via singer-songwriter Jim Bryson to this Weakerthans song that harkens back to an age of ice and adventure complete with dancing with penguins in giant faux-fur coats.
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