Sunday July 31st, 2011 Neil Young and Company

When it comes to the music scene, Canada has always been well regarded as a country full of talented musicians. Whether your taste lays in rock, pop, folk, indie or any combination of the above, you can be sure there is a Canadian musician that will more than just pique your interest. And where better than to start your hunt for your new muse than at the Thunder Bay Public Library. Let us start with one of the greatest, Neil Young.

Having produced over thirty studio albums and countless greatest hits and live performance records, here is a masterful musician Canada is proud to call our own. Known for his distinct tenor singing voice and beautiful lyrics, Young started his career by releasing his self titled debut in 1968. Although at the time it did not grab the listeners attention, it has over time become an essential recording to any devote Neil Young fan. One of my favourite albums comes in the form of 'Harvest Moon'. Released in 1992, it is a testament to what Young does best: heartbreaking acoustic folk, unique arrangements and unforgettable lyrics. Last year Young released 'Le Noise', which received a Grammy award for his electric performance on the track 'Angry World'.

Speaking of the Grammys, Montreal band Arcade Fire finally got the acclaim they deserved when they took home the trophy for album of the year for their third album 'The Suburbs'. Arcade Fire came into the scene in 2004 when they released 'Funeral', an indie rock album that infused rock with an orchestral sound. Soon in 2007, they released their sophomore album, 'Neon Bible'. This album only built upon the success they earned with 'Funeral', and reiterated that here is an exciting band that writes and produces smart music that challenges and enchants its listeners.

Great Lake Swimmers, not as well known as Arcade Fire but equally satisfying, rely on permeating its listeners with tasteful melodic folk. After listening to their hushed tones, easy listening takes on a new meaning. Great Lake Swimmers conjure thought provoking, quietly disarming melodies that ponder existential questions about life, love, and nature. Check out their 2007 album 'Ongiara', where the title refers to the original name of the Niagara Falls. A fantastic component of 'Ongiara' is its ability to invoke the Canadian landscape: mountains, glaciers, venomous winds, and changing seasons. Their latest is 2009's 'Lost Channels', which expands on the sounds from their previous albums and makes it into a more polished and mature sound, evident of a band that continues to grow.

Of course, no list of Canadian music is complete without mentioning Sam Roberts. Having been compared to the likes of a young Bruce Springsteen, Roberts is on his way to becoming one of Canada's most beloved rock musicians. The hit single 'Brother Down' is a clever rock ballad that will guarantee you to hit the replay button more than a few times. 'The Canadian Dream', an interesting concept tract where Roberts discusses socialism and humorously relating the lack of socialistic progress to Canadian winters, where ''everything moves real slow when it's forty below''. Then follow up with 2008's 'Love At the End of The World' where Roberts moves into more musically challenging territory with tracks like 'Lions of the Kalahari'.

You will find these records, and many others by Canadian artists, in the music collection at the Thunder Bay Public Library. Discover more about Canadian music in our print collection by reading books such as Canuck Rock by Ryan Edwardson or Music From Far and Wide: celebrating 40 years of Canadian Music.

Petar Vidjen, Page