By Megan Lambert (Baby CIVLian/Nugget Enthusiast) – Email
Print Edition: May 20, 2015
Otis Redding — “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”
There is a magnificent live cover of this song by Sara Bareilles on her Brave Enough tour at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, Georgia. Otis Redding kept the tempo a little more happy-go-lucky, whereas Sara Bareilles completely revamped the song to a powerful jazz ballad. I recommend listening to both versions and deciding which one floats your boat.
U2 — “California (There Is No End To Love)”
U2 released this free album last year on iTunes as a huge marketing scheme, and despite my initial cynicism, the music has proved to be pretty good. This song is great background music for when you’re on an epic journey to sail across a shiny sea to a dawn you’d thought would never come.
Handel — “Water Music”
Yes, this is classical music. George Frederic Handel wrote “Water Music” in 1717 as an apology piece to his former employer King George I. Handel sailed down the Thames River in England and enchanted the King to the extent that he was re-hired. History is cool, guys! And this summer when you’re looking for some instrumental music to accompany your history homework, “Water Music” is the way to go.
Bed of Stars — “I’ll Cross Oceans”
Bed of Stars is actually local musician Evan Konrad, who grew up in Abbotsford but is now making it big in Vancouver (closer to the sea). The album I Fell in Love in the City uses a lot of classic instrumentals — but always has one unique twist to keep you on your toes. This song is great for setting up a picnic outside, or getting ready to look fresh for that special sailing partner.
Stan Rogers — “Northwest Passage”
If you’re visiting a majestic part of Canada, this is a great song that brings tears to the eyes of anyone looking out over a large cliff or driving across a wide stretch of prairie. Stan Rogers passed away in 1983 while travelling — but his a cappella vocals sing on, having brought a rich texture to Canadian folk music.
