By Paul Falardeau (Arts & Life Editor) – Email
Cities seem to find their way into songs as often as people do; after all they’re full of people – so they must be full of inspiration, right?
Ray Charles – “Georgia on My Mind”
OK, that’s a state, but you get it. The great Ray Charles really brings the soul to this yearning and soulful classic. In fact, who wants a Mint Julep?
Nirvana – Frances Farmer Will have Her Revenge on Seattle
Kurt Cobain’s song of anger (with a name like that, really?) at the city that made him famous finds him imagining his daughter as the vehicle for retribution. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a masterful example of Nirvana’s loud/quiet dynamism. Well Frances?
Gil Scot Heron – “Washington DC”
The ever wonderful rapper-poet Gil Scot Heron comes through with a less than favourable track about the US capital city. The rhymes are clever and the music is simple yet evocative.
Japandroids – “Rockers East Vancouver”
A song about your favourite (closest) big city with an aggressive, yet somehow reluctant, sounding rhythm that challenges you not to get on your air instrument of choice. Ready for hot summer nights.
