I’ve written before (here, here, and here) about how much our family enjoys and learns from Mike Ford‘s first Canadian history CD, “Canada Needs You, Volume 1”. Mike, who used to play with Moxy Früvous, is one of the few people in this country nowadays doing his darndest to make Canadian history popular and appealing for young people.
Back in 2005, the CD was nominated for a Juno (Canadian Grammy) for Best Children’s Album. The 12 songs from pre-1905 Canada include I’m Gonna Roam, Thanadelthur, Les Voyageurs, The Oak Island Mystery, La Patriote, Turn Them Ooot, Sir John A. — You’re O.K., D’Arcy McGee, Louis & Gabriel, Canada Needs You, A Woman Works Twice As Hard, and I’ve Been Everywhere; and though there won’t be a test after this post, here’s a little historical background on the songs.
So mark your calendar, Canadians, because in plenty of time for Canada Day, Mike’s latest CD, “Canada Needs You, Volume 2” will be out on June 3 (I believe I’ve got that right). Songs on the new album, focusing on life in the Great White North after 1905, include: Creeping Barrage, In Winnipeg, Tea Party, Talkin’ Ten Lost Years, Let’s Mobilize!, Canada Doesn’t Need You, Joey Smallwood, Maurice Richard, Expo 67!, Open For Business, The Giants (Clayoquot Trials), and I’m Gonna Roam Again.
To see if Mike Ford will be playing near you (and selling the new CD after each show), check his schedule. And if you’re in Toronto and free this Saturday evening, you can head over to the release party at 8:30 pm at Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St. W. Toronto (close to Dundas West Subway); 416-531-6604. And if you have a student in school in Ontario, you can book Mike for what sound like very lively and highly educational performances.
I don’t get a cut or even a free CD, but just want to spread the news about a very worthwhile Canadian history resource, and some very good music to boot.
Filed under: Canadian history, Canadiana, Civics, Education, Fun & Games, Music |
Farm School, Farm House 
Mike Ford used to play wit Jian Gomeshi? How funny is that. I still have fond memories of listening to a fill-in summer show Jian did on the CBC a couple of years ago. He had the Bare Naked Ladies call in with silly advice, had a very odd friend (who lived in his parents’ basement) travel around looking for strange things to comment on, and a multitude of other equally hilarious things go on. I’m not a huge fan of his new CBC show, but I still remember that summer program with great fondness. Gee, some segue, eh?
Ain’t it a wonderful country?! I rather like Q, but then we don’t have much of choice as far as decent radio, and from 2 on is when I get to have the radio on.
My kids have begged dad to download it the minute it pops up on itunes or other services. They are literally chomping at the bit.
We are considering a trip to see him this summer if we can fit it in to our plans. He’s doing a few things near here.
I haven’t been blog hopping much lately – I’ve missed yours.
K