We hear a lot about bands tapping into nostalgic sounds these days, which in itself opens a discussion about the state of the modern musical landscape, but that is for another time. But for me, the more pertinent question is where nostalgia ends and classic starts, and then where do labels such as vintage, archaic, and even timeless fit into the equation?
I mention this because “Canada,” the latest one from The State Champions, is one of those songs that could easily be labelled with any one of those, or all, or perhaps something different altogether, depending on your point of view.
This opening salvo of their latest album Independant Record is many things, and those things may be different for each individual, depending on your worldview, or at least your musical reference points, like holding a jewel up to the light and watching the colours change as you turn it.
Hold this one way and see, or should that be hear, a deft piece of modern Americana. Turn it another, and the early ballads of R.E.M. are evoked. Let the light catch it differently, and perhaps The Band and their resilience to the fickle winds of fad or fashion is called to mind. Turn it a final time, and all manner of old-time music, cowboy campfire, and folk history echo through this sonic gem.
It’s a gorgeous, understated song, but more than anything else, it is the perfect argument for buying Independent Record immediately.
