by SHANE SINNOTT

Oh Canada! The big day is upon us! So, are you going to Ottawa? Getting a flag to show your pride? No, of course you’re not. This is Canada. At the very least, though, let’s listen to some of my favourite Canadian music.

The Deadly Snakes, “Closed Casket”: The now-defunct Deadly Snakes were one of the country’s greatest rock bands and amazing live performers. “Closed Casket” is the first track from their album Ode to Joy, which is one of the best rock records going. It’s short, the lyrics are dark and creepy, the drumming is incredible, and it’s super loud. It’s also not the one from the car commercials, though that one’s good too. www.tinyurl.com/3y3bwo

The Unicorns, “Jellybones”: Also defunct, the Unicorns, who were based here, and half of which went on to form Islands, made some of the most original pop I’ve ever heard. “Jellybones,” in just over two-and-a-half minutes, feels epic—there are a half-dozen distinct “parts” to the song, and none are stuck on for too long. www.tinyurl.com/2f7xnr

Joni Mitchell, “A Case of You”: The classic Joni Mitchell song. Plus, she’s from Saskatoon, which is about as Canadian as you can get. Depending on whether or not you happen to be longing for someone, this song is either beautiful or depressing as fuck. Either feeling should inspire repeat plays. www.tinyurl.com/2uun7e

Sloan, “Underwhelmed”: In 1993, Geffen released Smeared and tried to position Sloan as a Canadian grunge act. It’s hardly that, but “Underwhelmed” remains a high point of Canadian early-’90s alternative music, and it speaks to something particular about our country that the chorus of a band’s hit can be “I missed the point.” www.tinyurl.com/2u3bhb

godspeed you! black emperor, “Storm”: Again from Montreal, and legendary, the first track from Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven is one of the best album openers ever, from a band that will be remembered as post-rock giants. The first six minutes will leave you completely transfixed as you try to figure out how the melody keeps rising. www.tinyurl.com/2rocre