September 1, 2011: This week’s column is a farewell to summer, or perhaps more specifically an ode to the ending of summer romances. There are many, many songs devoted to the topic, probably because of the evocative nature of the ephemeral summer fling. The best songs seem to be about poignant topics, and what’s more heart-wrenching than saying goodbye to your summer love? Summerlong – Emm Gryner Emm Gry... Read Article

August 18, 2011: Everyone has a favourite song, including musicians, whose favourites presumably include those written by other songwriters. Here's a collection of my favourite cover songs, well-known tunes that have been newly interpreted by artists and bands other than the original composer. 99 Problems – Hugo My favourite memory of Jay-Z’s rather profane party anthem is of the day I strolled through ... Read Article

August 11, 2011: This playlist is less about songs for the road and more about tunes suited to a popular summer road trip destination, the cottage. The arrangements are laid back, the melodies pretty and the lyrics suggestive of rural locales. Fell off the Dock – Jim Bryson Two things happened before Ottawa's Jim Bryson recorded his most recent album. First, he moved back to the semi-rural neighbourhood he... Read Article

August 4, 2011: Kid-specific music is nothing new. I remember listening to Raffi when I was little, before my parents felt I was “old enough” to “understand” their music, which included the likes of Queen and ABBA. These days, bands like Australia's The Wiggles are popular with young ears. As a music obsessive, I honestly don't think it's necessary to keep children away from popular music, as long as the ... Read Article

July 28, 2011: This week's Tune Up highlights artists you probably haven't heard of, though not through your lack of attention or their lack of trying. These are musicians with serious songwriting talent and musical chops who have either taken a pass on big-time commercial success, or who simply haven't attracted the attention of a money-hungry mainstream music industry that prefers more radio-friendly mega-star... Read Article

July 14, 2011: This week's Summer Tune-up column comes courtesy of Autos.ca Assistant Editor and music lover, Jil McIntosh. My taste in music is all over the map: I have season’s tickets to the opera, but I’m just as likely to be listening to 1970s pop music on my iPod. Thanks to many trips to New Orleans, I’ve become a fan of zydeco and Cajun music; I have a soft spot for “real” country music (yes,... Read Article

June 30, 2011: On the cusp of Canada Day, I thought it a good time to celebrate a few songs by some of this country's best-loved artists and bands. The focus is on bands that are known best here at home, and whose songs have what could be considered a uniquely Canadian sound. I've done my best to include bands from cities across the country, to shine a light on the many Canadian cities that boast thriving music ... Read Article