I must ask one of those questions that seems really dumb but may possibly demonstrate the sort of rock insight that’s characteristic of our special powers as Townspeople:
Beside Barenaked Ladies, has Canada produced any humor-centric bands?
This question came to me as I watched an SCTV special on my local public television station, which is in fundraising season. I was thinking about all the great Canadian comedians and cool musical parodies that they have done as part of their act, and then it occurred to me that I couldn’t think of many Canadian bands that have humor as a central part of their act.
Am I missing someone obvious? I mean, Neil Young can be funny, but that’s not anywhere near his defining musical characteristic. Rush is very funny, but not intentionally so. Where’s the Canadian Frank Zappa? The Quebecois They Might Be Giants? The Saskatchewan Bonzo Dog Band? With the high percentage of funny people in Canada, is it simply a matter of good taste that their citizens steer clear of entering the world of comedy rock, or is the pull of actual comedy so great that the funniest people up north consider rock ‘n roll a minor diversion, as a Canadian hockey fan might consider taking in an occasional Toronto Blue Jays game?
Or am I not thinking of a dozen Canadian bands that center their act around their sense of humor?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9F_XHb81N0
My old Canadian pal Bob Wiseman is the rare act that is equally funny and musical. He’s worked with Bruce McCullough of KIDS IN THE HALL. This minute and a half video is a great example. I laugh, or at least smile every time I watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-JqqtzzhSw
I didn’t know Moxy Fruvous was Canadian, cher. They’re the kind of band I’d expect Canada would produce by the case.
Bob Wiseman is a GREAT one, db. He’s exactly the kind of high-quality, humorous rock ‘n roll musician I would think Canada would be best equipped to turn out.
I think Rush can be intentionally funny – look at Geddy Lee bringing washing machines or roasters on stage instead of a wall of amps. And, of course, his participation in “Take Off.”
I was surprised to see a Jann Arden show billing her as a “comedienne,” as her music isn’t at all funny. Also, although Catherine O’Hara is funny, her sister Mary Margaret, is not – or again, her music isn’t. Though apparently, also, she’s insane.
Dan Bryk can be funny, but that’s not really his main thing – he’s more into self-defeated irony:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdChSoPaYc4
I suppose some would consider the punk-era band Battered Wives comical, especially their classic “Uganda Stomp,” (“bomp Idi bomp!”) and the unbelievable “Lovers’ Balls.” Some of us might disqualify them from any positive comic status because of their name alone, though.
Are you suggesting that Barenaked Ladies are funny? Or merely that that have have humorous intent?
Definitely a case of intent when it comes to Barenaked Ladies, misterioso. I can’t believe the rock police didn’t break up that video shoot with all the crimes committed.
That is a relief, Mr. Mod. Saves my having to find a lot of synonyms for “sucks.”
This photo of Barenaked Ladies says a lot, especially since it was their album cover (now changed):
http://iusedtohavehair.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/barenaked-ladies-gordon.jpg
This Kim Stockwood song has a humorous undertone to it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue4_IEbsgis
I hope we get to hear from our Official RTH Vancouver Olympics correspondent, Northvancoveman, on this subject. The more I look into this the more I think that avenues for comedians are so promising in Canada that rock ‘n roll is an afterthought for the country’s funniest minds. For instance, I’d bet Canadian comedians get laid a lot more than Canadian musicians.
I’d like to imply something salacious about Neko Case at this point.