Up

Right after I complain about a mediocre Canadian alternative rock band I get this the day after... PSYCHE! Nah this album is awesome, and while it definitely exists in that sphere of Canadian alt rock this is a lot different in many ways, the primary being that it's Celtic rock and Celtic folk primarily. To draw a comparison from the main list, think The Pogues but less punky and aggressive.

As stated Up is Celtic themed, so expect fiddles, accordions, and jaunty Irish tunes. The songs are a mix of originals by the band, covers of old folk songs, and just covers in general (the first song is by Slade!), I feel like this mix plays an important role however as it means you get a mix of Celtic themed rock tunes, pop tunes, and the old fashioned stuff which gives it a well balanced flow. The more inaccessible stuff doesn't last too long because theres probably an original pop song around the corner.

Great Big Sea pull from a lot of different Celtic styles in this album. There's folk from the British isles (as you would expect) , as well as sea shanties, old working class folk songs, and even a style of folk called Newfoundland folk, which I wasn't aware was a thing. Lyrically the topics that are handled include: working class issues and life, ye olde tunes about a popular wench, and the heartland and how great it is to be Canadian/a Newfoundlander. The last song is delivered with such passion that it almost makes me (someone with no association with canada, nor stepped foot there) proud to be a Newfoundlander.

There's not just the Celtic folk tracks though, Great Big Sea also write their own songs which tend to be more in the realm of folk rock/jangle pop/alt rock, and they prove that the Celtic theme isn't just a gimmick and they're talented songwriters in their own right. They have a particular talent for guitar based hooks and they often employ a jangly guitar sound for many of their own tracks, which likely comes from their association with Celtic music.

Should it be in the main list: Probably not, but I will never turn down more fun Celtic music in the list, plus it gives representation to Newfoundland, if that was needed.

Top 3 songs: Goin' Up, Buying Time, The Jolly Butcher

Sea shanties are just goofy I'm sorry. It just kinda makes me cringe.