Posted on March 29, 2010 - by Editor

“True North, Strong & Free!” No.4

Taron Cochrane

“True North, Strong & Free!”
Random Thoughts straight from a Friendly Canadian’s Punk Rock Journal.

Growing up in the small prairie town of Strasbourg, Saskatchewan (an hour from the nearest city) had its’ advantages and its’ definite disadvantages; punk rock shows were a rarity. As a plaid pants sporting, liberty-spiked 15 year-old, standing in line for a punk show was nothing but a distant dream.

When the bands I listened to like clockwork from day-to-day were coming my way, I was unfortunately trapped without a driving license or a car.  Thankfully, one day was different and there I stood on the streets of Regina, Saskatchewan, in line for my first ever punk show.  With my best friend’s 1979 Buick and its’ extremely cold air conditioning system a few blocks away from the venue, filled to the brim with cheap (and disgusting) beer, I was set.  Nothing could have removed the smile from my face.  So there I stood, a few moments away from being covered in wall-to-wall punk rock, screaming the lyrics I had known so well at the top of my lungs.

The line-up featured three bands.  Two of them picked from obscurity and the headliner a current Canadian favorite…Portage La Prairie’s own political punk upstarts, Propagandhi.  Actually come to think of it, I believe the opening bands have since gone back into that obscurity, never to be heard from again.  Anyways that will be another column, back to the task at hand; a belly full of cheap beer and a night of first-time entertainment awaited me.

The opening bands, G.I. Joke and Proposition 304 weren’t actually all that bad.  Some stark similarities to current popular bands such as Screeching Weasel and Green Day but, nonetheless, a good show that was well worth the wait.  Directly following the opening acts, the crowd was treated to an hour long lecture from a solitary individual covering many topics such as feminine rights, disgust for homophobes and the wrongs and injustice of the Government.  While the lone speaker went to great lengths to get his point across, he was barraged with boos, hisses and the occasional cheer.  I still to this day cannot figure out if the crowd was actually booing the topics he discussed or the fact that Propagandhi wasn’t on the stage yet.  For society’s sake, I certainly hope it was the latter.

Finally, the moment had come!  This is what I had been waiting months (even years) for.  A good old fashioned punk show, just like the ones I had envisioned in my head as my CD collection rapidly grew.  And just as I had expected, Propagandhi didn’t disappoint.  The venue was sweating with people everywhere, the place turned into an absolute madhouse.  D.O.A’s political voice had not only left its mark on this culture, it had started a full scale riot.

As the crowd flew into a chaotic frenzy, Propagandhi went into an extensive catalogue from their two current Fat Wreck chord releases, “How to Clean Everything” and “Less Talk, More Rock”.  Each song ended with witty banter, a thought provoking message or a lyric inspired story.  I was in my glory.  This was not only a monumental night for me personally; it was also a glimpse into the beginning of an amazing career for Canada’s current leaders in political-punk, Propagandhi.

Propagandhi gained notoriety and garnered much of their success in the 90’s after a chance encounter with NOFX’s Fat Mike. Their Fat Wreck Chords debut, “How to Clean Everything” not only featured their signature tongue-in cheek commentary on serious issues, it also delivered a much needed fix of punk rock to the jilted masses.

Songs such as, “Middle Finger Response” and “Who Will Help Me Make This Bread?” paved a rebellious path of social, environmental and personal change.

As each album progressed so did the various relief efforts and positive actions of the band.  Throughout their career, Propagandhi has walked the walk and talked the talk. Exclusive downloads with the profits going to an appropriate cause; benefit shows and so many more affirmative actions have always been top priority for these guys.

With their latest album (and fifth full length to date), “Supporting Cast(e)” giving the fans the music and message they love, the world was also shown the bands musical prowess and talents as they paid homage to their 80’s heavy metal influences.

In short, Propagandhi has a career of music, education and entertainment that is actually quite unbelievable.  Albums, EPs, change & promise of a better world are a few of the gifts this band has given us. (Not forgetting an amazing Cheap Trick cover!). So, I say let’s return the favour and support this band with everything we’ve got!  Your heart, mind and ears will thank-you.

Before I go, I want to mention that as I sit here & write this column, the band has just announced that they are releasing an exclusive three-song EP of unreleased material to support, “Partners in Health” and are also seven songs in to a label-less sixth album.  With that being said, what  better time than now to get your self educated with this band and their work?  It will be a decision you surely will not regret.

Until next time…keep fightin’ the good fight, I know I will be!
Taron.