Why You Should Be Listening to Kathleen Edwards
431 Morris Avenue
There are countless reasons to love Canada, but their musical contributions alone could top the list. From legends like Neil Young, The Band, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, to modern indie staples like Stars and The New Pornographers—Canada’s impact on music is undeniable. And let’s not forget Loverboy. (OK, definitely not Loverboy.)
Kathleen Edwards is a singer-songwriter I’ve been following for a while, and she deserves a spot in any conversation about Canada’s finest. Known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and a seamless blend of alt-country, folk, and rock, Edwards delivers raw, unfiltered storytelling that feels both intimate and powerful. Whether she’s unpacking heartbreak or reflecting on her own journey, her voice cuts through with haunting clarity. Lyrically introspective and sonically rich, her albums have cemented her status as one of Canada’s most compelling singer-songwriters. For fans of Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, Neko Case, and Gillian Welch, Kathleen Edwards is a must-listen.
Where to Begin
Six O’clock News
Glenfern
Back to Me
Bonus Track
John Doe from the seminal LA punk band X released a solo album in 2007 and the standout track, The Golden State, featured a killer duet with Kathleen Edwards.
The Golden State
As always, start with these tracks and if you like ‘em, I encourage you to dive deeper into her catalog. Every album is a winner.
But Wait, There’s More…
I highly recommend reading Orbital by Samantha Harvey, the 2024 Booker Prize winner. Harvey masterfully captures a day in the life of six astronauts orbiting the Earth, her prose as stunningly poetic as a painting rendered in words. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Music Quote of the Week
“The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” Bruce Springsteen
Stay tuned for more music recs. Hope you find something you love.
Dave
For Paul and Jimmy
Love it! I kept going and found the album covers, with a sweet version of Tom Petty’s Crawling Back to You. And Supertramp’s Logical Song, which brought back this prescient lyric: “now, watch what you say, they'll be calling you a radical!
A liberal, oh, fanatical, criminal! Oh, won't you sign up your name? We'd like to feel you're acceptable, Respectable, oh, presentable, a vegetable!”
Enjoyed The Golden State!