Information/Write-up
This two-disc set captures the inaugural 2004 Nakusp Music Fest lineup — a mix of Canadian indie acts, rock icons, and regional talent. The volunteer-run festival was held in Nakusp, British Columbia, from 2004 to 2011, set against a striking mountain-and-lake backdrop.
Skavenjah – “What Gives You the Right” / “Here Comes Trouble”
Formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, in the early 1990s, Skavenjah became one of Canada’s longest-running ska and reggae bands. Their debut cassette Put Some Skank In Your Tank (1994) was followed by All Dressed Up (1997), Little Monsters (1999), Light It Up (2003), and El Ritmo de la Vida (2007).
The Harlots – “Afraid of Mice” / “Alien”
From Winnipeg, Manitoba, The Harlots emerged in the late 1990s with a sharp, hook-heavy rock sound that earned them multiple Manitoba Music Awards, including Best Independent Album. Their discography includes The Harlots (1998), Crawl Spaces (2003), and Connoisseur of Ruin (2006).
Insipid – “Diving Veins” / “Nothing”
A Regina punk/alt-rock band active in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Insipid released a self-titled CD in 2003 — a limited independent pressing featuring both tracks on this set.
Sons of Daughters – “Drop Me in the Well” / “Scripts and Stories”
The Vancouver-based country/roots duo of Chrystal Leigh and Jimmy Thow developed their sound on the West Coast club and festival circuit before later relocating to Nashville. These early recordings capture their folk-inflected beginnings, years before later singles like “Ain’t Gonna Be Lonely Long” and “I Picture You” brought them wider recognition.
Jason Plumb – “Satellite” / “Back at Me”
The former Waltons frontman released Under and Over (2003), which features both tracks on this set.
Trooper – “Round Round We Go” / “We’re Here for a Good Time”
Formed in Vancouver in 1975, Trooper became one of Canada’s most celebrated rock bands, earning multiple platinum albums and a string of radio staples. “We’re Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time)” comes from Knock ‘Em Dead Kid (1977), while “Round Round We Go” appears on Thick as Thieves (1978).
Wide Mouth Mason – “Smile” / “Breathe Out”
From Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wide Mouth Mason debuted with the independent The Nazarene (1996) before signing to a major label for Wide Mouth Mason (1997) and Where I Started (1999). Stew (2000) includes both “Smile” and “Breathe Out,” while Rained Out Parade (2002) pushed into funkier and more experimental territory.
-Robert Williston
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