The Rural Alberta Advantage formed in 2006 and put out its self-titled debut EP that same year. Since, the Toronto trio has released two full-lengths. Vocalist/keyboardist Amy Cole has been so kind as to make MAGNET a mix tape. Enjoy it below.
Tom Petty “American Girl”
This is my go-to jukebox song. A great band we used to play shows with all the time, the Wooden Sky, does a fantastic cover of it as well. They once dedicated it to me at a show, and I swooned. You would, too! Video
Alvvays “Adult Diversion“
My favorite new band of the year. And they’re from Toronto! Video
Dennis Wilson “Dreamer“
I love every choice the horn section makes in this song. Video
Doves “Pounding“
This song brings back memories of U.K.-themed dance nights at Toronto’s finest dive bars in the early 2000s. It never fails to make me smile. Video
Charles Bradley “Lovin’ You, Baby“ (Live On KEXP)
We saw Charles Bradley play an after-party at a festival last summer, and it was just an incredible experience. If you ever get the chance to see him live, do it. Video
Hayden “Bad As They Seem“
I saw Hayden play at a tiny all-ages club when I was 15. It was my first concert ever. I bought a T-shirt, and I asked Hayden to sign it and he said yes, and I just about died. Now we have mutual acquaintances, but I’m still nervous to meet him again. Video
The Hold Steady “Constructive Summer“
This song brings me right back to our first summer on tour. It captures the “what the hell is going to happen next” kind of exhilaration we had when we first started crossing the border and playing shows (legally). Video
The National “Don’t Swallow The Cap“
There are a lot of songs I would like to choose from this band, and I went through a few before narrowing it down, but this is my favourite off the newest record. I love the vocal layers, the simple piano, the lyrics: all of it. Video
Pepper Rabbit “The Annexation Of Puerto Rico“
We had the good fortune of touring with this late, great band. The boys have gone on to bigger and better things, but I miss them very much. Video
CSNY “Suite Judy Blue Eyes” (Live At Woodstock)
This is a great performance, but my favourite thing about it is the end, when they confess to the crowd that it’s their second gig ever! Woodstock! Can you imagine? Video