According to a Queer Grrrl:Cover Me Canada! Paul Anka and the Eve of Halloween

Well peeps, it’s getting down the wire with CBC’s Cover Me Canada If you didn’t get a chance to catch the show last Sunday night on CBC at nine, then sit back and let me fill you in on some of the juicier bits. I promise, not to spoil TOO much if you aren’t quite up to speed on where the contest is at this exact moment in time.

The show has kept the competitors going with challenges to cover great Canadian music. Sunday, Oct 23, Episode 6 of the show, came with a twist. Paul Anka a Canadian music legend in the music industry, was a guest judge on the show. He got to decide the fate of the competitors. He gave ALL bands immunity to continue to Episode 7.

Paul Anka’s career expands as far back to the 1960s. Performing his own music is just the start of what he has done. He has written iconic songs for highly regarded artists in the music industry. Frank Sinatra would have not had his signature song, “My Way” if Paul Anka had not translated the song from French to English. Tom Jones sung “She’s a Lady”, so well, he had women throwing their underwear on the stage when he was performing.

This new Immunity Twist was only for Episode 6. The bands STILL have to create their own hype to gain immunity, and ultimately, become the winners of the contest. Up for grabs? “A $100,000 cash prize, a recording contract for their first original single to be released by Universal Music Canada, as well as featured airplay of their single on CBC Radio.”

Each of the bands was to cover one of Paul Anka’s songs. Remember folks, these song are chosen by the show. The contestants have to work with whatever they are given as the challenge. The competitors do NOT have it easy. This contest is pushing these bands to new creative limits.

Melanie Morgan Band

O my Melanie Morgan did Puppy Love with wild abandon. I loved her firey red dress and sexy look when she approached the mic. Her performance was so hot, it could have melted cinnamon heart candies.

Whos Army

Ron Fair and and Paul Anka raved about the musical arrangement of Lonely Boy The lead singer added his guitar stylings with the band. They rocked out hard and LOUD on the tune. The crowd, as always, went crazy for their home grown Toronto band.

Ali Milner

Ali Milner, gave a “ska” shake down to the song Put your head on My Shoulder She incorporated her unique jazz style approach to her performance. She is a lot of fun to watch, and you can tell she’s really having fun at what she’s doing.

Warren Dean Flandez

Diana became “dirty” Diana, according to judges Deborah Cox and Jordan Knight. I agree. He delivered a perfect gothic love song. His strong, soul sound echoed in his voice even though the arrangement was quite dark.

The eVe of Halloween

The benefit for all of Episode’s 6′s efforts are showcased with 4 bands,instead of just 3, performing and collaborating. Episode 7, “Celebrity Mentors Behind the Scenes” on Oct 30, 2011, Cover Me Canada posted proudly on their website.

“Tonight’s episode of Cover Me Canada will feature appearances from Alannah Myles, David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Alan Frew (Glass Tiger), Brian Vollmer (Helix) and Bill Henderson (Chilliwack).” Basically, the twist this week was totally brutal. The bands had to sing WITH the Originial Artist. But they had a “BONUS: George Stroumboulopoulos will add some real-talk smoothness tonight as a guest judge. If you aren’t looking forward to that, then we fear you have a heart of glass.”

Ron Fair said it at the beginning of the show “Do the math. Four bands, three weeks, only one will win.” Rumour has it that the bands who have been sent home, will be coming back. Who won immunity? Who was sent home at the end of Episode 7?

To answer that question click here By the time of this blog’s publish date all would have been revealed. The four bands were collaborating, and performing duets with Canadian Music Alumni from the retro era’s of the 60′s to the 80′s. I wasn’t sitting in the audience this time, but I kept track watching it at home.

Who’s Army harmonic interpretation of Someday joined forces with Alan Frew from Glass Tiger Lead singer Travis Wood’s focused performance blended so well with the genuine meaning behind the tune.

Melaine Morgain delivered Heavy Metal Love with Brian Vollmer of Helix so well, she made you forget that she was a country singer. 180 degree difference in her performance from week six. It was fun to watch the entire band get into the song and really perform.

Alannah Myles and Ali Milner, performed Black Velvet with Ali behind the piano. Ali had big shoes to fill, sitting beside the rock godess of 80′s Canadian music. I loved hearing these two women perform together.

Warren Dean Flandez sang Youve Made Me So Very Happy with David Clayton-Thomas . It had that same feeling as the original, with a 2011 punch. WDF, as known by his followers, really looked like he was having a blast on stage.

GO VOTE!

This is a GREAT opportunity to start following, tweeting, liking and sharing. If you are already a fan then you already know what to do. Get your favourite bands “social media score” the highest for them to win immunity. Just click HERE to vote!

words by shona
photo credit Emile Faga