A few weeks back, Corb Lund performed his new song, The Oil's Back in Town, prior to the Oilers Pay-Per-View game against Nashville Predators. Oh mid-December; how I miss you and those days gone by when we had some hope for this season...
Even though the season is in the dumps, there is a great new song available from Corb that will be sure to help you forget about this season and remember the better days of the Copper and Blue. Corb recently released the track on ITunes as a $0.99 download, with all proceeds going to benefit the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation.
My sincere thanks to Corb for agreeing to sit down with Low on Oil and answer a few questions about the song and his favourite team, your Edmonton Oilers. [Follow the jump for the Corb Lund interview]
1. I heard a rumour a couple of years back that you were toying with a song about the Oilers. Is ‘The Oil's Back in Town' the song you always had in mind or did the idea evolve over time?
I had intended for a long time to re-write/modify "Roughest Neck Around" for that purpose. It kind of fits too, since the original song is about oil riggers. It took way longer than I thought. Probably four years or so. Sometimes songs have to percolate for awhile. Once I got the chorus it turned the corner and I got it done. The chorus took awhile. Just have to wait for things to come together in your head sometimes; direct focus doesn't always win the day when it comes to creativity.
2. How did the direct involvement with the Edmonton Oilers come about for the project? Perhaps you can shed a little light to our readers on how they can purchase the song and where the proceeds from sales are being donated.
CISN was playing the song before each Oilers broadcast early on in the season and putting in highlights from the previous game into the breaks between verses. Then we started talking to the team, and we all thought tying it into the Oilers Community Foundation was a great idea. So now you can buy the song on iTunes, and the proceeds go to the Foundation, which funds a number of local Edmonton causes. I believe in local charity much more than large scale stuff. You can see where the money's going, and there isn't a huge bureaucracy involved, like in big multi-national charities. Also, the Oilers Foundation funds Inner City High School, where a good friend of mine teaches, and he tells me it's doing a lot of good.
3. Do you fear any repercussions in Alberta from those misguided fans that cheer for the Flames and may not have been aware of where your allegiances lay? Whenever you are in Calgary for a show and play ‘Hurtin Albertans' and sing about heading done to the Saddledome for the Oilers at the Flames, I always laugh at the big cheer from the crowd. I don't think they realize you are headed to the Dome to cheer on the Oil!
Well, I have to be honest. I'm one of those people who doesn't actually HATE the flames. In fact I'll cheer for either team against anyone else. I grew up just north of the Montana border. But in the Battle of Alberta, I'm Oilers all the way. I know some people consider this heresy, but I actually dig both teams. Provincial loyalty, I guess. Similarly, at this point, I'll pretty much cheer for any Canadian club against Amerikan teams.
4. Can you walk us through your history as an Oilers fan? Any favourite memories or heartbreaks you want to share?
Well, I'm of the generation that was watching Gretzky turn the game upside down when I was a really little kid. So it's pretty hard not to be moved by that. I remember when he did 50 goals in 39 games in '82, and Mike Bossy had got a lot of press for doing 50 in 50 the year before. I kept asking my dad how he did it, and that was the first time as a kid I had the realization that Gretzky was a special player. And the Taber rodeo, where I'm from, used to always be on the May long weekend. I used to ride steers when I was a kid, and they'd always interrupt the rodeo to announce the Oilers' scores against Philly or the Islanders. Pretty awesome.
5. When you recently released your last album, Losin' Lately Gambler, you paired it up with a limited edition DVD of your Rattling Sabres tour show at Rexall. How was that experience? Was the band allowed access to the Oilers dressing room to play a little ping pong before the show?
It was awesome! All the cup banners were staring me in the face the whole time I played. For an Edmontonian, it was very moving. And the DVD turned out great! Funny because at the time I was living just off 118 ave and 97 st, so it was right in my neighborhood. And ya we got the dressing room tour...pretty swanky.
6. In no-limit hold-em, any opening hand that scares you more than a pair of jacks? It seems like you have to play them fast and aggressive, but they always seem to get out drawn by someone with an ace or king.
Pot limit omaha is a man's game.
I always thought it would be fun to play some cards with Corb, but now I must admit a bit of fear and trepidation. I think I might be beat before we even sit down at the table!
Thanks again for your time Corb. I'm sure Oilers fans will give you a warm welcome home to Edmonton for your shows on February 25th and 26th. I'll see you next time you are in Cowtown.
Jonathan doesn't typically listen to music that features a double-bass and a slide guitar but happily makes an exception for Corb Lund and Hurtin' Albertans. He writes about less depressing sports topics than the Oilers on his blog, The Sports Juice.
I think this is great. I am actually a Flames fan - but will support any Canadian team when it comes to the playoffs. We all know that the Flames can make it to the first round but then fail – as a Canadian fan you need to keep an open mind.
I always find it interesting to learn about artists and actors who enjoy the game of hockey and have the passion like Corb Lund. Certainly the game of hockey could use more famous fans and having guys like Jonathon Joyce giving us an insight into their hockey interest and background is great. The game of hockey is amazing and it reaches people around the world. Not only is this a great song – but he helps out charity at the same time.
+1
... written by Jay M, January 15, 2010
Great interview guys! I missed part of the song when it played before the PPV game since I ordered the game a little bit late. I really enjoyed hearing the song and the history behind it too.
I also grew up during the 'dynasty' years for the Oilers and it sure was something watching Gretzky, Kurri, and Messier (among others) jump over the boards.
Thanks to Corb Lund for providing this interview. Also, it's great to hear that the proceeds of the song are going to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation!
Caught this on the PPV awhile back (yes I actually order the PPVs still )...
Good interview, JJ. I'm not a country fan at all, but how can you not like an Oil-based tune? Interesting stuff about him cheering for both Alberta teams.. not sure how that's even possible!
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Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!
I always find it interesting to learn about artists and actors who enjoy the game of hockey and have the passion like Corb Lund. Certainly the game of hockey could use more famous fans and having guys like Jonathon Joyce giving us an insight into their hockey interest and background is great. The game of hockey is amazing and it reaches people around the world. Not only is this a great song – but he helps out charity at the same time.