AN OPEN LETTER TO THE VINYL CAFE’S STUART McLEAN

THE GREAT OUTDOORS – The Garden 

Greetings Mr. McLean,

Thanks so much for featuring The Great Outdoors‘ song ‘The Garden’ on your Vinyl Cafe this weekend. It was really an honour. And it has catapulted The Great Outdoors back into the number one slot at DDG Records. Yes, they are now officially my favourite band here at my beloved label. I know what you are thinking. You are concerned the other bands on DDG Records might read this and think that I don’t care about them as much. Not to worry. They knew that a long time ago. And besides, it’s kind of my management style. I did the same thing with my four kids. Every six months or so I would sit them down and tell them which one I loved the most and where the other three subsequently ranked. It was very effective. They were great kids. I can’t understand why now as adults they’re all such a complete and utter mess. Big time issues. I mean, none of them have even talked to me in the past eight and a half years. Between you and me, a lot of the blame probably lies with their mothers. Those three ladies screwed those four kids up something fierce. But I digress.

Anyways, I really am a fan and just wanted to express my gratitude for letting us be part of your weekly institution. You know, there are all kinds of different ways you can show the world you’re a true Canadian.  You can win an Olympic gold medal in hockey then smoke cigars and drink beer at center ice…

Smoke 'em if ya got 'em

You can get some oh-so-Canadian, witty-but-not-too-offensive-style tattoo plastered somewhere on your body. (Though honestly, I think getting such a  tattoo is really more about getting laid on vacation than it is about nationalism. Ah Mexico, you really must think you are the intellectual powerhouse of this continent. I know I would.)…

"You have Corona down here, eh?"

 Or, you can have one of your songs spun on Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe.

The Great Outdoors happened to be in a cold, mystic wooded area full of blue trees when they heard the good news. They laughed with glee. Then then got the hell out of there.

So thanks again, Mr. McLean. The Great Outdoors appreciate it, DDG Records appreciates it (even those artists I presently think less of – I am talking to you, RC of Kingsway), and Jon Raw appreciates it. If you get a chance, come visit us next time you’re out west. I always have a nice bottle of scotch on hand. I will make sure RC has the good tumblers washed and ready.

Shine on you crazy diamond(s).

Jon Raw
owner/operator
DDG Records

posted: April 12, 2010