Michael Barclay

Michael Barclay documents Canadian popular music as a journalist and author, concentrating on the artists, scenes, and institutions that shaped it. Have Not Been the Same, first published by ECW Press in 2001 and revised in 2011, was written equally with Ian A.D. Jack and Jason Schneider. Subtitled The CanRock Renaissance 1985-1995, the book traces a decade in which independent labels, campus radio, MuchMusic, and regional communities helped musicians reach wider audiences. Extensive interviews support its accounts of performers including Blue Rodeo, the Tragically Hip, Sarah McLachlan, Sloan, and Barenaked Ladies. Barclay explicitly identifies the project as a three-author collaboration, an important distinction from listings that place only his name first. His later books include The Never-Ending Present, about Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip, and Hearts on Fire, which examines Canadian music during 2000-2005. Have Not Been the Same remains foundational to that continuing work of cultural history and informed music criticism.