Even though our traditional alliances on the Straight Although we veer toward unvarnished punk, gunsmoke country, underground alternative, classic hip-hop, and candy crunch pop, we’ll argue long and hard that “Turn Me Loose” is one of the best songs to ever come out of this (even in summer) flooded city.
Do you need proof? Glad you asked.
In 2017, when the Straight celebrated its 50th anniversary, the various music fanatics of the good ship’s lollipop compiled a list of the 50 best albums in Vancouver’s history – one for each year of the newspaper’s existence. You can read about the 50 albums that shaped Vancouver here.
Because this list, as expected, made everyone (except those on it) angry, we followed up with a second list entitled “The Straight‘s highly subjective list of the 50 best songs to ever come out of Vancouver.” Before you click any further, feel free to guess our all-time top pick. And if you disagree, I’m sorry, but you’re wrong.
Loverboy’s “Turn Me Loose” was one of the songs on that list, which included everything from “Slave to My Dick” by the Subhumans to “Robots” by Dan Mangan to “Hot Dog High” by the Evaporators to “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback to “Thing About It” by Sweatshop Union.
Here’s what we have to say about the multi-platinum hit: “From the absolutely magnetic opening bars, where succinct open synth chords clash against that fat bassline, the boy’s unintentional hymn to S&M is a masterclass in great pop songwriting. That’s why you’re singing it in your head right now.”
Video by Loverboy – Turn Me Loose
Why would you mention “Turn Me Loose” now—unless you’re busy preparing the perfect mixtape for your road trip? Let’s just say we gave up our best vintage leather pants to attend the Cork & Flame in Winnipeg a few weeks ago, where we wanted to pay tribute to the late Canadian singer, author, television host and politician Ray St. Germain.
Among the family and friends in attendance was Loverboy frontman Mike Reno. There were probably tears. But there was also magic, including a group singing of “Turn Me Loose,” which was first recorded on an iPhone and now appears on Instagram.
Yes, Reno had to call out the cavalry for the tail-stuck-in-the-zipper part of “I’m Gonna Pack My Bags and Fly, Baby!” And the entire Cork & Flame crowd was more than happy to help.
As for the rest of the performance, let’s just say that “Turn Me Loose” still holds up today – sorry to anyone still upset that some random Matthew Good song doesn’t make the cut.
Watch, knowing you’re not the only one wishing you were there.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9IM0RZJdl9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
