Between the Covers:: The Sumner Brothers vs. Stompin' Tom Connors

I'm not sure how many people know Canadian legend Stompin' Tom outside of that "Good Ole Hockey Game" track, but few know he's one of this countries best song writers. His catalog is chock-o-block full of gems, but one that has always hit home with me is his telling of the collapse of the Second Narrows Bridge in BC.

Apparently, The Bridge Came Tumbling Down had the same impact on Brian Sumner of The Sumner Brothers:

I remember the first time I heard that song. My girlfriend and I picked it up at a record show. That night we were playing a board game and had the record on and about half way through that song I had to get up and go sit on the end of the bed right in front of the record player. I couldn't believe how good it was, even for Stompin Tom. Her and I wrote out the words right then and there and I learned it that night and it's one we'll probably play forever.

He was also nice enough to send it over a live version of the track for us to post. The honesty and admiration the duo offers is impressive, and the heartfelt emotion Brian feels (and any Vancouver resident should feel) each and every time he hears the song or crosses the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge permeates his verses. Honestly, this is a gem from a great Canadian man, played by a great Canadian band about a Canadian disaster. If that doesn't fit the MO of herohill, not sure what does.

Note - I can't even find a live version of the original on youtube, hype or any of the interwebs. If you have one I can add to the post, please pass it along.

MP3:: The Sumner Brothers - The Bridge Came Tumbling Down (Stompin' Tom)
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/thesumnerbrothers

Labels: between the covers, Canada, Music, Stompin Tom, The Sumner Brothers