Riding among the dirty frozen prehistoric ice and slush turned to dirt and Neil Young solo acoustic playing. And the corner gets turned and the sun crashes in and he’s singing ‘Helpless’.

And I understood Canada all at once.

Joni and Leonard and Neil. …for all the value of a summer listen are February singers. Each comes with heat or light or gentle confusion and it’s music that works beyond aural. It’s simmering in intensity that comes from seclusion and study. It’s sensual and quiet and absolutely moving, given a decent context, and a desire for real April.

And this is bliss. A slice. And a promise.

And I send this to you, international, to your own personal Ontario.