Tess Roby x gorilla vs. bear takeover: Martha & the Muffins

Martha & The Muffins are a Toronto band who rose to fame in the 1980s, with their hit single ‘Echo Beach’. Their daughter went to the same elementary school as me, and our parents became friends through picking us up in the playground every day. Because of this I’ve had the pleasure of discovering their music, and having them discover mine. Hearing an acoustic rendition of ‘Echo Beach’ performed at one of my family’s many kitchen parties is something I will never forget. -- Tess Roby

Their song ’Swimming’ has stuck with me forever - I find it so powerful, and always come back to it.

Their 1984 album ‘Mystery Walk’ was recently remastered for its 30th anniversary, and plays host to some incredible music - notably “I Start to Stop” and “Come Out and Dance”.

If this isn’t essential Canadian listening, then I don’t know what is.