Ron Hawkins and the Do Good Assassins, Up Close on Drive

This week on Up Close we have Ron Hawkins and the Do Good Assassins.

 

Ron Hawkins was first introduced to Canadian music fans in 1991 when his band Lowest Of The Low released their first record, Shakespeare My Butt. That record went on to be one of the best selling independent albums in Canada and is still seen as a milestone in the history of Canadian rock and roll.

 

Since then the Lowest Of The Low get together every few years for a tour or an album but those rare reunions aren't enough to keep Ron Hawkins busy. Ron's latest band is called the Do Good Assassins and they rocked the Drive studio for this session.

 

As for Hawkins himself, well he is without a doubt one of Canada's finest songwriters. His imagery and use of language are among the best. I put him with the ilk of John K Samson or Townes Van Zandt. When Ron Hawkins tells a story through song you are instantly familiar with the places and characters he sings about. Each could easily be your neighbour, friend, girlfriend or the homeless guy at the end of your street. All people you know and love. As for the locales, in just a few descriptive words you are instantly at the diner at the end of your street, on a bar stool you've sat on in the past or a hotel room you wish you didn't have to stay at.