Fourth of July Fireworks ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

I have to admit, I’m one of those America haters who prefers “Oh Canada” to the “Star Spangled Banner” as far as anthems go. To me “Oh, Canada” is just a superior song.

However, there are two versions of the “Star Spangled Banner” that have me wondering if I’ve been wrong to covet Canada’s anthem. (First and importantly, when was the last time you heard a cover of “Oh Canada,” anyway?) One version is, of course, Jimi Hendrix’s shredding live rendition. The other rendition was one that Sufjan Stevens was playing around with in 2004. In his version, Sufjan takes some lyrical freedoms to the anthem, managing to turn the “Star Spangled Banner” into his very own, just as Jimi did at Woodstock.

Here’s a live recording for your enjoyment, that coincidentally Sufjan played in Toronto in 2004. Take that “Oh Canada.”

We hope you have a Happy 4th of July, shared with family and friends and enjoying some of this gorgeous Seattle summer weather.