A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

What the Backcountry Brewing Crew Listen to Keep the Good Times Going

Definitive Records asks interesting Vancouverites to scour their sonic-led memories to pull out the three albums anchoring their musical tastes. Full archive here.

For this edition we headed out to Squamish to check in with the team at Backcountry Brewing (who were “amped” to be involved — so much so that they even staged a cover album-themed photo shoot for this piece) and find out what you can expect to hear blasting from their speakers before, during and after hours…


Pain Killer – Judas Priest | LISTEN

Sean Reese-Ryan, Brewer:

“It may be early in the morning and you’re half asleep and hungover as fuck, but just flicking this song on gets you pumped and stoked and ready to move. It works for early morning brew shifts or even eight hour canning days. From the ripping guitar to the heinous vocals, this song is a must have on the list to slay any day and accomplish tasks at a fast, organized pace. These are the reasons for picking this song aside from it being the best song in the world!”


Battle Lines – Bob Moses | LISTEN

Tristan Leroux, Sous Chef:

“We love to play this track by the local BC boy duo Bob Moses when battling in the trenches during white out. Keeping the back of house moving, chopping and tossing dough in rhythm and on time is key in the tight quarters of the Backcountry Kitchen.”


Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes | LISTEN

Sophia Feliciello, Assistant Manager:

“Upbeat folk punk that is perfect to slang beers to on hot summer nights and for dancing on the tables to after the customers have all gone…Plus the craft beer dads dig it.”

From ‘Jazzy Boombap’ to Adolescent Rebellion: Shotaro Jotatsu Names His Definitive Records

In anticipation of his next event on June 17th, the Vancouver-based DJ and host of the Japanese-run music and vintage pop-up, Ishinomonosashi, gives us the rundown of his most influential albums to date.

The Musical Tastes of Yu Su, In and Out of the Kitchen

On Wednesday, December 7th, Ubuntu Canteen will be hosting Yu Su for a sonically inspired collaborative dinner, featuring the personal sounds of her trip through mainland China.

What’s Pumping on the Speakers (and Headphones) of Patrick Hennessy

From pre-service pump-ups, to subway commutes and his current restaurant jams: these are the records that define Barbara restaurant's owner / chef.

From ‘The Hip’ to Hip Hop, Mike Jacobsen Names His Three ‘Definitive Records’

We take a short trip over to Salt Spring and head immediately to Cassette Cafe and Dive Bar - a former gas station where these days locals and visitors alike fuel up on food, drinks and a stellar playlist of tunes - to hear from its owner about the albums that 'define' him...