Record Store Day: Barenaked Ladies' Kevin Hearn Releases Superhero Songs for MusiCounts

Barenaked Ladies band member and solo artist Kevin Hearn is supporting MusiCounts with the exclusive release of his EP, Kevin Hearn and Friends Present: The Superhero Suite, on Record Store Day Canada April 13.

All proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition run of 500 vinyl discs — at only 44 participating record stores nationwide — will go to Musicounts, CARAS’ charitable arm that grants musical instruments to Canadian schools and community groups.

Kevin Hearn and Friends Present: The Superhero Suite features superhero-related songs, including the classic Batman theme performed by Violent Femmes, Barenaked Ladies and Colin Hay, and from the 1978 soundtrack of Superman.  Carole Pope, Alan Doyle and Ron Sexmith also contributed to the EP.

“This project was a fun and epic way to make music with friends, all in the name of a good cause. Music is a beautiful, universal language that can change lives. It’s powerful and healing. Every child should have the opportunity to explore, learn, and make music," Hearn said in a statement.

Hearn is best known for playing keyboards for the Barenaked Ladies, but his solo albums have include collaborations with singer/songwriters Ron Sexsmith and Dan Hill, drummer Rob Kloet and producer Gavin Brown (Metric, Tragically Hip, Sarah Harmer).

His fundraising disc, to retail for $15 on Record Store Day Canada, includes a collectible 10-page colour comic book with artwork illustrated by Hearn, Harland Williams and Lauchie Reid.

Record Store Day Canada showcases indie record stores with parties, in-store performances and special releases.

MusiCounts' mandate also includes ensuring children and youth in schools and communities have access to music programs through their schools and communities. The charity is anchored by its Band Aid Program, the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award, and scholarships and other music education initiatives. Since 1997, MusiCounts has awarded nearly $12 million to support music education nationwide in around 1200 schools and communities.

Song List:

1. “Heroes and Villains” – The Persuasions

2. “The Incredible Hulk Theme”  – Kevin Hearn Band / Michael Ray / The Shuffle Demon Horns

3. “Can You Read My Mind?” (From 1978’s Superman) – Mary Margaret O’Hara

4. “Waiting For A Superman” – The Rheostatics

5. “Transformers” – Ron Sexsmith

6. “Wonder Woman” – Fernando Saunders / Tony Thunder Smith / Michael Ray / Sahara MacDonald

7. “Batman” – Violent Femmes / Barenaked Ladies / Colin Hay

8. “Spiderman” – Ron Sexsmith / Aaron Jensen / Countermeasure

9. “Cliffhanger Narration” – Harland Williams

10. “Flash’s Theme” – Kevin Hearn Band / Phil Nichol / Greg Neale / Sean Cullen

11. “Iron Man” – Alan Doyle / Carole Pope