Nova Scotia celebrates with music. Last night’s historic majority win for New Democrat’s is cause for more than a few nights of partying.  I thought it was fit to rustle up a Nova Scotia playlist for kitchen parties across Canada as they celebrate Premier-designate Darrell Dexter and his team.

MediaStyle.ca last introduced Mark Greenan as an electoral reform expert when he live tweeted the electoral reform vote; he also happens to he an expert in Canadian independent music and Halifax rock.  Here is Mark:  It’s a pleasure to put together a list of 5 songs from the indie rock hotbed of Halifax to honour Nova Scotia’s new premier Darrell Dexter.  It’s particularly fitting because I know the Premier-elect has a passion for rock.  While his tastes might skew to classics from his youth, I know he’d appreciate these gems from local talents.

1. “The Day We the Coast” – Thrush Hermit

This classic from Thrush Hermit’s genius final LP, Clayton Park (ironically named for one of the few areas of Metro Halifax not won by the NDP).  These guys are probably now my all time favorite Halifax band, so it was hard to just pick one song from their too-brief career.

2. “The Marquee and the Moon” – Sloan

Of course, this list would not be complete without a song from the godfathers of the Halifax music scene.  With over 9 albums, there’s lots to choose from, but I had to go with something from their paean to their hometown Between the Bridges, their fifth album.

3. “Weighty Ghost” – Wintersleep

This is the most popular single from another Halifax band that’s seen some success in recent years.  I think the lyrics are fitting for a province that so starkly cast aside the ghosts of elections past at the polls yesterday.

4. “The Coast is Clear” – In-Flight Safety

If you know anything about Maritimers, we stick by those close to us, so I’ve got to give props to these friends of mine (two of whom are fellow Prince Edward Islanders!).  But they were recently named Halifax’s best band by alt-weekly The Coast, so I’m not alone in my enjoyment of their melodic indie rock.  And if you’re in Ottawa, you can see these guys live at Maverick’s on Rideau on Thursday, June 18.

Click here for video.

5. “Love this Town” – Joel Plaskett

I’ve got to end the list with another song from Halifax’s favorite singer-songwriter.  Joel’s love letter to Halifax is a fitting end to the list, although there are many more of his songs that would do, particularly from his latest triple album (!), Three.