Sloan - The Good In Everyone

About This Footage

The grainy, low-fi quality of this 1996 clip for Sloan's "The Good In Everyone" belies its significance in the Canadian indie rock landscape. Filmed at a time when alternative was still a nascent force, this music video offers a rare glimpse into the early days of one of Canada's most beloved bands.

Sloan, formed in 1991 by Jay Ferguson and Jim Ferrier, had already built a loyal following in their native Toronto with their power pop-infused sound. By 1996, they were riding high on the success of their third album, One Chord To Another, which boasted singles like "Underwhelmed" and "The Rest of My Life". This period marked a turning point for Sloan, as they began to gain traction outside of Canada's borders, particularly in the US.

What makes this clip stand out is its DIY ethos. Directed by Mike Andringa, who would go on to helm several other notable videos for Canadian bands, "The Good In Everyone" was likely shot on a shoestring budget. The footage itself is straightforward – the band performing the song in a dimly lit room – but it's precisely this lack of frills that lends an air of authenticity to the clip.

At the time of its release, Sloan's sound was often compared to that of their American counterparts, such as R.E.M. and Pavement. However, "The Good In Everyone" showcases the band's unique ability to craft catchy hooks and sing-along choruses while still maintaining a distinctly Canadian sensibility.

One of the most striking aspects of this clip is its rarity. Sloan has always been a prolific live act, with over 1,000 shows under their belt, but their music videos have historically been scarce. This particular clip is one of the few from the One Chord To Another era that has survived in decent quality.

Watching "The Good In Everyone" today offers a fascinating glimpse into Sloan's early days as a band on the rise. The song itself, with its jangly guitars and driving beat, still holds up remarkably well, even if it doesn't quite have the same level of polish as some of their later work. What's most striking, however, is the sense of nervous energy that permeates the clip – Sloan was still finding their footing at this point, but they were undeniably on the cusp of something big.

As a viewer, you'll likely take away from watching "The Good In Everyone" a renewed appreciation for Sloan's early work and a deeper understanding of the Canadian indie rock scene in the mid-1990s. This clip may not be as flashy or high-concept as some other music videos from the era, but its raw, unvarnished quality makes it all the more compelling – and a testament to Sloan's enduring influence on the Canadian music landscape.

In the years since One Chord To Another, Sloan has continued to evolve and experiment with their sound, incorporating new influences and styles into their work. But "The Good In Everyone" remains a vital link to their early days as a band, a reminder of the raw energy and passion that drove them from the start.

Curated from public records and music databases.