While you could technically argue that Tegan and Sara formed on September 19, 1980, most people would probably say it all began with their self-released Under Feet Like Ours in 1999. That little record ended up reaching the right ears, and a support slot on tour with Neil Young and The Pretenders in 2000 changed everything. All of a sudden, the Quin twins were playing amphitheaters 20 times bigger than the Canadian clubs they’d headlined the year before. (In case you were wondering, their first proper Chicago show was at Martyrs’ in 2001, opening for Rufus Wainwright.)
It was the beginning of one of indie rock’s most exciting stories, and they’re just as vital more than two decades later. Albums like The Con, So Jealous and Heartthrob spoke to the eternal teenager in all of us, and last year’s Crybaby is a relatable coming-of-age record for any age.
Join us for a look back on some of Tegan and Sara’s most essential tracks and take a moment to appreciate the way a band like this grows up with you.
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“Living Room” (If It Was You, 2002)
Tegan and Sara have played “Living Room” live more than any other song in their catalog, and it’s pretty easy to understand why. This song rips. Without ever straying too far from their folk-rock roots, that enormous sing-along chorus is bigger than any coffeehouse or club could ever hope to contain.
“So Jealous” (So Jealous, 2004)
From those opening mellotron chords, it’s clear that “So Jealous” is a different kind of Tegan and Sara song. There’s some serious Paul McCartney influence to the writing, but it’s all done through an indie rock lens that makes everything a little more ominous and less sugary. From this point onward, their sound would continue to expand in leaps and bounds on each new release.
“Nineteen” (The Con, 2007)
Produced by the great Chris Walla (formerly of Death Cab for Cutie), The Con stands as one of the great alternative albums of its era. “Nineteen” wasn’t a single, but it’s always been a fan favorite and was even covered by Hayley Williams of Paramore as part of the album’s tenth-anniversary celebration. Bonus fact: The album version features Hunter Burgan of AFI on bass and Death Cab’s Jason McGerr on drums.
“Alligator” (Sainthood, 2009)
T&S closed out the decade with their most eclectic album yet, evolving their sound following successful collaborations with electronic artists like Tiësto. Slinky and shockingly danceable, “Alligator” is pop perfection and a clear harbinger of things to come in the years to come. (Be sure to check out the remixes from Passion Pit, Four Tet and Toro y Moi on the single!)
“Closer” (Heartthrob, 2013)
After the monochromatic Sainthood era, Tegan and Sara reintroduced themselves with the technicolor, effervescent “Closer.” While some listeners were shocked to hear them drawing inspiration from pop contemporaries like Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Pink, the song’s core is still the kind of confessional, deeply personal lyrics that have always defined their work.
“Smoking Weed Alone” (Crybaby, 2022)
After 2016’s Love You To Death, Tegan and Sara took a moment to look backwards by revisiting albums like The Con and So Jealous and recording songs they wrote as teenagers on Hey, I’m Just LIke You. Last year’s Crybaby felt like a fresh start for the band, and “Smoking Weed Alone” is the clear standout track. It’s the perfect self-effacing pick-me-up, combining clever lyrics with the energy rush of classic Bloc Party.
Catch Tegan and Sara with The Breeders, The Interrupters, Pinkshift and more on Friday, September 15th at Riot Fest! Single-day tickets are available now.
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Riot Fest 2023 Tickets + Lineup
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