Steve Marriner Brings Analog Grease to “I Can’t Dance” With a Swaggering Blues Reimagining of the Genesis Classic
From harmonica to baritone guitar, from frontman to producer, Steve Marriner has spent over two decades shaping the sound of modern blues. With two JUNO Awards for his work with MonkeyJunk, a career spent touring with Colin James, and collaborations with Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, and Blue Rodeo, Marriner has become one of Canada’s most versatile and respected musicians. Now, he’s taking a Genesis song that’s lived “rent-free” in his head for years and giving it the treatment it deserves.
“I Can’t Dance,” Marriner’s latest single, is out now via Cordova Bay Records, kicking off a new chapter in his ever-evolving career. “I love a strong chorus, and this is one of the best—a classic bluesy melody with a catchy pop sensibility,” he says. “While I appreciate the early ’90s production of the original, I always felt that the lyric demanded a lot of swagger and wondered what it would sound like with a bit more analog grease on it.”
That analog grease is all over Marriner’s version, swapping out the polished edges of the original for a gritty, deep-pocketed groove that leans into his blues roots. This isn’t just a cover—it’s a reinvention. His soulful, road-worn voice delivers every line with a knowing smirk, while smoky guitar licks and a tight rhythm section transform the track into something that wouldn’t be out of place in a backroom bar filled with whiskey-soaked jukebox favorites.
Marriner’s approach to blending blues, rock, and roots music has made him a sought-after collaborator and a formidable solo artist. His last album, Hope Dies Last, earned a 2022 JUNO nomination, and his production work on Big Dave McLean’s This Old Life and David Gogo’s YEAH! has both been nominated for 2025 JUNOs. With Hear My Heart, his upcoming full-length album, Marriner continues to push boundaries, proving that the blues isn’t just tradition—it’s alive, electric, and constantly evolving.
The release of “I Can’t Dance” marks the first step in a packed 2025, leading up to the full album drop in June.
For a musician who’s spent his life on the road, playing everywhere from Massey Hall to The Ryman Auditorium, this single is yet another mile marker. Whether performing alongside Harry Manx, Serena Ryder, or Randy Bachman or stepping into the spotlight with his own brand of soul-drenched, hard-driving blues, Marriner remains one of the most exciting voices in roots music today.
With “I Can’t Dance,” he’s taken an earworm and turned it into a slow-burning, blues-soaked anthem—proof that even a song about standing still can still move.