Michael Barclay, Jason Schneider

Michael Barclay and Jason Schneider are Canadian music journalists who co-authored "Have Not Been the Same: The CanRock Renaissance," a comprehensive examination of Canada's alternative rock scene from 1985 to 1995. The book chronicles the emergence of Canadian bands like Tragically Hip, Sloan, and Our Lady Peace during a period when Canadian music gained international recognition. Barclay and Schneider documented this era through extensive interviews with musicians, record label executives, and industry insiders. Their work captures the cultural and economic factors that shaped Canadian rock music during this decade. The authors approached their subject from a journalistic perspective, focusing on the business aspects of the music industry alongside the artistic developments. Their collaboration resulted in one of the few detailed historical accounts of this specific period in Canadian music. "Have Not Been the Same" serves as both a music history and an examination of Canadian cultural identity during the 1990s. The book traces how Canadian bands navigated between domestic success and international markets while developing a distinct musical identity.

Readers praise "Have Not Been the Same" for its thorough research and comprehensive coverage of the Canadian alternative rock scene. Many appreciate the detailed interviews and behind-the-scenes information about bands like Tragically Hip, Sloan, and Blue Rodeo. Music fans value the book's insider perspective on the Canadian music industry during the 1990s. Readers consistently mention the authors' journalistic approach and factual presentation of events. The book receives positive feedback for documenting a specific period in Canadian music history that had limited coverage elsewhere. Many readers note the book's usefulness as a reference for understanding how Canadian bands achieved success both domestically and internationally. Some readers find the book's focus narrow, concentrating primarily on alternative rock while excluding other genres popular during the same period. A few critics mention that the writing style can be dry at times. Some readers wanted more analysis of the music itself rather than the industry mechanics, though others appreciate the business-focused approach.