Friday Live: Sam Roberts Band perform from Lo-Fantasy

If you were to make a list of Canadian rock bands least likely to break out the synthesizer, today's Friday Live guests, at one point, might have been right at the top. 

But now Montreal's Sam Roberts Band, famous for their feel good rock 'n' roll and shout along choruses, are flexing their synthetic muscles on their latest effort Lo-Fantasy. The record takes what Sam and the boys were already good at -- anthemic songs and instantly memorable hooks -- and add to that a wave of lush soundscapes, psychedelic washes and layered vocals. 

They perform live throughout the show and also surprise us by picking a fight with literary titan Margaret Atwood. (Head to the bottom of the post to learn more about a new Canadian rivalry!)

Doing what's best for the song 

When asked if the band feels they're "branching out" by including new sounds and working with British producer Youth, Roberts says it's more like allowing new elements bubble to the surface. Trying new ideas takes faith, and though they may not all work "you have to try," he adds. 

"You still have to dig in your heels, you still have to fight for your songs ... but [also] you have to relent if a better direction or idea is presented to you. And you have to acknowledge the fact that, whether it comes from you or a band mate or a producer, that you have to do what's best for the song." 

A Great Canadian rivalry is born! 

While telling Jian about the band's weekend plans -- which include competing at a local beer festival -- Sam Roberts declared best-selling Canadian writer and budding brewer Margaret Atwood his nemesis -- the Oasis to their Blur. 

"Every rock and roller needs a nemesis ... and now I've found it, via beer, with Margaret Atwood," says Roberts. Well, Atwood got wind of the news before the end of the show, and tweeted this:

Jian couldn't resist reading the tweet to Roberts on air. Watch a clip of his reaction below.

So? Are you Team Atwood or Team Roberts? And should we seriously make a Canadian Heritage Minute out of this?