54-40, a pivotal band in Canadian alt-rock history, moved from college rock stars in the 1980s to national fame and chart success with albums like Show Me in 1987 and Smilin' Buddha Cabaret in 1994, which had smash songs like "Nice to Luv You" and "Ocean Pearl." While their early songs featured a jangling folk-rock and post-punk sound that drew similarities to R.E.M., later records featured a harsher, electric-driven sound that led to a string of platinum releases. 54-40's reputation for quality and consistency continued into the new millennium, led by singer, guitarist, and lead songwriter Neil Osborne, with albums like Yes to Everything in 2005 and Lost in the City in 2011.