DRIFTWOOD MAC & CHEESE
CHEESE (1976)
Driftwood Mac & Cheese became the soundtrack of Northern Ontario summers, blending shimmering harmonies, folk-rock melodies, and a laid-back lakeside spirit that made every performance feel like a weekend at the cottage. Fronted by a charismatic female vocalist and backed by a group of seasoned musicians, the band mixed heartfelt storytelling with songs about campfires, winding rivers, old canoes, and life around the lake. Their relaxed stage presence and rich vocal harmonies earned them a loyal following at outdoor festivals, waterfront concerts, and small-town fairs across the north. While mainstream success always seemed just out of reach, Driftwood Mac & Cheese left behind a collection of beautifully crafted recordings that have become some of the most cherished Lost Pressings ever rediscovered in the Bud Bungalow archives.
Cheese (1976)
Before Fleetwood Mac, there was Driftwood Mac & Cheese.
Northern Ontario, 1976.
Flannel shirts. Cheesecloth sundresses. Long summer evenings. Back roads leading nowhere in particular.
Pressed in small numbers and quietly forgotten, Cheese became one of those records that seemed to drift through time. It never topped the charts. It never received a proper reissue. Yet somehow copies kept appearing in cottages, cabins, and record collections across the country.
The album carried a sound all its own—dusty harmonies, weathered melodies, and just enough grit to feel authentic. Not polished. Not fashionable. Just honest music made for campfires, road trips, and sunsets over the lake.
The jackets were worn.
The corners were bent.
The stories kept getting better.
Recovered from the Bud Bungalow Archives.
DRIFTWOOD MAC & CHEESE
CHEESE
Catalog Number: BBR-7603
Artist: Driftwood Mac & Cheese
Album: CHEESE
Release Date: June 11, 1976
Recording Dates: February–May 1976
Recorded At: Bud Bungalow Studio, Northern Ontario, Canada
Producer: Bud Bungalow
Engineer: Bud Bungalow
Label: Bud Bungalow Records
Series: Lost Pressings™ Collection
Format: 12" Vinyl LP
Speed: 33⅓ RPM
Genre: Soft Rock • Folk Rock • Country Rock
Running Time: 41:18
Country: Canada
Original Pressing: 750 copies
Matrix / Runout: BBR-7603-A / BBR-7603-B
Status: Out of Print (Lost Pressing)
1. Curds on the Wind
Length: 4:28
Written by: Marigold "Margo" Rae & Cheese Saunders
Lead Vocal: Margo Rae
The opening track and lead single from Cheese, "Curds on the Wind" sets the tone for the entire album. Built around acoustic guitars, warm harmonies, and Cheese Saunders' expressive lead guitar, the song reflects quiet evenings on the shores of Northern Ontario. It became Driftwood Mac & Cheese's signature recording and remains the song most closely associated with the band.
2. Swiss Cheese
Length: 3:41
Written by: Cheese Saunders
Lead Vocal: Danny Noodles
One of the album's most energetic tracks, "Swiss Cheese" combines crunchy rhythm guitars with playful lead work and a driving beat. Danny's relaxed vocal delivery gives the song an easy-going confidence, while Cheese's memorable guitar hooks made it a live favorite throughout the band's brief touring years.
3. Milk Run Blues
Length: 5:12
Written by: Marigold "Margo" Rae
Lead Vocal: Margo Rae
A slow-burning blues inspired by long drives through Northern Ontario, "Milk Run Blues" showcases Margo's soulful voice and emotional storytelling. Sparse instrumentation gradually builds into an expressive guitar solo, making it one of the album's most atmospheric recordings.
4. Brie Yourself
Length: 3:57
Written by: Cheese Saunders & Danny Noodles
Lead Vocal: Danny Noodles
With its catchy chorus and upbeat country-rock groove, "Brie Yourself" became one of the band's most recognizable concert songs. Written during an overnight recording session, the song celebrates individuality and refusing to fit neatly into anyone else's expectations.
5. Cheddar Dreams
Length: 4:46
Written by: Marigold "Margo" Rae & Sage Holloway
Lead Vocal: Margo Rae
Centered around Sage Holloway's warm Hammond organ and piano arrangements, "Cheddar Dreams" is a reflective ballad about chasing impossible ambitions while remaining connected to home. Rich vocal harmonies and understated instrumentation make it one of the emotional centerpieces of the album.
6. Gouda Night
Length: 4:11
Written by: Cheese Saunders
Lead Vocal: Danny Noodles
A mid-tempo guitar rocker featuring twin lead guitars and an extended instrumental ending, "Gouda Night" became known for its memorable live performances. The relaxed groove gave Cheese plenty of room to stretch out with melodic solos that quickly became fan favorites.
7. The Wedge
Length: 2:58
Written by: Cheese Saunders
Lead Vocal: Instrumental
The shortest track on the record is also its only instrumental. Built around layered electric guitars, "The Wedge" highlights Cheese Saunders' tasteful playing without ever becoming overly technical. It frequently served as the band's introduction during live performances.
8. A Thousand Campfires
Length: 5:08
Written by: Marigold "Margo" Rae
Lead Vocal: Margo Rae
Inspired by summers spent along Northern Ontario lakes, "A Thousand Campfires" captures the quiet nostalgia of evenings spent under the stars. Gentle acoustic arrangements gradually grow into a full-band finale, making it one of the album's most cinematic recordings.
9. Old Highway 17
Length: 4:22
Written by: Marigold "Margo" Rae & Danny Noodles
Lead Vocal: Danny Noodles & Margo Rae
This road song follows musicians traveling across Northern Ontario in aging vans, chasing one more show and one more opportunity. The shared lead vocals between Danny and Margo create a conversational feel that perfectly suits the song's traveling narrative.
10. Lakeside Motel
Length: 3:39
Written by: Danny Noodles
Lead Vocal: Danny Noodles
A light-hearted rocker inspired by countless nights spent in roadside motels between gigs, "Lakeside Motel" mixes humor with bittersweet memories of life on the road. Its catchy chorus and driving rhythm made it a crowd favorite during live shows.
11. Northern Lights Tonight
Length: 6:03
Written by: Marigold "Margo" Rae & Cheese Saunders
Lead Vocal: Margo Rae
Closing the album on an expansive note, "Northern Lights Tonight" blends soaring harmonies, atmospheric keyboards, and one of Cheese Saunders' longest recorded guitar solos. The song gradually builds from a quiet acoustic opening into a sweeping finale, ending Cheese with a sense of optimism and wonder while perfectly capturing the band's Northern Ontario roots.