The Tragically Hip (new and improved official thread)

restlesssoul

comparing a song they've played hundreds of times and is one of their proven signature songs to a song like transformation which literally has been played less than 20 times and could not even make an album isnt the smartest thing to do, locked. you will be dissapointed everytime, no matter the band.

direwolf74

locked wrote:

You know I soooooo want to get back on board with this band, just made an ipod mix of my favorites live and studio Hip tunes (I call it "Scott's Favorites" aka "yer favorites") but I noticed I didnt pull one song or performnce
beyond "In Violet light" which I still contend was their peak year for live shows...

DW,
These new songs just sound bad, bad, bad to my ear...
Heard them all.. drip. drip, drip too..

what the f*ck happened to MY Hip?

They forgot how to write any good rock songs..

and Gord just cannot sing anymore, I'm sorry to say "the emperor has no clothes"

I gotta disagree with you, man. I saw them three times on the '09 tour, and again in Edmonton a month ago. Gord's singing sounded great at every single one of them and the band blew my socks off just like they always have. I also caught Gord solo last year when he toured for his album The Grand Bounce, and it was some of the best singing I've ever heard from him. His voice is fine. Yea he sounds a bit rough in a couple spots on that video you posted. But every rock singer has their rough moments, and let's be honest. Gord has never been a perfect singer. Most rock n' roll frontmen aren't. I've heard a few bootlegs over the years where even guys like Eddie Vedder and Bono sound like crap or they're singing off-key. It happens to everybody. Anthony Kiedis...now THERE'S an awful singer. As for the three new songs, I think they're great. I guess our ideas on what the Hip should sound like are a little different these days. "Streets Ahead" will need to grow on me a bit, but "Drip Drip" is a terrific ballad in my opinion, especially when they launch into that beautiful chorus with Gord and Paul singing harmony. "Transformation" just flat out rocks. I really like the groove, the punchy guitars, the lyrics, and the intensity of Gord's delivery. To me it's got a real old-school feel to it. If I had to compare it to an older song, I'd say it reminds me bit of "Looking For a Place to Happen".

Listen, I'm as big a critic as anybody when it comes to my favorite bands, and I wasn't very keen on the Hip's last album. For every brilliant song on We Are the Same (Morning Moon, Depression Suite, Last Recluse, Queen of the Furrows) there were just as many mediocre/filler songs (Coffee Girl, The Exact Feeling, Honey Please). Bob Rock's glossy production polished away all the edges until they were left with a somewhat bloated sounding album with too many layers of keyboards, strings, and the like. And don't get me wrong, I have no problem with the Hip stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something different. "The Depression Suite" is a great example of the band experimenting with their sound and pulling it off brilliantly. When they opened one of their San Francisco shows with that tune in '09, it fuckin' blew my mind. But the album as a whole just didn't do it for me. I thought World Container was a MUCH better record. It was a better collection of songs, it was more focused, it rocked harder, and had more of an edge to it.

Anyways, I think they're headed in the right direction with these new songs. Not to mention I'm absolutely ecstatic that they've ditched Bob and are producing the album themselves. I understand if you're not digging the latest incarnation of the Hip's sound, and if you really are done with this band, it'll be sad to see you go. You and I have had some great discussions about this band over the last couple of years. But when a band has been around as long as the Hip, eventually they're gonna ruffle some feathers. I get that. They lose some fans along the way, and then gain new ones. That's the curse of longevity, and it happens with any veteran band. As a guy who grew up listening to the Hip, these guys will forever be my favorite band, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. They've been the soundtrack to my entire adult life, starting way back when I was just 16 and I first heard "Up to Here". Very rarely have they ever let me down when it comes to their studio output, and they've NEVER let me down live. Some albums are better than others, and they don't always hit it out of the park with every song ("Coconut Cream", anyone?). But that happens when you've been in the game as long as the Hip have. Their kick-ass performance in Edmonton earlier this summer only reaffirmed my belief that they're still the greatest rock n' roll band on the planet. You might wanna wait until the new album comes out and give it a good listen before you write them off just yet. If it's not your cup of tea, then so be it. But this band is way too good to not be given a second chance. Personally I hope they win you back. Their Boston gigs won't be the same without ya!

direwolf74

One of my favorite bands right now, The Arkells, just released the new video for their song "Kiss Cam". Gotta love the Hip reference in the first verse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro0m9nHOl0Y

I recommend all of you check this band out. Saw them open for Pearl Jam two years ago at Virgin Fest, and they were awesome (they've also played a few shows with the Hip over the last couple of years). Their first album "Jackson Square" is fantastic, and they're just about to release their second record "Michigan Left" on Oct. 18th.

restlesssoul

if there is one band that needs to repress and rerelease the catalog on vinyl, its this band!!!

henhouse
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... 500wt_1156

little bones is on ebay too right now for over 100$!

direwolf74

Henhouse on vinyl?? Holy crap, I didn't think that existed. Amazing that the highest bid so far is $213. That's an awful lot of money to pay for a record. I love the Hip and everything, but no thanks. I did come across a copy of We Are the Same on vinyl at HMV the other day for $25. As mentioned above, it's clearly not my favorite Hip album, but maybe I should snatch it up anyway before it ends up on Ebay a year from now for $200.

restlesssoul

direwolf74 wrote:

Henhouse on vinyl?? Holy crap, I didn't think that existed. Amazing that the highest bid so far is $213. That's an awful lot of money to pay for a record. I love the Hip and everything, but no thanks. I did come across a copy of We Are the Same on vinyl at HMV the other day for $25. As mentioned above, it's clearly not my favorite Hip album, but maybe I should snatch it up anyway before it ends up on Ebay a year from now for $200.

We are the same will never reach 200 bucks, it was released at the Peak of Vinyl resurgence. Henhouse however, released in 96 was at vinyls ALL TIME low!!! There are not many of these around. It is referred to as the white buffalo over on the hip boards. There is no phantom power vinyl.

direwolf74

restlesssoul wrote:

There is no phantom power vinyl.

Yea, it's a shame they never released that one. I've seen Day for Night pop up on Ebay every now and then, as well as Fully Completely and Road Apples. I'd love to get my hands on all of those, but there's no way I could afford to pay $200 for each one, that's for sure. I've also never seen World Container, Music@Work, or In Violet Light on vinyl. Pretty sure those were only released on CD.

restlesssoul

330$ plus 30$ shipping, final sale for Henhouse :shock:

Hugh Freaking Dillon

restlesssoul wrote:

330$ plus 30$ shipping, final sale for Henhouse :shock:

dear god.

direwolf74

New album update!

Rob Baker was interviewed at a volleyball game in Kingston last week (somebody posted it on youtube, but now I can't find the link). Says the band are still in the studio putting the finishing touches on a few songs. They're looking at a spring release for the new album. And just for shits and giggles, here's a blast from the past: 3 songs from a Muchmusic performance back in 2000 featuring a killer version of Tiger the Lion. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCVuvinT2mY

Hugh Freaking Dillon

to take this Canadian vinyl thing a bit further, The Tea Party (the band) released some of their first albums on vinyl, but in very limited quantities, mostly locally I think at Ontario-area shows. their facebook moderator posted a link to an ebay auction for Splendor Solis with the comment "OUCH". It was up to about $300 or so at that point.

Then a day later it was updated (because of many requests in the comments) that the Tea Party would not be reissuing their music on vinyl, because of the cost, and in a very frank way, said "we'd have to see a much higher interest in our reunion to do that".

Tis a shame. They should start a vinyl fan club or something.

Nami

Yeah,..... found some Hip fans...

Been listing to music at work lately. Dang its a great cd. Back when it was released didnt care for it much but now... amazing.

IgotshitID

direwolf74 wrote:

New album update!

Rob Baker was interviewed at a volleyball game in Kingston last week (somebody posted it on youtube, but now I can't find the link). Says the band are still in the studio putting the finishing touches on a few songs. They're looking at a spring release for the new album. And just for shits and giggles, here's a blast from the past: 3 songs from a Muchmusic performance back in 2000 featuring a killer version of Tiger the Lion. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCVuvinT2mY

Sweet!!!! Cant wait for the tour, been a few years now since I have seen them

direwolf74

Finally some more news!

(FORT ALBANY, ON – Wednesday, 01 February 2012) - Canadian legends The Tragically Hip, along with celebrated novelist Joseph Boyden, will be participating in this year’s Great Moon Gathering. The annual event, held on the west coast of James Bay in Ontario’s pristine Arctic lowlands, will gather in Fort Albany, February 15-17, and include the Cree First Nations of Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, Kashechewan, Moose Factory, and Fort Albany.

With a focus on both traditional and contemporary aboriginal education, the Great Moon Gathering celebrates the strengths and diversity of the Cree Nation. Over forty workshops will be offered, and are as varied as Cree language, sweat lodge, moccasin and hand drum making, classroom management, and early education.

“The moment I first stepped foot on the shores of James Bay, I knew the Tragically Hip had to go there, to the birthplace of our country,” said Gord Downie. The band’s excited. We’re going to hang out, talk, and listen. We have a fresh batch of songs we want to play, for both old friends and new.”

Joseph Boyden adds, “Recent coverage of reserves such as Attawapiskat only captures one part of a story that’s much deeper, nuanced, and beautiful than most Canadians know. The Hip and I are coming up to James Bay to show our love and support for a people and a culture that transcends so many of the negative stereotypes that have been floated the last months.”

The Tragically Hip's performance on Thursday night, will be webcast live on their website, so check out http://www.thehip.com for more details.


Also, the Hip's webmaster posted this on Twitter recently:

"I just got back from a meeting to talk about the upcoming ALBUM and TOUR.
It's going to be a great 2012!!!!"

I smell a road trip this summer! I haven't been down to California in a while, so maybe I'll do a San Diego/L.A. swing. If they do 3 nights at the Troubadour again like last time, I'm definitely going down there.

direwolf74

As mentioned above, the Hip played a very unique show last night in a high school gymnasium in Fort Albany, ON, located way up north along James Bay. It was part of the "Great Moon Gathering", which is an annual celebration of Cree culture and education. Unfortunately their webcast didn't turn out as planned, as they had all kinds of problems with the signal cutting in and out due to how remote the area is. Thankfully some of it looks like it was captured by amateurs with cell phones. Also, the band mentioned on Facebook that a documentary crew was there filming the entire thing, so hopefully we'll eventually see some high quality footage of the gig. Such a cool thing for this band to do for those people. I love that they would take the time and effort to venture that far north to play a show. And to play in their high school gym? Unreal. I'm betting that not too many artists ever go up there, let alone a band as big as the Hip.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/ ... lbany.html

Setlist:

Grace
Poets
Drip Drip (new song)
Streets Ahead (new song)
100th Meridian
ABAC
Man Machine Poem (new song)
Transformation (new song)
Forever (new song)
Courage
Bobcaygeon
New O.

encore 1:
Look Ahead (new song)
Fully
Music

encore 2:
Gus
Bones
Blow

Footage from CBC News:
http://www.cbc.ca/video/watch/News/ID=2198430192

Grace Too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTxLvsrA ... r_embedded

direwolf74

Am I the only one who still posts here? Oh well. Here's a cool article about the Hip's recent performance in Fort Albany:

http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/02/29/north-of-the-52nd/

And here's another one written by Gord Downie himself:
http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/02/29/gord ... gathering/


At the Hundredth Meridian:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C83G77eb ... re=related

PKTrekGirl

^ I will post here with you, when I see the thread! This is the first time I've seen it in a while - just bad timing on my part, when I come here.

I had a lot of catching up to do, reading this thread. Saw all the stuff about the Hip on vinyl ($330 + S/H for Henhouse! Incredible, even if it is an awesome album!) and then saw your comments about this interesting show. I have not followed the links yet, but I will.

Just don't want you to think no one is reading and so give up - I will ALWAYS read the Hip thread when I see activity on it here! I love the Hip...but being an American, rarely come across anyone who can talk intelligently about them. So please keep posting Hip stuff here!

Oh...and by the way, since I last posted, I have moved from Atlanta back to Anchorage, Alaska. Do The Hip ever come here that you know of?

IgotshitID

Any idea when the new album comes out?

Nami

Hip playing ONT Canada Day weekend.


Saturday June 30, 2012
Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON
The Commons @ Butler's Barracks
All Ages – Rain or Shine


Sunday July 1, 2012
Oro, ON
Burl's Creek
All Ages – Rain or Shine
(camping is available at Burl's Creek)
Thursday March 1 @ 10am ET
The Tragically Hip Registered User - GA Pre-Sale
59.50 + service fees** Early Bird Tickets
69.50 + service fees
99.50 + service fees - 2–Day General Admission Ticket


NIAGARA GA password: lakefever
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000485501E8AE6A


BURL'S CREEK GA password: fireworks
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004855015BAE10


2 - DAY GA password: familyband
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004856CBCF9C81



Friday March 2 @ 10am ET
Radio Pre-sale
59.50 + service fees** Early Bird Tickets
69.50 + service fees – General Admission Ticket
99.50 + service fees - 2–Day General Admission Ticket


NIAGARA GA password: CANADADAY
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000485501E8AE6A


BURL'S CREEK GA password: CANADADAY
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004855015BAE10


Saturday March 3 @ 10am ET
Public On-Sale
69.50 + service fees – General Admission Ticket
99.50 + service fees - 2–Day General Admission Ticket
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/The-Tragical ... ist/736328
Follow us Online
http://www.thehip.com
http://www.facebook.com/TheTragicallyHip
http://twitter.com/thehipdotcom
http://www.youtube.com/thetragicallyhip

direwolf74

The bill for both Canada Day weekend shows is pretty awesome:

The Hip
Death Cab for Cutie
New Pornographers
The Rural Alberta Advantage