That whole album Fully Completely is incredible. For me, their best. This song is a slow burn. It's picks up as the intensity in the story line increases. Lyrically it's great as Gord's lyrics are always brilliant. Thank you for doing these Hip songs. The band is a Canadian institution.
Gord's writing style comes in many flavors.. Sometimes he's in storyteller mode, Like "38 years Old" or "Nautical Disaster", and then sometimes he turns on his inner poet and we get songs that could have been written by TS Elliot... Listening to them is like reading the first 3 or 4 lines of a new story and then jumping to the next, and just continuing that on the same page over and over. Always loved that about his music.
This song for example has at least 3 major POV. "the don't know how old I am, they found armor in my belly." is the Lake, or wherever the bodies are being dumped. "It'd be better for us, if you don't understand" is the killer. "Let me out!" is the guy locked in the trunk of the killer's car.
The Hip is a slow burn - they don't smack you in the head from the get-go; a nicely understated band that grows on you with each listen. That drum breakdown is the guy inside the trunk battering to get out - you really have to listen to the lyrics
One of my most cherished albums of my youth. Gordie will never be matched or replaced. The only ‘celeb’ other than bourdain that crushed me when he passed. RIP Gordie. You were a legend
I grew up with the Tragically Hip in the 80s & 90s. Their songs are more than just music, it's poetry. The songs often don't seem that outstanding when you first hear them, but after repeated listening they reach down deep into your soul.
The thing about The Hip is almost always the story in the lyrics (almost all Gord Downie) - in this case, it’s about the kidnapping and murder of Pierre La Porte by the “FLQ”, Quebec separatist radicals of the 1970’s. The solid workman like performances are standard fare, keeping the focus on the story and its delivery.
you don't have to think about this too hard, it's folk/blues/rock with a quirky singer/poet often singing about canadian themes/subjects that multi-generations can get behind at family/friend gatherings like bbq's/camping.
Fun to hear The Hip critiqued by an outsider. You're right that musically they're a pretty straight ahead rock band; everyone is top shelf at their craft but none of them are once-in-a-generation shredders like Neil Peart or Steve Vai or anything. The thing you're missing is Gord's storytelling and lyrics. That's what put them over the top from a really good rock band to a National Treasure. You can read about the depth behind the lyrics at this fantastic website. Every song you've reviewed so far has a story: www.hipmuseum.com/
I would add in their live performances are another reason for their northern God status. The way Gord could suddenly break out into some crazy story and the band just keeps following along. Gord's energy on stage....I'll really miss seeing them live more than anything. R.I P. Gord. We love you man.
Your instrumental assessments are perfectly on point. But I notice you don't really analyze the lyrics much. This is an enormous part of The Hip's draw. Most of their songs tell a truly interesting story in a very interesting way.
Maybe a Driving Canadian Blue's "Folk" Rock? Most of us Canadians are here for the lyrics. The rest of the band IS SOLID, but they really aren't "flashy" so to speak. imho. Love them. Thanks again for another review AND to the one's making these request. I'm glad you're enjoying them for what they are. Not having the entire Canadian Folk lore going into it as well, it's cool to see an outside review.
That's why the Hip never made it in the States, not flashy, only sometimes in concert. Some people say it's too many Canadian references but American band's are all about American references and work in Canada.The Hip were an Alternative band that didn't really look alternative and image coincides with music.
Just Imagine this live like High Dough. Guitar solo? Dude its like salt and pepper. Too much of either ruins the dish sometimes :). Short & Sweet - Yes Sir
Do you think the second minute would have sounded as cool if the first minute was the same? The HIP were masters of building a song from a crazed whisper to a fanatical frenzy with everything else in between. Good job with the Rock-blues label. Nailed it! LMFAO
Solid review 🤙"it's not rocket science, just a straight ahead rock song" lol best part of the review.. that's exactly what The Hip are about, the feel. Great stuff
I know this is old, and you don’t need defending, but just wanted to say I appreciate that you focus on what hooks you immediately, and let the lyrics slide. Other reactors do their thing. You give such detailed analysis of the music and craft of composition I can’t understand how anyone can complain. AND IT’S ALL FREE, PEOPLE. You do you, DH. That’s why we;re here.
The band is almost inside out to most, most bands the lyrics are a part of the song, with The Hip, the lyrics drive the instruments, so the musicians almost morph themselves to mold, envelop, and seek out the best way to allow the lyrics to be the centerpiece, which they are. So yes most of the time on vinyl, the instrumentation takes no more then a side piece, and often a back seat to the lyrics. On stage, where they stretch and allow the instruments to evolve, it is a much different dynamic.
@@THEDavidHeretic "and that's what I appreciate about you!" - Squirrely Dan. Begging for more Letterkeney reactions or at least to their all over the place soundtrack. Great job!
The line in LITTOAC where he goes “ you could say I became chronologically fkd up .” Is always memorable . Nautical Disaster is one of my faves : m.ua-cam.com/video/gbTtMtnTHRY/v-deo.html
Review Three Angels by the Headstones please! If you do can you reply here so I know it's up. Interesting fact re lead singer of the headstones went to the same high school with the lead singer of The Tragically hip
I don't see that one in the que, so it would have to be a fresh request. You can suggest songs on here, and if your suggestion happens to already be in the que, I am more than happy to add your name to the requesters of that song. However in order to make fresh brand new requests, you have to be a Bronze Tier member on the Patreon page. It's only $5 per month and you can make fresh requests, along with watch all the videos I've done that UA-cam blocked and participate in Patreon community events and enjoy exclusive content for Patreon members only.
After watching a few of your reviews of Canadian unknowns, I can see that you have difficulty with lyrics: they don't register with your mind. I get it I too possess that inability to hear lyrics other than euphoniously. Even one of our common idols [ Neil Peart ] admitted that even though he wrote the lyrics to Rush, while performing he heard Geddy's voice euphoniously { ie: as sound more than semantics ] At least I did until I hit 65-67. But with age, though the body might fail, the mind can become more nimble. I can only hope that the passing years allow your musical mind to include the semantic values that make this depth of philosophical composition marry with those "simplistic" musical performances.
Just found ur channel Dave and have really enjoyed ur take on The Hip.....Fully Completely is a great album, as an artist, going into my studio this is my go to album to get me in the mood.....P.S.....u really want a trip, watch one of his poetry vids, their cool!
For me, the Tragically Hip almost turn into fire in many, many of their songs. But they never really take flight. I agree that their guitar solos need to let fly with that blues-rock style of great runs and some genuine speed and virtuosity--to make a _statement_ with taste. It is like that with almost all their songs. Lots of rhythm, almost takes you where you _really_ want to go. But just lacks that final genius electric guitar that marks the best rock and roll. If that makes you folks hate me, well I'm a Canadian who lives in Calgary and I've listened to rock and roll for more than 50 years now. And there's my opinion from YYC, for what it's worth!
The band is often called workmanlike. I get the sentiment, but having been a fan for a three decades I’ve come to think it’s really wrong for Gord Sinclair on bass. Dude drives the bus on a lot of the songs. That said, this is like their 50th best song. Thought the review was fair. Great reaction, as always. Also, Gord Donnie would have loved the Jagger comparison. They certainly move around live in similar ways.
Nice to see some hip reactions, Wasn't many out there till pretty recently which is pretty crazy since these guys occupy at least a spot or 2 on millions of peoples life "soundtrack". Our prime minister cried on national TV when Gordo died ffs. I have some American friends here in Canada who scratch their heads over this, Try and compare to REM and just don't get "it". "It" is hard to explain. I think it just has to be listened too. Day for night, Trouble at the hen house, Phantom Power for me are their best albums, Not so bar band but not far off. There's some gems afterwards and previous but I think these were their best years by far.
That whole album Fully Completely is incredible. For me, their best. This song is a slow burn. It's picks up as the intensity in the story line increases. Lyrically it's great as Gord's lyrics are always brilliant. Thank you for doing these Hip songs. The band is a Canadian institution.
Yes I love the FC album. Last time I saw the Hip was in 2015 on the Fully Completely anniversary tour.
Tragically Hip is the best way to describe it.
Gord's writing style comes in many flavors.. Sometimes he's in storyteller mode, Like "38 years Old" or "Nautical Disaster", and then sometimes he turns on his inner poet and we get songs that could have been written by TS Elliot... Listening to them is like reading the first 3 or 4 lines of a new story and then jumping to the next, and just continuing that on the same page over and over.
Always loved that about his music.
This song for example has at least 3 major POV.
"the don't know how old I am, they found armor in my belly." is the Lake, or wherever the bodies are being dumped.
"It'd be better for us, if you don't understand" is the killer.
"Let me out!" is the guy locked in the trunk of the killer's car.
The Hip is a slow burn - they don't smack you in the head from the get-go; a nicely understated band that grows on you with each listen. That drum breakdown is the guy inside the trunk battering to get out - you really have to listen to the lyrics
One of my most cherished albums of my youth. Gordie will never be matched or replaced. The only ‘celeb’ other than bourdain that crushed me when he passed. RIP Gordie. You were a legend
I grew up with the Tragically Hip in the 80s & 90s. Their songs are more than just music, it's poetry. The songs often don't seem that outstanding when you first hear them, but after repeated listening they reach down deep into your soul.
What a fucking band!!! Gord was a true poet and intellectual
The thing about The Hip is almost always the story in the lyrics (almost all Gord Downie) - in this case, it’s about the kidnapping and murder of Pierre La Porte by the “FLQ”, Quebec separatist radicals of the 1970’s. The solid workman like performances are standard fare, keeping the focus on the story and its delivery.
The Hip is ALL about the feel of the song……❤
you don't have to think about this too hard, it's folk/blues/rock with a quirky singer/poet often singing about canadian themes/subjects that multi-generations can get behind at family/friend gatherings like bbq's/camping.
Fun to hear The Hip critiqued by an outsider. You're right that musically they're a pretty straight ahead rock band; everyone is top shelf at their craft but none of them are once-in-a-generation shredders like Neil Peart or Steve Vai or anything.
The thing you're missing is Gord's storytelling and lyrics. That's what put them over the top from a really good rock band to a National Treasure. You can read about the depth behind the lyrics at this fantastic website. Every song you've reviewed so far has a story:
www.hipmuseum.com/
I would add in their live performances are another reason for their northern God status.
The way Gord could suddenly break out into some crazy story and the band just keeps following along. Gord's energy on stage....I'll really miss seeing them live more than anything. R.I P. Gord. We love you man.
I wish I could hear these guys for the first time again. Been a die hard fan since 89. They were on my soundtrack of life.
Your instrumental assessments are perfectly on point. But I notice you don't really analyze the lyrics much. This is an enormous part of The Hip's draw. Most of their songs tell a truly interesting story in a very interesting way.
Maybe a Driving Canadian Blue's "Folk" Rock? Most of us Canadians are here for the lyrics. The rest of the band IS SOLID, but they really aren't "flashy" so to speak. imho. Love them. Thanks again for another review AND to the one's making these request. I'm glad you're enjoying them for what they are. Not having the entire Canadian Folk lore going into it as well, it's cool to see an outside review.
That's why the Hip never made it in the States, not flashy, only sometimes in concert. Some people say it's too many Canadian references but American band's are all about American references and work in Canada.The Hip were an Alternative band that didn't really look alternative and image coincides with music.
My feeling is the drum breakdown is to mimic pounding on the inside of the trunk, right before "LET ME OUT!"
Just Imagine this live like High Dough. Guitar solo? Dude its like salt and pepper. Too much of either ruins the dish sometimes :). Short & Sweet - Yes Sir
You should check out the “killer whale tank” version of New Orleans is Sinking,
yes!
Do you think the second minute would have sounded as cool if the first minute was the same? The HIP were masters of building a song from a crazed whisper to a fanatical frenzy with everything else in between. Good job with the Rock-blues label. Nailed it! LMFAO
Solid review 🤙"it's not rocket science, just a straight ahead rock song" lol best part of the review.. that's exactly what The Hip are about, the feel. Great stuff
Nice! One of my favorites from The Hip and I like most of their stuff. Being Canadian you can't not like them. Thanks David.
These guys creep up on you. You will be a huge fan before you know it.
I know this is old, and you don’t need defending, but just wanted to say I appreciate that you focus on what hooks you immediately, and let the lyrics slide. Other reactors do their thing. You give such detailed analysis of the music and craft of composition I can’t understand how anyone can complain. AND IT’S ALL FREE, PEOPLE. You do you, DH. That’s why we;re here.
That short guitar solo was setting up the next verse. It wasn't really meant to be a long solo, and I think it works perfectly
Try Wheat Kings...a story about wrongful imprisonment and exoneration.
The band is almost inside out to most, most bands the lyrics are a part of the song, with The Hip, the lyrics drive the instruments, so the musicians almost morph themselves to mold, envelop, and seek out the best way to allow the lyrics to be the centerpiece, which they are. So yes most of the time on vinyl, the instrumentation takes no more then a side piece, and often a back seat to the lyrics. On stage, where they stretch and allow the instruments to evolve, it is a much different dynamic.
Your disclosure before every video was annoying. Now it is endearing. I'm glad it's unique each time!
I try my best to make it sound a little different each time, it's not easy.
@@THEDavidHeretic "and that's what I appreciate about you!" - Squirrely Dan. Begging for more Letterkeney reactions or at least to their all over the place soundtrack. Great job!
Mick Jagger was one of Gord's biggest influences. Band started out by covering Stones songs #2000lightyearsfromhome
They did much longer jam versions of their songs live with all of them stretching their talent especially Gord Downie
The line in LITTOAC where he goes “ you could say I became chronologically fkd up .”
Is always memorable .
Nautical Disaster is one of my faves :
m.ua-cam.com/video/gbTtMtnTHRY/v-deo.html
I've actually already done a reaction video to that song, here's a link to the reaction video: ua-cam.com/video/NmnyjFD6XJs/v-deo.html
Review Three Angels by the Headstones please! If you do can you reply here so I know it's up. Interesting fact re lead singer of the headstones went to the same high school with the lead singer of The Tragically hip
I don't see that one in the que, so it would have to be a fresh request. You can suggest songs on here, and if your suggestion happens to already be in the que, I am more than happy to add your name to the requesters of that song. However in order to make fresh brand new requests, you have to be a Bronze Tier member on the Patreon page. It's only $5 per month and you can make fresh requests, along with watch all the videos I've done that UA-cam blocked and participate in Patreon community events and enjoy exclusive content for Patreon members only.
After watching a few of your reviews of Canadian unknowns, I can see that you have difficulty with lyrics: they don't register with your mind. I get it
I too possess that inability to hear lyrics other than euphoniously. Even one of our common idols [ Neil Peart ] admitted that even though he wrote the lyrics to Rush, while performing he heard Geddy's voice euphoniously { ie: as sound more than semantics ] At least I did until I hit 65-67.
But with age, though the body might fail, the mind can become more nimble. I can only hope that the passing years allow your musical mind to include the semantic values that make this depth of philosophical composition marry with those "simplistic" musical performances.
Good
Just found ur channel Dave and have really enjoyed ur take on The Hip.....Fully Completely is a great album, as an artist, going into my studio this is my go to album to get me in the mood.....P.S.....u really want a trip, watch one of his poetry vids, their cool!
For me, the Tragically Hip almost turn into fire in many, many of their songs. But they never really take flight. I agree that their guitar solos need to let fly with that blues-rock style of great runs and some genuine speed and virtuosity--to make a _statement_ with taste. It is like that with almost all their songs. Lots of rhythm, almost takes you where you _really_ want to go. But just lacks that final genius electric guitar that marks the best rock and roll.
If that makes you folks hate me, well I'm a Canadian who lives in Calgary and I've listened to rock and roll for more than 50 years now. And there's my opinion from YYC, for what it's worth!
The band is often called workmanlike. I get the sentiment, but having been a fan for a three decades I’ve come to think it’s really wrong for Gord Sinclair on bass. Dude drives the bus on a lot of the songs. That said, this is like their 50th best song. Thought the review was fair. Great reaction, as always. Also, Gord Donnie would have loved the Jagger comparison. They certainly move around live in similar ways.
check out the band BIG WRECK the song THE OAF or any of their songs
HOW DID I miss this update! WOOOHOO! Ready for DH to maybe trash this one! lol
OH you did this on my Birthday too, HOW DID I MISS this! lol
WOOHOO NO major trashing! I FIGURED this one being very "dirtier" Blues influenced MAY get your attention! lol
WOW Northern Piper we SCORED part an 8 with DH on The Hip! lol 8.1, I'll take it, I expected a mid 7's! lol
Nice to see some hip reactions, Wasn't many out there till pretty recently which is pretty crazy since these guys occupy at least a spot or 2 on millions of peoples life "soundtrack". Our prime minister cried on national TV when Gordo died ffs. I have some American friends here in Canada who scratch their heads over this, Try and compare to REM and just don't get "it". "It" is hard to explain. I think it just has to be listened too. Day for night, Trouble at the hen house, Phantom Power for me are their best albums, Not so bar band but not far off. There's some gems afterwards and previous but I think these were their best years by far.
Thus may be the best and worst song to have on a driving to Vegas playlist - just for the lyrics, lol.