[Moof_Milker]

An academic article about The Hip! This is incredible. Did someone from the Hipbase write this? I love it. Here's the relevant quote from the paper:

"For their second album with MCA, Road Apples, The Tragically Hip used Smith as producer again. But this time they recorded in New Orleans. During these sessions Downie announced he would no longer sing other people’s lyric. The decision handcuffed the rest of the group as songwriters to some extent. Baker confesses, “It was a bitter pill to swallow.” Nevertheless, he understands the move was integral for Downie to develop as a lyricist and performer."(pp. 34-35)

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A "bitter pill to swallow." Strong words! Obviously it was the right choice - but imagine if The Hip, like the oft-compared Pearl Jam, shared songwriting duties, specifically lyric writing. While Eddie might be the chief lyricist, some lyrics are written by other member of the band. Imagine an alternative universe where Sinclair still wrote some lyrics. What does a Gord Sinclair song sound like on, say, a Music@Work? Can you even imagine? Do you think Sinclair ever has thought, "I've got some really good lyrical ideas I''d love to share." Obviously Downie's genius as a lyric writer is undeniable...but Sinclair must have that lyric writing bug somewhere in his blood. Interestingly, while Baker and Langlois have each released solo music, Sinclair has not, even though he has done a fair bit of production for other people. What would a Gord Sinclair solo record sound like? Wouldn't you love to hear that?

[gsmacleod]

Having played in a band with a guitar, bass, drums and sax for a couple of years, I'm curious how having a sax in the band contributed to song writing. We were always fairly cognizant of how the sax would fit into the overall picture and it was a very different experience to what I've experienced in bands with a more traditional complement of instruments.

Shane

[edgoffin]

Having played in a band with a guitar, bass, drums and sax for a couple of years, I'm curious how having a sax in the band contributed to song writing.

I have wondered the same -- Davis Manning seemed to have played a guide and mentor role in the early days, but I have a hard time separating truth from myth. Other than the Live between Us reference, I've never heard any band member talk about his role in the band. There was a good article on him last year around the Kingston show -- he's still living in Kingston (if I remember right, or general area) and does his own music.

I think I've heard one boot with sax (maybe the Copper Penny show?). I never really figured out how it would have fit in. Some of that's my own aversion of sax. I like how it's used now in the Sam Roberts Band (background drone, for lack of a better word) but loathe the sax solo -- weird how much sax there was in 1980s music.

[potsie]

Having played in a band with a guitar, bass, drums and sax for a couple of years, I'm curious how having a sax in the band contributed to song writing.

I have wondered the same -- Davis Manning seemed to have played a guide and mentor role in the early days, but I have a hard time separating truth from myth. Other than the Live between Us reference, I've never heard any band member talk about his role in the band. There was a good article on him last year around the Kingston show -- he's still living in Kingston (if I remember right, or general area) and does his own music.

I think I've heard one boot with sax (maybe the Copper Penny show?). I never really figured out how it would have fit in. Some of that's my own aversion of sax. I like how it's used now in the Sam Roberts Band (background drone, for lack of a better word) but loathe the sax solo -- weird how much sax there was in 1980s music.

The only other time I've heard Davis play is the Smalltown video (below) from 1984. The sax is actually quite tasteful in that song. I'm not sure I would have wanted the Hip to become the E Street Band, but it seems to have fit in the songs that I've heard it played on.

I tend to prefer 70's sax over 80's sax... like Pink Floyd (Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Us and Them) and Seger's "Turn the Page". Although I do have a soft spot for "Careless Whisper". The sax is not used much these days... only DMB and Springsteen come immediately to mind.

[youtube]mZGjS00WL5c[/youtube]

[andrew sharpe]

Do you think Sinclair ever has thought, "I've got some really good lyrical ideas I''d love to share." Obviously Downie's genius as a lyric writer is undeniable...but Sinclair must have that lyric writing bug somewhere in his blood. Interestingly, while Baker and Langlois have each released solo music, Sinclair has not, even though he has done a fair bit of production for other people. What would a Gord Sinclair solo record sound like? Wouldn't you love to hear that?

I would, and I'm surprised he's been the least active outside the Hip. I think the fact that he let GD take over is a testament to his humble nature and respect for the music. I've said this many times before, but it's the cohesion that makes the Hip.

[carebread]

Do you think Sinclair ever has thought, "I've got some really good lyrical ideas I''d love to share." Obviously Downie's genius as a lyric writer is undeniable...but Sinclair must have that lyric writing bug somewhere in his blood. Interestingly, while Baker and Langlois have each released solo music, Sinclair has not, even though he has done a fair bit of production for other people. What would a Gord Sinclair solo record sound like? Wouldn't you love to hear that?

I would, and I'm surprised he's been the least active outside the Hip. I think the fact that he let GD take over is a testament to his humble nature and respect for the music. I've said this many times before, but it's the cohesion that makes the Hip.

He's been producing and playing alongside Miss Emily (with Rob) and doing some small gigs here and there, so I'd say Johnny has been the least active. Has he been playing with The Stellar Band of Neighbours at all?

[Moof_Milker]

I think the fact that he let GD take over is a testament to his humble nature and respect for the music. I've said this many times before, but it's the cohesion that makes the Hip.

And that quote from Sinclair in the Long Time Running doc trailer about laying down his guitar on stage and walking off with Downie if he had to. My god. So emotionally devastating. A true testamate of their love and respect for each other, not just as musicians but as friends and brothers.