[arseface88]

I'm a big Hip and Gord solo fan. Really. I am not a hater. But in my oppinion, on TGB, The Country of Miracles sounded like a bunch of kids who'd been playing their instruments for about three days. Really basic. I also thought the record was lacking in hooks. I thought WATS had the occasional good song on it, like, say, Coffee Girl, but I have come to expect more from The Hip. And then there's the new Stripper's Union record, on which, in my oppinion, Rob performed well below his potential.

Maybe all this is because The Hip have been listening to a lot of independent Canadian music, and they want to transition to a sound that is more cerebral and less accessible. Maybe it's because they feel that the stakes aren't very high anymore, since they could put out a CD of fart sounds and still pack stadiums on the ensuing tour. I don't know. But whatever the reason, I just don't think the guys are firing on all cylinders anymore.

I know I'm going to make a lot of people angry by saying this. But if you feel the same way as I do, and you've been too afraid to say it, then post here. Vent. Let me know that I'm not going crazy.

And to those of you who think I just commited a crime worse than murder... I'm sorry.

[NegPhil]

Murder eh? That's a bit dramatic, it's more like blasphemy.

[sean.bonner]

Murder eh? That's a bit dramatic, it's more like blasphemy.

On hipbase it must be considered high treason.

[mojo_mattv]

I know I'm going to make a lot of people angry by saying this. But if you feel the same way as I do, and you've been too afraid to say it, then post here. Vent. Let me know that I'm not going crazy.

And to those of you who think I just commited a crime worse than murder... I'm sorry.

I'll bite.

I thought Downie's solo record was a solid listen. As I mentioned in another thread a long while back, I find his solo stuff has always been more "CBC radio 3" than anything the Hip's ever done. If you're not into music that fits that descriptor, you ain't gonna like Downie's solo work. That being said, I found his latest to be his most accessible.

Haven't listened to anything by Stripper's Union so any opinion would be rooted in ignorance.

I think WATS was the Hip's weakest output since the EP. There were at tops three decent songs on the record and only one that I'd like to hear in a live setting (Love is a First). I'm going to qualify this by saying I thought World Container was awesome, so for me it's not a "Bob Rock thing", I just didn't like the songs on WATS. I'm also not yearning for yesteryear, my preferred Hip catalogue is Phantom Power and everything after.

[screw_ball]

Yes, but are they enjoying themselves? They seem to be enjoying themselves.

[BakersBrew]

I really enjoyed Gord's first two albums. Haven't picked up his most recent, maybe because I was turned off by the single. I like the fact that it is sort of independent and non radio. Paul's new CD is a great listen. I also picked up the Stripper's Union CD and unfortunately was disappointed. Their first release I thought was great, this one lacked something.
I hope if anything the band will take their time to make this album. Why do we need one this year if it is going to be second rate? What made the Hip something special from the start was that they were one of a few bands that put out material that a fan could listen to cover to cover. The last four albums all have some good material, but, there are songs that just don't measure up to what they are capable of. I hope they produce it themselves and put it out when it is ready.

[HandsInTheRiver41]

I'd probably be more surprised by your dislike of TGB if you hadn't mentioned that "Coffee Girl" was a good song. If that is the case, then it is true: there are no good songs with catchy hooks on the latest GD record.

[jgardz]

I actually think TGB is fantastic, one of my all time favorite records!! Great songs, lots of personal connections, etc. As for WATS, it's some great tunes (depression, recluse, moon). It's not classic hip, but I'm glad they are growing and trying, rather than just rehashing. We've already got fully completely, I don't yearn for part 2.