[chives]

I think we're the exception, not the rule. WE want to hear Emperor Penguin, Another Midnight and the Completeists (well I do anyways). I don't think the majority of fans would care for the rarities.

Yup, and that's why there's a strong likelihood that the Hip will continue to play greatest hits setlists for the remainder of their career...at least in this country. From everything I heard and read about the 2012 U.S. tour, they were mixing it up nicely down there and actually dusted off some of the deep album cuts. If I ever spend money to see these guys live again, it definitely won't be in Canada.

Some of it seems kind of counter-intuitive...
Wouldn't the deep cuts go over better in a Canadian environment where people actually know songs like Thugs, Summer's Killing Us, The Last Recluse etc.?

When I meant "WE" I meant here at Hipbase, we are the exception, not Canada in general. However, in Canada, the larger arenas and festival shows will also likely bring more people to their first or second Hip show, therefore the hits come out for them. It would be interesting to see how many 1st timers are at the shows in the US club gigs? Regardless, the point is yes, setlists need to be revamped if there is going to be any longevity.

[NegPhil]

Next steps? Head south boys. Pack up the station wagon with all your shit. stuff the trailer with one guitar each and Johnny's kit. Leave the family, management and studio behind. Hop on the Q and don't stop driving till you pass the Mason-Dixon Line. The American South can restore this bands soul. I swear to god if they record another album at home with some overrated Canadian producer it will end this band. Hate to say it boys but ya kind of turned into a bunch of rich white pussies. Rediscover Rock and Roll. Rediscover the Tragically Hip.

[thechubb44]

NegPhil hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately, never gonna happen. I think Paul is the exception in the band. Robbie's work has become a real bore. If anyone needs a wake up call it's him. Gord is a lost cause. He'd rather compose show tunes than make a rock record. WATS was a serious disaster. Anything compared to that is an improvement. NFPA was a bore. Better but not by much.

[direwolf74]

NegPhil hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately, never gonna happen. I think Paul is the exception in the band. Robbie's work has become a real bore. If anyone needs a wake up call it's him. Gord is a lost cause. He'd rather compose show tunes than make a rock record. WATS was a serious disaster. Anything compared to that is an improvement. NFPA was a bore. Better but not by much.

I agree that WATS was pretty awful, but I really like NFPA. Excellent record in my opinion. It's the live show where this band has truly dropped the ball. Mostly because of two reasons: Gord's god-awful vocal delivery and the stale, boring setlists. If they can't repair those two things, then I won't be paying another cent to see this band live again. Personally I think they're probably done. But the fan in me wants to see them succeed and make a kick-ass comeback on the next tour. Doubtful that it'll actually happen, but hey, a guy can dream.

[direwolf74]

NegPhil hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately, never gonna happen. I think Paul is the exception in the band. Robbie's work has become a real bore. If anyone needs a wake up call it's him. Gord is a lost cause. He'd rather compose show tunes than make a rock record. WATS was a serious disaster. Anything compared to that is an improvement. NFPA was a bore. Better but not by much.

I agree that WATS was pretty awful, but I really like NFPA. Excellent record in my opinion. It's the live show where this band has truly dropped the ball. Mostly because of two reasons: Gord's god-awful vocal delivery and the stale, boring setlists. If they can't repair those two things, then I won't be paying another cent to see this band live again. Personally I think they're probably done. But the fan in me wants to see them succeed and make a kick-ass comeback on the next tour. Doubtful that it'll actually happen, but hey, a guy can dream.

[Remi_Gaudet21]

I swear to god if they record another album at home with some overrated Canadian producer it will end this band.

I know i've said this before, but is love to see them get together with someone like Gordy Johnson from big sugar. He's done a ton of good producing and still rocks with Big Sugar. It would be nice to see them re-energized.

[direwolf74]

I swear to god if they record another album at home with some overrated Canadian producer it will end this band.

I know i've said this before, but is love to see them get together with someone like Gordy Johnson from big sugar. He's done a ton of good producing and still rocks with Big Sugar. It would be nice to see them re-energized.

I 2nd Gordy Johnson in the producer's chair. I'd also love to see them get back together with Adam Kasper again, if only to bring the rawness and grit back into their sound. Ian Blurton would be a great choice as well. I love the work he did on the Weakerthans' records, as well as Lowest of the Low and the Skydiggers. If anybody can bring some energy back into the Hip camp, it`s him.

[Dark Canuck17]

If they were calling it quits we would know I doubt they would just say we are done and bye...the would announce a last tour and a final album and its your opinion on the albums being shit so don't forget to say IMO because that is all it is!

[spottrax]

Some time off is the key with these guys. Rest for Downie's voice, time to be with loved ones, time to regain the fire and embrace how much awesome music they've made together.

The band we know and love is still there.

For what it's worth, I listened to the entire NFPA album while working out yesterday and I am still of the belief it was a terrific album. AND I'm one of the people on here who like most of WATS and WC too

[direwolf74]

For what it's worth, I listened to the entire NFPA album while working out yesterday and I am still of the belief it was a terrific album. AND I'm one of the people on here who like most of WATS and WC too

I'm also a big fan of WC. One of their better albums in my opinion.

[robbroncs]

they need to find a happy medium between the bombastic rock of the recent record and the country pop of WAtS. the band was at its best when it was a blues oriented band. the need to bring that back in. obviously 90's sounding rock is starting to sound dated. but blues will never get old. it is the backbone to all rock.