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'Depression Suite' might be the single most over-rated song among Hip-heads. Yes, it's bloated and pure Bob Rock. More to the point, the three sections are not different enough to prevent tiring the ear, and the middle section would never have made the cut on any Hip album; what is essentially fooling around is justified by the trite 1970s 'suite' concept. I like the first movement and then hit the 'skip' button on this overblown Rock self-indulgence.
'Furrows' is an adequate cut that abruptly becomes grotesque the moment the electric guitars kick in. Thereafter, it's one of the ghastliest moments in the entire Hip catalogue. It should be expunged posthaste, and I'm happy to see it on the chopping block this time.
'Speed River' is OK, but for a Hip rocker it is alarmingly bland. I like the rollicking guitar arc in the chorus, but this is a quintessential 'B'-side or non-album cut. It isn't an outrage to good taste like 'Furrows', but it's forgettable.
'Coffee Girl:' tight, sharp writing, good melody, great groove, different sound - this is where Bob Rock is actually an asset. Sadly, a critical mass of Hip fans seem unable to hear it. Oh, well.
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Killer Whale Tank Wrote:'Depression Suite' might be the single most over-rated song among Hip-heads. Yes, it's bloated and pure Bob Rock. More to the point, the three sections are not different enough to prevent tiring the ear, and the middle section would never have made the cut on any Hip album; what is essentially fooling around is justified by the trite 1970s 'suite' concept. I like the first movement and then hit the 'skip' button on this overblown Rock self-indulgence.
In truth, I really only care for The Rock in The Depression Suite. It is sublime. It's one of the most beautiful things they've written in the last 15 years. Though, again to be honest, I prefer the stripped down sound you hear in that first video from the recording sessions. I don't care for the strings at all.
Jeff
June 21, 2003 Toronto, ON: SkyDome
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I remember not being all that keen on the Depression Suite when the album first came out. But seeing it performed live completely changed my perspective on it.
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Queen of the Furrows for me, although I'd be just as happy to see either The Depression Suite or The Exact Feeling go, with Speed River not far behind.
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I had deja vu voting a second time for The Exact Feeling. It felt ... exactly the same.
Honey Please seems to be the anonymous onlooker for this album. No strong words in either direction for this one. (He said, holding the door wide open.)
ct
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I agree, andrew. The lyrics aren't that great, but it has a nice tune and Rob's sublime guitar-work really elevates the song to a worthwhile three minutes. That's among his best later-Hip moments, I think.
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I'm a bit surprised those that loathe "In View" didn't have their knives out to put one in Honey's back. I guess there is more appreciation (tolerance?) for Kevin Hearn's keys than Jamie Edward's. I love Rob's slide guitar in the song and that is what pushes the song into the top half of the album for me.
As for the lyrics, Gord flirts dangerously with sentimentality on this one. Creating a love song that doesn't come across as trite is a great challenge for a song writer and I think Gord just barely pulls it off here. I've also wondered if "Honey" could double as both a lover and as his creative muse. At he seems to be appealing to his muse to bring him an elusive song. "I don't wanna look for words", "I don't wanna work that hard", "Whenever I get stuck", "Whenever I can't speak", "It might still have some worth, but I can't dance to it".... sounds at times like Gord is, once again, writing about the creative process.
