[Mr. Lahey]

Definitely into full immersion now. Moments on each track that grab me:

1) I love that At Transformation starts at what seems like full steam ahead but still has a long build in it...Love "I didn't when it was hapPENing" and the bass line throughout, especially when the song gallops into the 'dream of being' coda.

2) The epic weirdness of Man Machine Poem. Screw everybody who says their songs all sound the same. And referencing avocets and peregrine falcons in a rock song makes me happy.

3) "and Jeeeefff Beeeck." (I also like that they knew to keep the song short. No stretching needlessly.)

4) Of course, the best moment of the album: "We're still happening as we speak!"

5) Streets Ahead bass line, for sure. I'd happily watch an iso-cam of Sinclair on this song.

6) That Gord can sing (seemingly) effortlessly with Harmer and it sounds gentle and rich and right. I'm not sure it would have worked with the vocal tone he had back on Fiddler's Green or Flamenco.

7) The way Gord sings 'Driving it like we stole it.'

8: The entire second verse of About This Map grabs me by my shirt collar.

9) "These are not good hours" is the best possible description of flying. Also: CAL-GAR-Y!

10) That chorus is breathtakingly gorgeous. Very curious to see if they can pull it off live. And the song has the lyric on the album I relate to most: "Days accomplished/If I had a wish/it'd be for more of this" Also, way to trump Joel Plaskett with one more 'through' than him.

11) The way Gord chokes out "You're on your way," especially the second time.

:music

100% agree. This album is truly special. Every song has something unique about it that sticks in my head for a day at a time, and it seems each song on the album has it's day, one by one.

I take back anything I said about MMP being average or strange. It has that epic Hip weirdness that has made so many songs before it a favourite while on the first listen would make you say "WTF?" Hearing it live up close and personal really brought it to another level (not to mention Gord singing the first verse and looking me right in the eye and pointing at me for every word at Kensington Oct 1st!)

The album has incredible pacing and is perfectly balanced. I wish I knew how to articulate myself in musical terms, so I'll just say that the guitars on every song are amazing! Love Gord's vocals too