[direwolf74]

I'm certainly not writing them off as a creative force. Now for Plan A is a terrific album and one of the best things they've done in recent years. I still think they've got a couple more great albums in them. But I refuse to fork over any more money for their concerts until they repair their broken live show. They have such an unbelievably rich body of work, and they really need to rediscover that and make the setlists more interesting. Not too long ago the Hip were considered to be one of the greatest live bands on the planet, right up there with Pearl Jam, Springsteen, Wilco, etc.. and I'd love to see them to earn that reputation back. And for the love of all things good and pure, Gord needs to start using his natural singing voice again. This guy possesses one of the most unique instruments in all of rock, and it's an awesome and powerful thing when he actually sings in key and doesn't scream. Judging by the clips I heard from his recent solo gig, he can clearly still sing when he wants to. So it's baffling to me that he chooses to butcher the Hip's material when he performs with the band. I wish I could understand it. Perhaps the other members of the Hip don't even understand it.

Perhaps Escape@Hand is right. Maybe these guys need to crank out another album quickly and get right back on the horse instead of waiting 3 years. This band still has it in them to be a great live act. Whatever is missing, I hope they can get it back. C'mon Hip! Make me a believer again!