[kulpie]

G'day fellow Hip fans.

Long time Hip fan (since 1992) and first time poster here. I’m as excited as everyone else is here. As I’m new to the forum, it’s been fun reading about people’s personal favourites and opinions on the Hip’s catalogue. And it's especially great just to see the shared love and community of Hip fans here. I don’t know if I have a favourite Hip album…or even era. It can be difficult not to let nostalgia influence that decision – ie; some albums resonate more simply because they came out at a formative time in my life. That said, like many of you, it’s fun to rate and rank yer favourites. I, for one, loved the Bob Rock albums. I see the criticism – too “big”...too much production, etc. but I feel that what the Hip needed. From Music@Work to IVL to IBE, I found myself becoming less and less engaged with their music. For me, the sense of urgency in their songs was becoming somewhat lacking. Albums were looser and less punchy. World Container marked a return to tight, big songs. I often enjoy listening to Hip songs and following each instrument in my head. World Container had a clarity and tightness to its production that allowed that. There was urgency in the sound. I liked that. WATS was similar. NFPA less so, but I still dug it. I hope the new album has that cleanness and urgency I like so much. And how about the album Gord made with The Sadies? I love that album. I honestly wish The Hip albums were that fun and tight. Here’s hoping. And what do you think about the title - being the name of a song from previous record. Kinda odd, right? No judgement though. I'd have to wait until June for that.

Enjoy your day, fellow Hip fans. Thanks for reading.

Great first post and I echo the sentiments. This group has essentially chronicled my life from 1989 until now. I went away to the States to play hockey in my late teens and early twenties (early 90s) and the Hip and Downie were always with me. I'll always remember warm ups with '50 Mission Cap' blaring...and looking across the ice to see the few other Canadian players in US schools acknowledging the Hip! When you are away in a relatively far away land without your normal support group, it is amazing how homesick one gets and The Hip were that main constant (for me).

I completely (and fully) appreciate the life experiences that this band has accompanied me on. I am fortunate enough to have met most of the guys and have the utmost respect for each of them - truly genuine people!...As with many here, I have seen them countless times and was moved beyond comprehension at just about every single show...From the 9:30 club in DC back in '95(ish) to stadium to euro-shows!

Lets enjoy the new song and anticipate the new album with grace. And remember the amazing experiences they have provided and shared with us...peace, and continue enjoying your day