08-28-2017, 03:34 PM
An academic article about The Hip! This is incredible. Did someone from the Hipbase write this? I love it. Here's the relevant quote from the paper:
A "bitter pill to swallow." Strong words! Obviously it was the right choice - but imagine if The Hip, like the oft-compared Pearl Jam, shared songwriting duties, specifically lyric writing. While Eddie might be the chief lyricist, some lyrics are written by other member of the band. Imagine an alternative universe where Sinclair still wrote some lyrics. What does a Gord Sinclair song sound like on, say, a Music@Work? Can you even imagine? Do you think Sinclair ever has thought, "I've got some really good lyrical ideas I''d love to share." Obviously Downie's genius as a lyric writer is undeniable...but Sinclair must have that lyric writing bug somewhere in his blood. Interestingly, while Baker and Langlois have each released solo music, Sinclair has not, even though he has done a fair bit of production for other people. What would a Gord Sinclair solo record sound like? Wouldn't you love to hear that?
Quote:"For their second album with MCA, Road Apples, The Tragically Hip used Smith as producer again. But this time they recorded in New Orleans. During these sessions Downie announced he would no longer sing other people’s lyric. The decision handcuffed the rest of the group as songwriters to some extent. Baker confesses, “It was a bitter pill to swallow.” Nevertheless, he understands the move was integral for Downie to develop as a lyricist and performer."(pp. 34-35).
A "bitter pill to swallow." Strong words! Obviously it was the right choice - but imagine if The Hip, like the oft-compared Pearl Jam, shared songwriting duties, specifically lyric writing. While Eddie might be the chief lyricist, some lyrics are written by other member of the band. Imagine an alternative universe where Sinclair still wrote some lyrics. What does a Gord Sinclair song sound like on, say, a Music@Work? Can you even imagine? Do you think Sinclair ever has thought, "I've got some really good lyrical ideas I''d love to share." Obviously Downie's genius as a lyric writer is undeniable...but Sinclair must have that lyric writing bug somewhere in his blood. Interestingly, while Baker and Langlois have each released solo music, Sinclair has not, even though he has done a fair bit of production for other people. What would a Gord Sinclair solo record sound like? Wouldn't you love to hear that?