[direwolf74]

The music was recorded swiftly over two four-day sessions in January 2016 and February 2017, with the final album often reflecting first takes.

I've never understood why musicians wear "first takes" as a badge of honour. You would never see a writer say, "The new novel from x, with most chapters representing first drafts". First takes can mean that you played it 50 times and never nailed as well as you did the first time, and that's fine. However, in the case of Gord recording 23 songs over 8 days I would have to believe that first takes for Introduce Yerself is going to mean a lot of "one and dones". There is a certain charm in something that is fresh and not over-cooked, but it also leaves the question of "Could it have been done better?" lingering in the air. Which is the question that I sometimes find hovering above Coke Machine Glow. For as much as I love it, it feels like an unfinished record at times (vs. the more complete The Grand Bounce). I think I'll probably feel the same about this one.

One of my favorite aspects of CMG is the raw/improvisational nature of the recording. I actually prefer it to the Grand Bounce, and I think it's one of the best and most unique Canadian albums ever made. Could it have been polished up a little more? Sure. Would I want that as a listener? No way. At least not in the case of that particular album.

Having spent time in a recording studio with various bands in my younger days, I can tell you that the first take is often the best one. Especially if you've already rehearsed the songs before going in to the studio. There's something to be said for not over-thinking things too much, relaxing, and just letting her rip. It's more like a live show that way. I'm guessing that's what Gord and Kevin Drew were going for with this new album. I wouldn't be surprised if the songs were already fully written and practiced for the most part before they recorded them. Therefore they were able to go into the studio and knock it out in 8 days. I have no issue whatsoever with first takes or quick recording sessions, provided the songs are good and it doesn't sound like crap.