[chagrinfalls]

I differ from you in thinking on the level of preparation for this album. I would be very surprised if these songs were well practiced before they were recorded. I think this album is going to be as raw as anything Gord's done to date and I think many of these tunes are going to represent "rough drafts". And maybe that roughness and spontaneity will match well the emotional nature of the songs. In the end, I'm not opposed to "first takes". As I mentioned above, I just find the marketing of it as being odd.

Yeah, I think Gord may be making stylistic choices that are primarily for him only, not necessarily thinking as much about expectations from fans or critics. This seems like an intensely personal album--imagine writing lovesongs that are also goodbyes--& I wonder if this isn't more a document, in a way, as much as a commercial album. Closer to the book of poetry of 'Coke Machine Glow' than to something like a Hip album. I doubt Gord is concerning himself with sales & reviews. Perhaps the caveat about 'recorded swiftly' is just to help manage expectations before the release, & give some insight into Gord's intentions. We shall see, I guess!

I am a little boggled by the release of this album, because it means that since his diagnosis, Gord has released 2 albums & gone on tour. That is just astonishing.

Also, this thread is why I love this forum: we're on page 6 of a discussion about an album none of us has even heard yet, lol