[Escape@Hand]

My favorite album of all time and has a special place in my heart. This was my first Hip album and it opened the door to a whole new world of music to me-- Pearl Jam, Radiohead, The National, and many others. During my formative years these were all bands who changed how I think and shaped how I perceive my world. I was 14 at the time and had just discovered The Hip via a friend. I began to take more and more notice of their songs on the radio and realized I needed all their albums. I got it for Chirstmas 2004 from my aunt. I was bummed at first because I wanted the one with New Orleans is Sinking, not New Orleans is Beat. My aunt didn't know any better, but in hidsight it was the best Christmas present I've ever recieved. Aftter my first listen I was enraptured. The vocals (I think You're Everywhere is one of Gord's best vocal performances-- just incredible) and lyrics were so unlike anything I've heard (what the f**k is an autodidact? what the shit is a nadir? who the hell writes lyrics with with weird words like that???) and the meoldies had me hooked. Not before long I became obsessed with the whole album. I would listen to it all day, analyze the lyrics, pouring over the album art, going on Cameron Tomsett's website to look at more of his art-- full nerd mode. It made me fall in love with words, lyrics, books, poetry, music, and art. Every subsequent Hip album would get the same treatment, but In Between Evolution will always be The One. Every Christmas I spin the hell out of that album and it instantly brings me back to some great memories when I discovered a whole new world. When I spin it this Christmas it's gonna be emotional to say the least.

That's an awesome story and exactly why the Hip were (can't believe I'm referring to them as past tense ) so amazing. They would take you on so many different journey's an introduce you to things you never would have known without them. Thanks for sharing! :thumb: