[skippy the wonder dog]

I really don't understand the concept of an album's "flow". I simply don't care if track 12 sounds nothing like track 1.

Maybe that's why I'm one of the few who would put M@W among the Hip's best work.

I'd suggest that most people aren't as adaptable in their listening. Most people like things to stay the same, or to transition gradually. I think the attempt to make M@W flow resulted in a record that seems to peter out on side 2.

It is in some ways among their best work. Lots has been said about how their songwriting process changed on that record, with Downie having moved to Toronto, songs being written in the studio, etc. The result was a much more varied collection of songs than we'd seen previously. The band broke the mould on that record, more so I think than on any other.

Paradoxically, the strength of the album is also the source of its weakness. With all the defences of World Container as the band changing and growing, it's actually M@W that was the boldest thing they've done. (cf. Rob Baker's comment on Tiger the Lion being their most adventurous song.) And it's too bad it was badly received, as that may have affected what they did since.