[tigerthelion]

I hope I don't get too much flak for this but...

I've seen The Hip 5 times. The last time being the Hamilton show last February. Although I would say the kid is a bit crazy to say that they're not good performers, but I might tend to agree that the live show does not live up to its past reputation anymore.

These past few tours they're playing a better mix of material and the covers are great. Guitars sound amazing, the drums and bass are equally as good. What I find almost irritating now is Gord's 'over-singing'.

The other 4 shows that I saw came from the Phantom Power era back to the Day For Night tour and were everything I expected (which was a lot because my entire family is obsessed with The Hip and has seen many shows) and more. However, roughly everything I've seen since then (on TV, bootlegs, Hamilton show, etc.) has been overkill on Gord's part.

The old rants and his quirks have a certain charm, but sometimes I'd just wish he'd sing the god damned song and not sound like he's doing an impersonation of someone else singing a Hip song. I was especially disappointed when some of this 'over-singing' translated onto the latest record (which for the most part I love... but yeah).

Back to the point, I can see why maybe he thought the performance wasn't up to snuff if the show he saw was trumped by their old live show's reputation got the best of him.

You'll get no flak from me but I don't agree. I saw The Hip two nights ago and they were terrific. Gord's singing was perfect and the guys all looked to be enjoying themselves. I know they have a huge rep as being a great live band but they lived up to that reputation in Charlottetown as far as I'm concerned. Gord is right at the top of his game. Actually, Saturday night was possibly the best I've seen Gord live.