[Escape@Hand]

"Is it that Gord's lyrics are too distinctly Canadian in theme and subject matter"
That is my #1 guess.

Bachman saying they havent had a number one hit is bull I think. Courage, Three Pistols, Ahead, those would all be easy top radio hits in the states if they wanted.

I think Randy is right; I don't think the Hip's music is very radio friendly. Remember, songs like NOIS and Little Bones did get some some decent airplay in the States when they came out, but I think it's pretty safe to say that the Hip have never really made any tune that is super pop or catchy enough for mainstream radio (In View may be the exception to the rule, but too little too late perhaps). Radio conglamorates will play what sells airtime, so if they thought the Hip's music would do so they would play it.

I think the biggest reason they are big in Canada is because of Cancon. If radio stations weren't forced to play Canadian content so much, our charts would be the same as the Americans; I mean just look at that top 40 list.