04-07-2009, 11:39 AM
Tthip Wrote:http://www.theprovince.com/Entertainment...story.htmlThis is a shitty article.
There's nothing like getting up close and personal with your favourite band in their favourite place.
And that is exactly what all in attendance at any Cineplex location broadcasting the Tragically Hip's intimate and interactive hang from the band's Bathouse studio got Monday night.
Part showcase for We Are the Same, the band's 11th full length — yes, there was the first EP too, so some may say 12th release — and also apres-tour shout out to fans, the 90-minute event was also part interview; albeit a very loose one that included a losing round of snooker for The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos.
Heading right into the old stone house that holds the studio's many jam spaces, we were treated to "Don't You Want to See How it Ends."
Easily one of the best tracks on the new disc, the tune packs all the same punch as the beautifully produced Bob Rock studio track played live.
Add in the fact that Downie noted of "this being where all of our college furniture came to die," and you've some idea of the backdrop to this performance.
"Hello all of you in the movie-atres," saluted Downie. "This is like coming home for us."
The loose atmosphere extended to some of the acoustic moments during the show too.
When Downie momentarily struggled for a lyric opening in "Thompson Girl," the earlier question about feeling vulnerable with a new album and the event came home to roost.
It was the kind of moment that fans far too rarely get with their heroes and not the last of the night.
As the band and sizable camera crew — obvious from the dazzling array of camera angles and such — moved about the studio confines, fans texted in questions and requests.
Strombo also did his part in the interviewing, mainly concentrating on the band's longevity and how it had held together so long, still being creative and active.
"Like any long-term relationship, you really have to work at it. And to make a cake like we do every few years, you have to break some eggs," says Downie.
"We came to realize that we did what we do better together than apart," chimes in Paul Langlois.
Then the group whips out "Bobcaygeon" while Downie whips the interviewer's butt at snooker. Very funny.
Less amusing, some of the weaker tunes from We Are the Same.
Whether it was inspired by Prime Minister Harper's apology to First Nations peoples for the horrors of residential schools or not, "Now the Struggle Has a Name" is a dud.
Ditto "The Last Recluse." If this is the kind of results that all the members' much-discussed songwriting process can yield up, stick to the oldies but goodies guys.
Bassist Gord Sinclair says that the coming tour with its multi-night stands in smaller theatres rather than arenas will feature setlists tailored for fans and the band, bringing out a real range of both the new album and past glories.
Yes, even covers. But don't expect the band to release any of its many live cover versions on a package any time soon.
While learning a new cover a night is big fun for the band and each show's audience:
"Out of 80 or 90 we did last tour, only three or four really made it out of the park."
Eternally shaggy guitarist Robbie Baker puts it more bluntly: "There are too many new songs waiting to be written to go do all the work needed to truly own a cover tune."
This certainly holds true for the whole group, and working with legendary producer Bob Rock appears to be a very positive experience.
That said, nothing in the broadcast made me change my mind that this latest Hip joint is not one of the band's finest. In the end, We Are the Same, pretty much says it.
A bit different owing to the studio results.
But much heard before. If that is your thing, it's sure not to offend.
And I doubt that this is a group expecting to change anyone's minds about it this long into its career.
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hock: WOW this was top notch. what a cool setting. i like georgie strombolopolisisitisitic or whatever. he was ok during this. i really wish they dident pretend the songs wernt planned ect ect ect. i think he did good getting gord to relax a bit and have fun... the new stuff was killer live. last recluse made me want to buy more tour tix. the fire in the background of the loft scenes made me anticipate the guys sitting around the coals of the fire strumming on a few acoustic tunes... it ended way to early as far as im concerned. would llove to see an MTV cribs like show on some of the memorabilia and stuff laying around there. the sounds was OK but who cares... live hip man... my fiancee was having a great time as well. was cool to see some other people involved in making the hip, hip. Would have liked to see MAV and a bit of discussion about this fan forum and the official website and how they have an active recording/trading fanbase ect ect... dident get any of our questions or votes onto the show. felt there was a strong push for emperor penguin and it would have been a great shout out to the online community to throw that in there... o well.. :music: the car ride home in an april snowstorm was great. got to really hear the album for the first time in good quality. crossing back into the states..."citizenship" "us" "what were you in canada for?" "the new hip cd release live concert movie thing" "thats a once in a lifetime experence" "yea for sure" "would you consider yourself tragically hip?" "i would like to think so" "what are you bringing back?" "a new cd and a 1/2 tank of gas" "have a great night" overall an a+ show and album..... P.S. great job canada on the big mac snack wrap... awesome!
