[tigerthelion]

That's not what I'm saying. What I got from the original post is that Bakersbrew would prefer it if the Hip put out another record that sounded like Up to Here or Road Apples, essentially going back and re-hashing the blues rock sound of old, and that going back to Don Smith would result in that sound. To clarify, I could care less which producer they work with, as long as they're not repeating themselves. That's all I meant. If they did indeed work with Don Smith again, I personally don't think it would sound anything like UTH or RA. The Hip sound the way they do right now because that's where they happen to be in the course of their musical/artistic development. They're a very different band today than they were in 1991. In my opinion they're better.

Ok, gotcha.

IMO, WC ranks well below RA and UTH. I wouldn't mind if The Hip went back to a more stripped down bluesy sound. I like quite a few songs on WC but over time I've come to realize that the SONGS are very good but the production is just too much. Bob Rock wants to turn everything into some kind of anthem. I'd say that "Yer Not the Ocean" is probably the one song that the production really enhances. I still like The Hip today, but I still believe they'll never do anything as good as DFN again. I've come to terms with that, already.

[direwolf74]

That's not what I'm saying. What I got from the original post is that Bakersbrew would prefer it if the Hip put out another record that sounded like Up to Here or Road Apples, essentially going back and re-hashing the blues rock sound of old, and that going back to Don Smith would result in that sound. To clarify, I could care less which producer they work with, as long as they're not repeating themselves. That's all I meant. If they did indeed work with Don Smith again, I personally don't think it would sound anything like UTH or RA. The Hip sound the way they do right now because that's where they happen to be in the course of their musical/artistic development. They're a very different band today than they were in 1991. In my opinion they're better.

Ok, gotcha.

IMO, WC ranks well below RA and UTH. I wouldn't mind if The Hip went back to a more stripped down bluesy sound. I like quite a few songs on WC but over time I've come to realize that the SONGS are very good but the production is just too much. Bob Rock wants to turn everything into some kind of anthem. I'd say that "Yer Not the Ocean" is probably the one song that the production really enhances. I still like The Hip today, but I still believe they'll never do anything as good as DFN again. I've come to terms with that, already.

Agreed. I think UTH and RA are pretty much flawless from beginning to end, while WC definitely has a couple of duds (In View, Pretend) that bring the album down a notch. And the production is just too much on certain songs, particularly the title track. That being said, I think songs like Ocean, Rink, Kids, Last Night, Drop Off, and Family Band rank right up there with their best work. That album totally rejuvenated the Hip and I'm hoping that energy carries over to the next record. I'm also hoping that the change in scenery (recording at the Bathouse) brings a more stripped-down approach from Bob Rock. Whatever the result, I'm sure I'll be happy with it. While I have problems with some of the production decisions on WC, I still think it's their best record since Phantom Power...specifically from a songwriting standpoint.

[Shredd]

Two things that still piss me off about this album:
1) Bob Rock making everything sound so 'epic' and not as raw
2) Gord's newfound straightforward lyrically approach thus taking away from all their charm

[BakersBrew]

Gord's voice has become less pleasureable over time. Maybe he needs to take up smoking again? What I would like to hear is more slide from Robbie and more solos with the wah-wah peddle...for example: Bring it all back. World Container will not standout in the long run. I hope the boys forget it when the setlists come out for the next tour. And I hope Bob Rock becomes permanently busy with an Aerosmith reunion for the next forty years so we don't have to hear the Hip's version of glam rock. Hey Bob: what did you think of Bath? Sort of like Maui eh? I'm sure Downie gave you a tour of the Lafarge plant. Don't fuck this one up again Bob.

[direwolf74]

Two things that still piss me off about this album:
1) Bob Rock making everything sound so 'epic' and not as raw
2) Gord's newfound straightforward lyrically approach thus taking away from all their charm

The only straightforward lyrics on that album are "In View" and "Lonely End of the Rink". On the rest of the songs Gord is his usual cryptic self.

[screw_ball]

Two things that still piss me off about this album:
1) Bob Rock making everything sound so 'epic' and not as raw
2) Gord's newfound straightforward lyrically approach thus taking away from all their charm

Your favourite Hip album is Fully Completely.

Gord's voice has become less pleasureable over time. Maybe he needs to take up smoking again? What I would like to hear is more slide from Robbie and more solos with the wah-wah peddle...for example: Bring it all back. World Container will not standout in the long run. I hope the boys forget it when the setlists come out for the next tour. And I hope Bob Rock becomes permanently busy with an Aerosmith reunion for the next forty years so we don't have to hear the Hip's version of glam rock. Hey Bob: what did you think of Bath? Sort of like Maui eh? I'm sure Downie gave you a tour of the Lafarge plant. Don't f**k this one up again Bob.

Your favourite Hip album is Up to Here.


How accurate was I?

[BakersBrew]

My favourite album is either Road Apples or Fully Completely. And Ive heard nothing but good things about San Diego. I simply can't stand Bob Rock. All I think of is the horrible sound of The Payola's, and some of the garbage music that has made him millions. Beyond that he comes across as an extremely arrogant individual. I can't believe that Fay refers to him as "The Triple Threat". I have enjoyed many of the Hip's albums over the last ten years that might be refered to as experimental, however, I become annoyed with reviews that say this is the Hip's greatest album in years. That is crap. Part of me wishes that Downie would have just gone ahead and done a solo album with the material he had. His waterkeeper tour clearly demonstrated that a large portion of the material was his to begin with.
As for the arguement about creativity and not doing the same old stuff....well I disagree. The Hip sell out arena's because of NOIS and 50 Mission Cap, and other classics. When they played Pigeon Camera and 38 yrs old in Kingston people went nuts. If Downie said to the crowd: "well folks we'll give you a choice between On The Verge vs. Ocean, or 38 vs. Pretend," we all know what the crowd would choose, hands down. Everyone is entitled to appreciate the band for different recording aspects of their career, but, don't tell me that World Container will ever be on the same level as their first three albums. Sorry Bob, I didn't mean to swear at you. Just leave the Hip alone. You're going to kill my favourite band.

[Dark Canuck17]

I don't know if anyone else is hearing the same thing I am but from the Bathouse parts 1-4 it does not sound much like WC but more like some of their older work but new of course cratch: does that make sense...not to mention it is sounding so far to be outstanding now I know it has only been a sneak peak but like Gord says they think they are on to something here.

[direwolf74]

I have enjoyed many of the Hip's albums over the last ten years that might be refered to as experimental, however, I become annoyed with reviews that say this is the Hip's greatest album in years. That is crap.

If there's one thing you and I agree on, it's that the production on WC is too polished. Bob Rock aside though, I still stand by my opinion that from a songwriting standpoint, there's some brilliant stuff on that album. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Lonely End of the Rink, Luv(sic), Kids Don't Get It, Last Night I Dreamed, The Drop Off, and Family Band easily rank among their best work. Like you I'd much prefer a more live-off-the-floor approach to recording, but when it comes to my favorite band I'll take it any way I can get it. Here's hoping Bob Rock will right some of the wrongs from WC and that the new album features a raunchier, grittier sound.

[tth_fan]

I have enjoyed many of the Hip's albums over the last ten years that might be refered to as experimental, however, I become annoyed with reviews that say this is the Hip's greatest album in years. That is crap.

If there's one thing you and I agree on, it's that the production on WC is too polished. Bob Rock aside though, I still stand by my opinion that from a songwriting standpoint, there's some brilliant stuff on that album. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Lonely End of the Rink, Luv(sic), Kids Don't Get It, Last Night I Dreamed, The Drop Off, and Family Band easily rank among their best work. Like you I'd much prefer a more live-off-the-floor approach to recording, but when it comes to my favorite band I'll take it any way I can get it. Here's hoping Bob Rock will right some of the wrongs from WC and that the new album features a raunchier, grittier sound.

I agree. Those songs, when performed live, are just incredible. If you don't like them on the album, give them a chance live... it'll change your mind!

[direwolf74]

I have enjoyed many of the Hip's albums over the last ten years that might be refered to as experimental, however, I become annoyed with reviews that say this is the Hip's greatest album in years. That is crap.

If there's one thing you and I agree on, it's that the production on WC is too polished. Bob Rock aside though, I still stand by my opinion that from a songwriting standpoint, there's some brilliant stuff on that album. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Lonely End of the Rink, Luv(sic), Kids Don't Get It, Last Night I Dreamed, The Drop Off, and Family Band easily rank among their best work. Like you I'd much prefer a more live-off-the-floor approach to recording, but when it comes to my favorite band I'll take it any way I can get it. Here's hoping Bob Rock will right some of the wrongs from WC and that the new album features a raunchier, grittier sound.

I agree. Those songs, when performed live, are just incredible. If you don't like them on the album, give them a chance live... it'll change your mind!

My thoughts exactly:

Yer Not the Ocean:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC6HNdbQIsc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC6HNdbQIsc</a><!-- m -->

The Kids Don't Get It:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr8XRBHt7iE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr8XRBHt7iE</a><!-- m -->

Luv Sic:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtqCXpqhsMI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtqCXpqhsMI</a><!-- m -->

Now if those clips don't make ya wanna jump out of your chair and play air guitar, then you're obviously dead inside.

[Summiteer]

Agreed, when we seen the Drop Off in Cowtown Virginfest, I literally got chills seeing them do that, fucking awesome version they did that night :thumb:

[thechubb]

is it possible that the songs are cool live because when the band is on stage everything is raw and as it should be? i think so. I think the songwriting is great but the album not so much. I think the point about Don Smith was valid. He produced the sound and feel of those records not the music itself. Bob Rock ruined WC for me. It doesnt feel right to me. way over the top. I wonder if the band has realized it and will take more control this time around.

Read the book "this is your brain on music".

[tigerthelion]

My favourite album is either Road Apples or Fully Completely. And Ive heard nothing but good things about San Diego. I simply can't stand Bob Rock. All I think of is the horrible sound of The Payola's, and some of the garbage music that has made him millions. Beyond that he comes across as an extremely arrogant individual. I can't believe that Fay refers to him as "The Triple Threat". I have enjoyed many of the Hip's albums over the last ten years that might be refered to as experimental, however, I become annoyed with reviews that say this is the Hip's greatest album in years. That is crap. Part of me wishes that Downie would have just gone ahead and done a solo album with the material he had. His waterkeeper tour clearly demonstrated that a large portion of the material was his to begin with.
As for the arguement about creativity and not doing the same old stuff....well I disagree. The Hip sell out arena's because of NOIS and 50 Mission Cap, and other classics. When they played Pigeon Camera and 38 yrs old in Kingston people went nuts. If Downie said to the crowd: "well folks we'll give you a choice between On The Verge vs. Ocean, or 38 vs. Pretend," we all know what the crowd would choose, hands down. Everyone is entitled to appreciate the band for different recording aspects of their career, but, don't tell me that World Container will ever be on the same level as their first three albums. Sorry Bob, I didn't mean to swear at you. Just leave the Hip alone. You're going to kill my favourite band.

Good point. I think a new Gord album would excite me as much or maybe even more than a new Hip album. :music I would have accepted a Gord album in 2006 in place of a Hip album, too, I think.

Ocean, Rink, Drop Off are all awesome live, especially Drop Off. World Container is usually also great live, and a lot better live than the album version.

As for Gord's lyrics on WC, I think In View, Kids, Pretend are all extremely weak, lyrically.

I don't like Bob. Gord and the boys do, which is great, but the guy just isn't my cup of tea. He's worked with such duds as Motley Crue and Simple Plan, while also recording some work for OLP, which didn't sound very good from the songs I heard. I guess the boys in the band need to work with him, so it is what it is. I can only hope, for selfish reasons, that they can get back to their roots a bit more and try to stay away from the glitz and glam influence of Bob "Pretty Boy" Rock.

Having said all that, I'm sure I'll enjoy enough of ANY Hip album, regardless of the producer, to make the purchase worth my while. I just have reached a time where I almost want to hear either a total blues album from the Hip or even a stripped down acoustic type thing. A couple things that I know I won't like on the new album will be:

--the unneccessary acoustic guitar, presumably mostly from Gord (acoustic guitar really weakened WC a lot for me)
--Paul's background vocals, which definitely have hindered songs in recent times

[laliber]

--Paul's background vocals, which definitely have hindered songs in recent times

insert a Paul kicking your ass smiley here