[fingernailsonhull]

I like a couple things on the EP especially Last American Exit. That song would fit into any current setlist IMO. The rest sound a little too dated (80's production, chorus guitars etc).

It would be damn interesting to hear what these songs would sound like in 2012. But just like Fiddler's Green we'll probably never know what they would sound like live... XD

One of these days they are going to open a show with Small Town Bringdown!

I want to go to there.

[KarmaKrazy]

That record will be the last great Hip album.

Yer krazy

Brain on drugs :roll:

Just calling it how I see it. There aren't many bands that are 20+ years into their career that are still making career albums. Save for maybe Wilco who are growing and improving with time it seems, most bands at this point in their career are just trying desperately not to lose the fan base they've already got. World Container was a move away from anything the band had done previously which is great to hear, and an attempt to gain a new fan base. The songs on that record are also some of their strongest or at least some of the strongest in the 2000's, and certainly as a whole, the strongest batch.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Hip are now at that spot where they know they aren't gaining any new fans they are simply treading water when it comes to studio records. Old fans don't want to hear anything that is too much of a departure of what they're known for and new fans are few and far between. Gord has his solo stuff to keep him occupied artistically and the other guys know it. They will keep putting out records so they have something to tour behind, but World Container will be their last great record because of these things.

[jgardz]

I get what you're saying, but I disagree with parts of it. A) I dont think WC is a great record to begin with: it's decent, but there's a few songs I greatly dislike that kill it for me (pretend, last night..., in view). B) I doubt the band think too hard about what type of person they are trying to reach: I doubt they consciously look at it the way you imply. Rather, I think they just get together, write some tunes, record 'em, and release it. That being said, I think the producer is thinking more along the lines of what your getting at, which is what bothered me about Bob Rocks production and influence. Too much pop, too much overproduction, watering down the essence of what make the hip great.

[MattPower]

I disagree as well. World Container will not be the last good Hip record. Firstly, I think "We are The Same" was better anyway, but it's silly to predict this sort of outcome with a band that is ever-changing. It's impossible to tell what the next few Hip albums will bring. The band is so unpredictable. Think of how they changed; They went from an 80's sounding band, to straight rock, to blues rock, to almost grunge, to alternative, to pop and other things. And their latest album had what some might even call folk music. What's next? I think they won't be loosing fans but actually getting MORE fans as they continue to diversify. For example, I know at least two people who have recently become fans of the Hip because of We are The Same.

[Flamenco]

DFN
TATH
RA
FC
PP
UTH
WC
WATS
IVL
EP
M@W
IBE