[potsie]

I still check it out once in a while, as sometimes people post cool youtube links to rare tracks, live stuff, etc.. But it's gotten pretty crazy over there with the militant stance of the admins regarding certain topics, particularly Barclay's book. Like no one is allowed to talk about it or post photos of it because it's "unauthorized" and that reading it is somehow an insult to the band. It's beyond silly.

Beyond silly is right.

Barclay seems to anticipate this objection right on the dust jacket of the book. "The story of the Tragically Hip does not belong to one person, either" he writes in the second paragraph on the front sleeve. He also addresses this idea in the preface of the book when he similarly states, "The story of the Tragically Hip does not belong only to the band". To suggest he shouldn't have written the book or that it's not worth reading because the band declined to participate doesn't hold water. As long as the work he puts forward is factually based and is an even account, he's fully entitled. In fact, by the band not participating, he doesn't have to make any professional compromises which could make for a more accurate account of events.

I'm about halfway through and I'd highly recommend this book to any Hip fan or fan of the Canadian music scene in general. My only qualm so far was the number of pages devoted to the Hip cover band/tribute band scene. I have take no issue with these bands, especially now since this is the only way to hear live Hip music, but the topic wasn't worthy of a full chapter.

[kieffer]

Barclay seems to anticipate this objection right on the dust jacket of the book. "The story of the Tragically Hip does not belong to one person, either" he writes in the second paragraph on the front sleeve. He also addresses this idea in the preface of the book when he similarly states, "The story of the Tragically Hip does not belong only to the band". To suggest he shouldn't have written the book or that it's not worth reading because the band declined to participate doesn't hold water. As long as the work he puts forward is factually based and is an even account, he's fully entitled. In fact, by the band not participating, he doesn't have to make any professional compromises which could make for a more accurate account of events.

I'm about halfway through and I'd highly recommend this book to any Hip fan or fan of the Canadian music scene in general. My only qualm so far was the number of pages devoted to the Hip cover band/tribute band scene. I have take no issue with these bands, especially now since this is the only way to hear live Hip music, but the topic wasn't worthy of a full chapter.

Potsie, I'd guess you and I are around the same point in the book. Totally agree about the cover band section. One thing I'm noticing is that the book seems to be shaped based on who he was able to access in terms of interviews which likely speaks to the length of this portion. I was somewhat disappointed that IVL/BOTN/IBE combined had fewer pages devoted to them then the cover bands did.

While I think this is a great read and I'm thoroughly enjoying it, I feel like the book rarely is able to break through to the inner sanctum so to speak. I don't feel like we need to know every minute detail of their personal lives, but some of that can help to context a lot of what else was going on around the band. A great example of this would be an early line about Gord's wedding reception being at the Horseshoe and the Headstones being the 'wedding singers' I feel like this is the type of line that is just begging for some more information to be included.

I felt the coke machine glow chapter is a great example where there is a bit of a deeper dive into Gord's mindset at the time, how the album came together, the thought and feelings of the others who played on the album. Obviously if this was an autobiography or had the band's involvement it could have a negative impact as much as it could have a positive impact.

As I said I think this is an incredibly well written book, with a lot of angles to consider - I appreciated the preface where he mentioned he wrote it so that each chapter could be read on it's own and in any order.

[Moof_Milker]

As I said I think this is an incredibly well written book, with a lot of angles to consider - I appreciated the preface where he mentioned he wrote it so that each chapter could be read on it's own and in any order.

I'm literally on the last chapter now...and don't want it to end. A lot to digest. Reading each chapter I found myself thinking, jeez, each chapter of this could get its own Hipbase Thoughts & Insights thread. I would love to hear others' thoughts on all this.

[edgoffin]

. Totally agree about the cover band section. One thing I'm noticing is that the book seems to be shaped based on who he was able to access in terms of interviews which likely speaks to the length of this portion.

I know a musician who had a close relationship with the band and Gord in particular who was approached by Barclay, but decided to decline to participate because they were uncomfortable sharing what felt personal both for themselves and then the band. Too bad, because the stories were quite funny, but I understand the decision.

I’ve really enjoyed the book - learned some things, plus he seems to agree with a lot on what has been discussed on this forum as we’ve looked back at the albums.

[potsie]

As I said I think this is an incredibly well written book, with a lot of angles to consider - I appreciated the preface where he mentioned he wrote it so that each chapter could be read on it's own and in any order.

I'm literally on the last chapter now...and don't want it to end. A lot to digest. Reading each chapter I found myself thinking, jeez, each chapter of this could get its own Hipbase Thoughts & Insights thread. I would love to hear others' thoughts on all this.

I just finished the book yesterday and agree that there are a lot of areas covered in the book that would make for interesting discussion topics. Just wondering how much people care about "spoilers"? There may be those that would prefer to read new information in the book instead of on this forum so maybe, as you've suggested, a new thread/threads should be started for those that have finished the book.

[sean.bonner]

I'm all for it -- maybe just pre-label your comments with **SPOILERS BELOW**.

[mark]

do we have spoiler tags we can use?

[mark]

or better yet, maybe a new thread with 'spoilers' in the title

[edgoffin]

I finished the book over the weekend -- a discussion would be interesting, so I'll await on a spoilers allowed thread as to not ruin anything. I did find it interesting how much of our conversation in the thoughts and insights or song poll threads paralleled what Barclay or others said about albums and time periods.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. There are sections that are slightly superficial due to lack of a wider base of interview subjects, then other areas with far more detail that I have previously read. The "not his story to tell" criticism on the FB page is IMO bunk. It's likely not a story anyone in the band could write comfortably. From the band itself, I would like a really clinical history on the recording process, song development, why some songs were used and others left behind, etc.

[Killer Whale Tank]

The chapter on tribute bands is fine on its own terms, but I can't understand the decision to frontload it. It's the literary equivalent of a 'deep cut' on an LP. Those generally go best once the LP has roped the listener in with some strong tracks. To plunk that chapter before we even get to Up to Here was a bizarre editorial decision.

[direwolf74]

From the band itself, I would like a really clinical history on the recording process, song development, why some songs were used and others left behind, etc.

Rob is reportedly writing his own book, so maybe we'll get that stuff from him eventually.

[Tthip]

My favorite part of the book so far:

IMG_6368.JPG Size: 1.41 MB  Downloads: 102

[fingernailsonhull]

My favorite part of the book so far:


[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[andrew sharpe]

I have this book on hold at the library so will reserve judgement until I read it, but the fact that he's quoting fan-sites and writing chapters about cover bands isn't encouraging.

[edgoffin]

I have this book on hold at the library so will reserve judgement until I read it, but the fact that he's quoting fan-sites and writing chapters about cover bands isn't encouraging.

There are a few times where the sources are a bit of a stretch, but I think he has better success talking with people involved in Gord's solo work. Chapter on cover bands sort of comes early in the book, likely too early, but it confirms my viewpoint that tribute bands are the worst. Actually I think the takeaway was more the over abundance of Hip tribute bands, and despite likely possessing musical talent they can never replicate what the band had on stage.