[direwolf74]

Hey folks! I came across this great review on the All Music Guide website. I'm continually fascinated by the fact that the Hip's best reviews always come from the States. American critics really seem to love this band. Wish I could say the same for Canadian critics.

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[tigerthelion]

I see Pearl Jam were mentioned. I do find the bands similar, not exactly musically, but the approach to the music. Both bands kill live and both bands could care less about trends and cliches.

[Hugh23]

Definitely a positive review. I have to agree with you direwolf74, the American critics have been kinder than the Canadian ones. This particular American critic seems genuinely enthused about The Hip.

[Killer Whale Tank]

Canadian critics are turned off by their stereotype of a Tragically Hip fan: i.e., a beer-chugging, flag-waving, 'Hip'-chanting fratboys. It's guilt by association---the fans are such morons, ergo the band is for morons. Even obvious shifts in the band's sound, such as IVL, are given the same review: 'the Hip continue to churn out the same old formulaic rock they've produced since Road Apples...this should keep their [ignorant] fans happy.'
:x

And let's not forget the Canadian tradition of eating our own. I studied in Kingston for years, and was interested to discover that a lot of local musicians seem to resent the Hip as 'guys who can't play their instruments.' hock:

[Untitled]

It always seems that once an artist is famous, everybody is ready to put them down and assume they're bad. But if no one has heard of them, critics are too afraid to critisize for fear that they're good. Therefore they take time to really understand the music if the artist is unknown. That's why I think Canadian critics hate them and the American ones love 'em. I mean, I think everyone is guilty of disliking an artist/band just because they are too successful... every once in awhile.

[Untitled]

It always seems that once an artist is famous, everybody is ready to put them down and assume they're bad. But if no one has heard of them, critics are too afraid to critisize for fear that they're good. Therefore they take time to really understand the music if the artist is unknown. That's why I think Canadian critics hate them and the American ones love 'em. I mean, I think everyone is guilty of disliking an artist/band just because they are too successful... every once in awhile.

[pipe77]

Canadian critics are turned off by their stereotype of a Tragically Hip fan: i.e., a beer-chugging, flag-waving, 'Hip'-chanting fratboys.

Hey, I resent that. I'm no fratboy! :lol:

[The Nth Degree]

I think that the reason the Hip don't have a huge following down here is that their songs aren't real catchy on the first listen. They require many listens to truly appreciate how great and different they are. We Americans are into that whole "sounds great on the first listen" scene. It's sad that so many people dont give them a chance and miss out on this great band. I remember listening to my first Hip song, "locked in the trunk" and thought it was terrible. Now its one of my fave songs cause I gave it a chance..........

[kari]

Anybody notice the author of the review - Eric Rasmussen...I know it's not the hockey player, but I just thought that was kind of ironic.

[LoftyPines]

It always seems that once an artist is famous, everybody is ready to put them down and assume they're bad. But if no one has heard of them, critics are too afraid to critisize for fear that they're good. Therefore they take time to really understand the music if the artist is unknown. That's why I think Canadian critics hate them and the American ones love 'em. I mean, I think everyone is guilty of disliking an artist/band just because they are too successful... every once in awhile.

I think you nailed it there. I have talked to many who dislike them and their excuses are very vague... One guy even said they are "gimicky". What is gimicky about 5 guys on a stage blasting out rock and roll. No fire, no inflated pigs, no gimicks at all.


I don't know about some people...