Post by MaxQuad on Mar 12, 2007 19:42:24 GMT -5
"Oh to join the rush
as the season builds"
What better image with which to begin last Friday's performance by The Tragically Hip at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo? One of Canada's premier bands for a couple decades, The Hip recently graced the stage at this intimate venue for two consecutive nights, selling out both shows within a matter of five minutes. Such a rare treat, as much larger stages have hosted this Kingston, Ontario five-some when appearing in Western New York over the last few years.
The Lonely End of The Rink provided the first offering of many from their newly released album World Container. Their close to two hour performance featured most of the new songs, but it didn't take them long to reach back and play one of the many Hip standards that have fuelled a passionate devotion by fans for years. Courage, the second song of the set, is a tune that resonates powerfully during these difficult times:
"So there's no simple explanation
For anything important any of us do
And yea the human tragedy
Consists in the necessity
Of living with the consequences
Under pressure, under pressure.
Courage, my word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter.
Courage, it couldn't come at a worse time."
Gord Downie's lyrics are a key component of The Hip's aura. He is simultaneously a lyricist and modern poet. (For a glimpse into his poetry, pick up a copy of Coke Machine Glow, his small published book of poems, some of which also serve as lyrics on the solo album of the same name.) His stage presence also is a central focus of Hip live performances. His manic movement, his well known "rants" during instrumental passages, his varied facial expressions - all provide opportunity for concert memories that reach mythic proportion. ("I was there the night Gord…") Both aspects - his words and performance - are laden with images and emotion.
The Hip provides a musical manifestation of many Canadian attributes: natural talent, quiet intelligence, a wonderful sense of irony, loving respect for family and friends, a tendency to celebrate (in the best sense) country, heritage and heroes - and in the end, always remembering to never take things too seriously.
The line-up has been steady over the years: drummer Johnny Fay, bassist Gord Sinclair, plus guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois provide the backdrop to Gord Downie's vocals. They take full advantage of the guitar interplay between Baker and Langlois, a teaming that provides part of what makes The Hip sound distinctive.
The setlist satisfied diehard fans with songs from various periods of their long history: Bobcaygeon, Nautical Disaster, Thirty Eight Years Old, Scared, Springtime in Vienna, Blow at High Dough, and, of course, At The Hundredth Meridian. They may feel compelled to sing Hundredth Meridian in Western New York, given the mid-song statement, "I remember, I remember buffalo." Yes, a big cheer, despite the reference in the song being to the animal, not the city.
Just returning from some shows supporting The Who, the first song of their encore was dedicated to Daltrey and Townshend. As Gord Downie said before the band ripped into Can't Explain, playing with them was "humbling…and necessary." The penultimate song, Fully Completely, was sung with the passion you expect (and feel).
"I ponder the endlessness of the stars,
Ignoring said same of my father.
Either it'll move me
Or it'll move right through me;
Fully, completely"
Fully. Completely. That is a fitting description of experiencing a Hip show. They give it their all - and that energy flows to and through everyone in the crowd.
Little Bones closed the show.
"Happy hour, happy hour
Happy hour is here."
If you have never seen The Tragically Hip live, do not hesitate when given the chance. "It's been a long, long, long time running. It's well worth the wait."
MQ
as the season builds"
What better image with which to begin last Friday's performance by The Tragically Hip at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo? One of Canada's premier bands for a couple decades, The Hip recently graced the stage at this intimate venue for two consecutive nights, selling out both shows within a matter of five minutes. Such a rare treat, as much larger stages have hosted this Kingston, Ontario five-some when appearing in Western New York over the last few years.
The Lonely End of The Rink provided the first offering of many from their newly released album World Container. Their close to two hour performance featured most of the new songs, but it didn't take them long to reach back and play one of the many Hip standards that have fuelled a passionate devotion by fans for years. Courage, the second song of the set, is a tune that resonates powerfully during these difficult times:
"So there's no simple explanation
For anything important any of us do
And yea the human tragedy
Consists in the necessity
Of living with the consequences
Under pressure, under pressure.
Courage, my word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter.
Courage, it couldn't come at a worse time."
Gord Downie's lyrics are a key component of The Hip's aura. He is simultaneously a lyricist and modern poet. (For a glimpse into his poetry, pick up a copy of Coke Machine Glow, his small published book of poems, some of which also serve as lyrics on the solo album of the same name.) His stage presence also is a central focus of Hip live performances. His manic movement, his well known "rants" during instrumental passages, his varied facial expressions - all provide opportunity for concert memories that reach mythic proportion. ("I was there the night Gord…") Both aspects - his words and performance - are laden with images and emotion.
The Hip provides a musical manifestation of many Canadian attributes: natural talent, quiet intelligence, a wonderful sense of irony, loving respect for family and friends, a tendency to celebrate (in the best sense) country, heritage and heroes - and in the end, always remembering to never take things too seriously.
The line-up has been steady over the years: drummer Johnny Fay, bassist Gord Sinclair, plus guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois provide the backdrop to Gord Downie's vocals. They take full advantage of the guitar interplay between Baker and Langlois, a teaming that provides part of what makes The Hip sound distinctive.
The setlist satisfied diehard fans with songs from various periods of their long history: Bobcaygeon, Nautical Disaster, Thirty Eight Years Old, Scared, Springtime in Vienna, Blow at High Dough, and, of course, At The Hundredth Meridian. They may feel compelled to sing Hundredth Meridian in Western New York, given the mid-song statement, "I remember, I remember buffalo." Yes, a big cheer, despite the reference in the song being to the animal, not the city.
Just returning from some shows supporting The Who, the first song of their encore was dedicated to Daltrey and Townshend. As Gord Downie said before the band ripped into Can't Explain, playing with them was "humbling…and necessary." The penultimate song, Fully Completely, was sung with the passion you expect (and feel).
"I ponder the endlessness of the stars,
Ignoring said same of my father.
Either it'll move me
Or it'll move right through me;
Fully, completely"
Fully. Completely. That is a fitting description of experiencing a Hip show. They give it their all - and that energy flows to and through everyone in the crowd.
Little Bones closed the show.
"Happy hour, happy hour
Happy hour is here."
If you have never seen The Tragically Hip live, do not hesitate when given the chance. "It's been a long, long, long time running. It's well worth the wait."
MQ