Music Review: The Tragically Hip "World Container"
A review in 4 questions
1. First of all, how much of a Hip fan are you?
My first Hip album was Trouble at the Henhouse. I’ve bought every one they made since then, except for Music @ Work – only because I thought the only reason they wrote that song was to sell it to radio stations for their 9 to 5 working sob listeners. Well, this past weekend I downloaded all the missing albums and listened to the whole Hip catalogue in order, and I was wrong about Music @ Work. It’s good as well.
So I’m a big fan, and I am now armed with historical context.
2. What are the standout songs?
The single “In View” is catchy, of course. The Hip have a knack for pop-hooks that never sound cheesy. I mean, if any other band recorded this song, it would be a cheese fest, but they pump it up, and Gord’s voice and lyrics knock it out of the park. “World Container” is, in my humble opinion, the best Hip song ever. It is emotional, complex, easy to listen to, orchestral, and catchy as all hell. I had to listen to it a few times to get into it fully, but once I did, I can’t get enough of it.
“The Kids Don’t Get It” is one of my favourites on the album as well. It is a heavy rocking song, and I love it whenever Gord screams. But basically, every tune on the CD is great. It’s a very consistent album that can be listened to from front to back without wasting one second.
3. What is the best way to describe Gord’s voice on this record?
This occurred to me while I was watching them on The Hour last night. Gord plays his vocal chords like one of those crazy wailing saxophone players. I think it’s the timbre he puts into it. It’s not a clear pitchfork sound, but he does hold his notes perfectly. And he can do so much with it, from harmonies to screams, to spoken word, to low intimate crooning. And the lyrics are as great as ever.
4. So is this the best Hip album ever?
I think it is. I never listen to an album more than a couple of times in one sitting, but it’s been my music at work from 9 to 5 for a week straight.
D.
