REVIEW: The Tragically Hip, Music @ Work (London-Sire)
- Chris Hill
If a journey begins with a single step, appreciation of a Tragically Hip album begins for me with a single lyrical passage that captures my attention. Here, it happened with the third song, "Lake Fever". "I'll tell you a story about the Lake Fever/ or we can skip to the coital fury/You didn't say yes or no, neither/You whispered, 'hurry'". Gordon Downie's stutterstep stressing of various syllables is aurally infectious. Once that song planted its claws in my psyche, the savoring of this album began.
Lyrics have always been a strength of the Hip's albums. Their ninth cd continues to display that craftsmanship, with words which tantalize and taunt in unusual combinations; sometimes stream of consciousness ("Putting Down", "Wild Mountain Honey"), sometimes deceptively straightforward ("My Music at Work"). Musically, fifteen years on, they're still playing with new ideas and forms. "Tiger the Lion" paraphrases avant garde composer John Cage for lyrical backbone, against which Bobby Baker and Paul Langlois trade soaring guitarwork in darker, more storm-tossed waters than the Hip normally sail. The song builds to a contained fury, then dissipates into tranquility. It's a standout tune.
Downie's singing again showcases his quavering strength and confident, precise diction, as he guides the progress of the album's 14 tracks. He's joined to fine harmony effect by Julie Doiron, ex-Eric's Trip, for three (the uptempo "The Completists", the gentle "Toronto #4", and the gorgeous "As I Wind Down the Pines"). Regarding the last song, a silent wish for another disc closer like "The Last of the Unplucked Gems" was somehow heard and granted. "...Pines", while lyrically denser than "...Gems", has a similar quiet beauty, fading the album out with a sweet aftertaste, presenting another oxymoron: after 14 songs, the appetite is only somewhat sated, and the "leave them wanting more" rule is still in effect. Something to look forward to, however: while the band has no intention of breaking up, Gordon Downie's currently completing a solo album, release date unknown.
The Hip have long realized the reach of the web and taken advantage of this medium to reward their fans. A limited-time offer, including live downloads, exists for early purchasers of the record. See http://www.thehip.com. In concert, they're not to be missed, as documented on Live Between Us. For a band that hasn't changed personnel in their steadily productive career, live shows see drastic retooling and stripping down of familiar songs from their catalog to keep things fresh for the players. Initial tour dates are concentrated in the Northeast U.S., with more to follow.
