Having some Canadian whiskey in honor of Gord

"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish) 10/20/2017 at 01:00 • Filed to: Rip gord

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It might seem like us Canadians are making a strangely big deal about this, if it’s even news in the states, but it’s hard to exaggerate how constant a national soundtrack the Tragically Hip has been up here. I’ve never really been that avid a fan, but just from existing in Canada, I know the majority of their songs. And not just vaguely recognizing it, like knowing lots of the lyrics to them too. The only other band I can think to compare them to for recognition and lyric-knowing from the general public is maybe the Beatles. I saw something yesterday where someone was trying to explain the importance to Americans by comparing Gord Downie to a combination of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. There’s even talk of a state funeral.

Anyways, here’s more of the Hip. I’ve had all their songs on shuffle since I got home from work.

promoted by the color red > gmctavish needs more space 10/20/2017 at 02:07

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Where do the Barenaked Ladies fall on the spectrum?

gmctavish needs more space > promoted by the color red 10/20/2017 at 02:11

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They’re certainly well known, but they aren’t on the level of the Tragically Hip, I don’t think. They have one album especially that was super well known, and I probably know every song (called Gordon, funnily enough), but they haven’t had the longevity of attention or relevance that the Hip have got.

CodyVella > gmctavish needs more space 10/20/2017 at 03:25

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Had to run down to Toronto today and knew I’d get stuck in evening rush hour traffic on the way home. So I brought some of The Hip’s discography with me. Had it cranked with the windows down in traffic on the 427 and more than a few people gave me thumbs up. Take ‘er easy Gord old buddy.

CodyVella > gmctavish needs more space 10/20/2017 at 03:32

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I think a big part of it is that Canada as a nation isn’t really that old, and thus, we don’t have many stories, history, or even much of an identity. But Gord and The Hip helped tell the stories that we do have, and they helped portray what history has happened, and they helped Canadians form some sort of an identity. Not many other acts have been able to do that. Hell, many will argue that no other musical act has been able to do that. Sloan might be the only thing that’s even come close, and they’ll never reach Hip levels.

CalzoneGolem > gmctavish needs more space 10/20/2017 at 08:59

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I think Tom Petty was on the same level in the states as the Tragically Hip are to you. Certainly to me. It’s sad to see them go but they left behind so much for us to remember them.