Jan
11
2007
Heaven is a Better Place Today
I can't believe how pumped I am to see The Tragically Hip this Sunday at Rexall Place. I'm beside myself giddy. I've been checking their site. Poring over their recent set lists. They have been covering Bowie's Queen Bitch! A few nights ago they played one of my all-time fave Hip songs - On The Verge (from Road Apples). And get this: They're opening for THE WHO for an American west coast tour. THE WHO, man! I don't know if I can handle that. It sounds too cool to be true. I've learned over the years that one must attend hip concerts with little or no expectation. The band can disappoint as easily as they please. I've seen them eight times before, and it's only in recent years that I've truly been impressed with their performances. In my opinion, they simply seem to be getting better with age.
I'm truly looking forward to hearing the new songs from World Container. I've had the time to get to know the album a bit, so that'll increase my enjoyment of the show. The last few albums (In Between Evolution, In Violet Light) are great albums, but they're dense. They didn't lend themselves to a quick and easy listen. Because of that, they paid off in spades if you spent the time with them. After initially dismissing Evolution as over-the-top, it has gone on to become one of my favorite Hip albums, right up there with Phantom Power and Day for Night (which stands, in my opinion, as their greatest achievement, maybe even the greatest Canadian rock and roll album). World Container is much more accessible.
We managed to get floor seats, but they're back a bit - row 34. Still, should be a great show. I'm warming up my yelling voice.
