The Tragically Hip

World Container (Fontana)

Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2005, the Tragically Hip continue their brand of off-kilter power rock on the substantial World Container. Released almost exactly 20 years since their debut, the new effort finds the band sticking to a formula of straddling the line between collegiate and adult rock with a little roots thrown in for good measure. Although World Container features the cleanest production of the Hip's career (care of Bob Rock), it simply isn't a far jump from 1987's "Blow at High Dough" to "You're Not the Ocean" included here.

Singer Gordon Downie still sounds like a mutant cross between Bono and Fred Schneider while dual guitarists Paul Langlois and Rob Baker provide much of the band's incessant drive and spunk. Song titles such as "The Lonely End of the Rink" and "Last Night I Dreamed You Didn't Like Me" would suggest a mopey self-absorption a la the Smiths, but the Tragically Hip are nothing if not fun, and there is a definite raw edge to many of the new tunes. Perhaps they could be faulted for the negligible rate of growth, but World Container does an admirable job of offering folks nearing middle age a clear window into their undergrad memories.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Sat
    25
  • Sun
    26
  • Mon
    27
  • Tue
    28
  • Wed
    29
  • Thu
    30
  • Fri
    31
Dallas Event Tickets
©2013 Dallas Observer, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Dallas / Fort Worth

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city