Customer Reviews

In Between Evolution

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Like the Energizer Bunny, the Tragically Hip keeps on going, releasing a new album every two years like clockwork. "In Between Evolution" is yet another solid effort from the Canadian quintet. None of the tracks are immediately as appealing as their earlier hits "Gift Shop," "Courage," or even "The Darkest One" (from 2002's "In Violet Light"). But patience rewards the listener: "In Between Evolution" improves every time you hear it.

"In Between Evolution" rocks harder than any Hip album in recent memory. The opening track, "Heaven Is A Better Place Today," begins the record with a blast, and "Summer's Killing Us" keeps up the pace - although on these two songs, Gordon Downie's voice sounds slightly strained, as if age is finally catching up with his prodigious vocal cords. "Gus: The Polar Bear from Central Park" and "Vaccination Scar" bring the tempo down a bit; these are snarling, hard-edged stompers that illustrate the Hip's idiosyncratic, north-of-the-border style. Downie finds his voice on these two numbers and remains in control for the rest of the album.

After the first four tracks, "In Between Evolution" hits a rocky, inconsistent stretch. "It Can't Be Nashville Every Night," "As Makeshift As We Are," and "You're Everywhere" lack the Hip's distinctive flair and ingenuity. Downie's lyrics, always inventive and innovative, oscillate between the mundane and the incoherent. (Note to Gord: If you're going to get an "explicit lyrics" warning label, can you at least think of something wittier than "F*** this and f*** that" and "Good f***ing luck?")

Fortunately, as with most Tragically Hip albums, "In Between Evolution" finishes strong. "Mean Streak" is a sublime, atmospheric, midtempo number; "The Heart of the Melt" is an incendiary song that recalls the energy of "Fully Completely;" and "Are We Family" echoes the delicate yet dramatic strains of "Bobcaygeon." "Goodnight Josephine," which starts gently and builds up to a powerful, memorable chorus, provides a strong finale to the record.

"In Between Evolution" does not mark a major stylistic breakthrough for The Hip, as did "Trouble at the Henhouse" or "Music @ Work," nor is it as consistently impressive as "Phantom Power" or even "In Violet Light." If it even mildly disappoints, it's only because it falls slightly short of the excellent standard they've established on their last 5 or 6 albums. Whether "In Between Evolution" attracts new fans remains to be seen, but diehard followers of the band should be pleased.

Here's the deal... I agree with all of the reviews in here that talk about how it's an okay album on the first listen, but as with most Hip albums, it grows and grows. If that intro peaks your interest and you're new to the Hip, read on.

I've been following the Hip since the the beginning, and their evolution as a band is remarkable, as they've moved from raw in-your-face rock ("up to Here", Road Apples, "Fully Completely"), to a more sweeping, melodic power sound ("Day for Night" and "Trouble at the Henhouse") to a cleaner sound ("Phantom Power" and "Music at Work") and 2002's more refined, fully textured sounds of "In Violet Light". If you can appreciate that a band lives and grows, then the progression of these albums is pure bliss... Sure, lots of bands have great sounding music. The bonus? The Hip lyrics. They possesses a fierce intelligence, imagery, and playfulness that other bands cannot imitate. These lyrics, courtesy of Gord Downie, take this great band and make them truly unique in the music scene. a thinking man's band. No talking down or dumbing down the songs to make them more mainstream. Here's a band that gives you credit or being literate and intelligent. You can spend an afternoon reading the lyrics and trying to figure them out, but my suggestion is to listen the tunes first, then absorb the lyrics, which enhances the music so much more and makes them classics.

For the beginner, I'd probably recommend buying "Live Between Us", the live album which was released after "Trouble at the Henhouse" and covers the live sound and some of their best stuff from the previous albums. I know true Hip fans may cring at this recommendation as each album has it's own character and needs to be heard in its own right, but for those new to the Hip, it will give you a general sense of what these guys are like and where they've come from. Fan favourites, "Blow at High Dough", "Nautical Disaster", "Grace, Too", "Fifty Mission Cap", "Ahead by a Century", they're all there.

That being said... the new album? It's another evolution, out to the raw road sound and energy of their history. At first listen, it sounds like it was roughly produced and slammed together in a hurry, as the songs don't seem as polished as their recent albums, but when you give it a few listens, the intention becomes clearer and the songs are enhanced with the more organic vibe of the recording. What I've always admired about the Hip, and what will probably prevent them from attaining megastar status (millions of copies of a single album) is that they apply their craft to every song and every note. They don't blow you away with their catchy singles or media hype. They make fantastic albums and focus on creating an experience, rather than a hit single. These bands unfortunately suffer - we've seen so many of these bands that have been around for 10-20 years that still can't outsell one album from new acts like Nickelbach or Avril Lavigne. A blessing and a curse - The Hip just work and work and work on the road and in the studio with such slow burn intensity that an inferno is inevitable. A single from their album is like pulling out a chapter of a great book. It's good on its own, but it's brilliant as a whole.

The Hip have etched themselves into the Canadian musical landscape that they are not one of the first bands people think of anymore when they ask you about Canadian music. As a result will stand the test of time and repeated listens more than most bands and will never just fade away

In a day and age where quality straight forward guitar based "alternative" rock and roll is few and far between, The Hip arise to give us another gem.

From top to bottom the songs are classic Hip and even though they haven't changed the formula, the results are top shelf. Gord Downie continues to be a one of a kind talent as a vocalist and lyricist in his best performance since 98's "Phantom Power". The band follows suit and the result is one of the best records of the year.

Highlights include the leadoff track "Heaven Is A Better Place Today", "Gus The Polar Bear", "Vaccination Scar" & "The Heart Of The Melt". Not one weak track and the Hip have their best record in years.

I got the new Hip album.

After I bought it, I did what I do with all new Hip albums, I put it on continuous play in my car cd player.

After my first listen, I realized that this Hip album didn't have the same effect that most others have had. I wasn't immediately rocked out by most of the songs?

Had the Hip and I parted ways? Was the magic over?

I really didn't want to believe it could be true. I put it toward the back of my mind. "Vaccination Scar" was still good. Oh well, at least there is one song I like.

But then, something weird happened...I found myself driving along and singing "Summer's Killing Us", the second track on the disc. hmmmm....this song kinda rocks too?

"Gus: The Polar Bear from Central Park" What a ridiculous title! What a completely enchanting tune! Could it be there are 3 songs on this album that I love?

Then I realized it. It was slowly devouring my brain.

I tried to run but I couldn't.

"Mean Streak" oh no...another one has got a hold of me....

God help me....I can't get away.

Wait.....It's here....It knows you're here.

RUN.....IT'S TOO LATE FOR ME.....SAVE YOURSELVES!!!

(plugs in headphones and presses play)

I will never forget where I was the first time I was introduced to The Tragically Hip. One night in college after the bars closed I went to a friend's room and was played Wheat Kings and 100th Meridian. This night reshaped what I looked for in music; I feel I am better off today for having The Hip's music as part of my life than if I had never heard them.

The Hip have put together another masterpiece, my favorite since Phantom Power. In Between Evolution (IBE) is a great piece of work by one of the hardest working bands. This is truly an evolutionary piece, taking parts of what made each album before it successful; the strong bass lines, amazing blues and country guitar work, drumming that carries the songs, thoughtful lyrics, and passionate singing.

You don't only listen to The Hip; you need to hear them (to steal a line from some movie that I can't remember the name of). Gord Downie's writing is as layered and complex as ever, leading to many different interpretations. It took me a few listens to fall in love with the CD, one listen will not allow anyone to fully appreciate and understand what The Hip are doing on each song. Now I can't get it out of my CD player and just want to cruise around for hours with nothing but IBE.

Unlike some past Hip albums I really haven't been able to pick a couple of favorites, they are all that strong and tight. If you are looking for some of the rawer and harder tunes of the Fully Completely era, look no further than Makeshift We Are (which sounds like a mix of Fully Completely meets Up to Here), Heart of the Melt, and Gus: The Polar Bear From New York - a great song that appears to be about housing wild animals in cages.

Vaccination Scar need not be overlooked either, a seeming throwback to the rock of their Road Apples days. The slide guitar makes you reminisce of Born in the Water while the rhythm guitar is almost stolen from Little Bones. A great first single for the Canadian audience.

Looking for the country/bluesy aspects of The Hip? One Night in Copenhagen, Mean Streak, It Can't Be Nashville Every Night, If New Orleans is Beat (You're smile is fading a bit, so I ration it - what an insightful verse), and Are We Family will meet what you are looking for. I love Gord's writing in Are We Family, leaves so much for interpretation on the state of not just someone's direct family or possibly even talking about the five of them feeling like a family after 20 years together, but it could also be the state of the world and our interrelation with all ethnicities.

I cannot wait to hear Goodnight Josephine live, it has been on the set list for almost 1 year now; this song has all the making of being another Hip classic. I can have it on repeat all day long and never get sick of it. Great writing, when they get into "Hip Mode" breaking out the tightness of the bass and drums you just get lost in the music. I just love the line "Maybe we're born lost, born to persevere. But Honey I'd walk into your painting until I reappear as a speck of comet-tail dust, a blue-green northern light flickering just in your eye's deepest ravines."

Heaven is a Better Place Today strikes more on a personal level, we have all lost loved ones in the past and helps me think of the great moments I have had with them. This is more than another Hip hockey song; it is a song about individuals and communities healing after an accident that created a huge loss. Summer is Killing Us has tones of Putting Down from Music @ Work to me, one of my favorites. The fun drumbeat is enjoyable from start to finish.

You're Everywhere is another tight song with multiple interpretations. As with all Hip songs, there is a strong bass beat that helps to drive the drumming and guitars. The song will either make you think of a person that is always there for you in need or someone that is stalking you. One line makes me think of the state of what we call Democracy and sounds more like a Gord political statement, "Now it is time to drown all of that poetry out; somehow where democracy is how we all learn to sleep with ourselves." Is this his commentary on the war in Iraq?

For those just getting to know the Hip, you need to have Road Apples and Fully Completely in your collection. These are two masterpieces that also lack a weak song. For those nautical fans, Day for Night is a great collection of songs from Nautical Disaster to Titanic Terrarium to Scared.

If you are a fan of music and want to hear a band that loves their craft, is dedicated to their loyal fan base, and have been evolving with each other for 20 years, IBE is a can't miss. I could go on about how much I love the CD, but experience it yourself. You won't be disappointed and will be craving for them to come to town on their 2004 tour.

After discovering the Hip about a couple months ago, I have had a hell of an experience discovering all the different sounds that this classic Toronto band can convey to the average 15 year old...and all I can say is...WOW.

After purchasing the quintessential 2 Hip albums (recommended to me by various relatives/friends), Fully Completely and Up To Here. These 2 albums blew me away, and I could not stop listening to both of these albums for many weeks, but I heard other songs on the radio (Bobcaygeon, Vaccination Scar, Ahead By A Century) that peaked my interest in what seemed to be a "new" sound for this band.

I then purchased 3 more Hip albums (Phantom Power, Road Apples, Trouble At The Henhouse) and was further amazed. I then found myself awaiting anxiously for this new album to be released, and purchased it upon arrival...

The album failed to disappoint. The album flows so well from start to finish, it reminds me of hearing the sweet melodies of the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" for the very first time. Gord's lyrical brilliance shines once again in songs like "Vaccination Scar", "Summer's Killing Us", and "Mean Streak", yet there is one song that is truly special, "Gus: The Polar Bear From Central Park". (For any of you who don't know, Gus is the resident Polar Bear at the Central Park Zoo, and for many years has been pacing around in a glass cage, seemingly going mad, which Gord's lyrics display excellently.)

All in all, an excellent album from one of the quintessential Canadian bands of all time.

...The Tragically Hip

For some reason, the Hip seem to have stopped trying to produce singles destined for radio. Their latest records need to be listened to a few times to be fully appreciated. "In Between Evolution" is no exception to this rule. The song "Vaccination Scar", for example, features an unusual melodic pattern and is difficult to follow at first. After a few listens, however, this album really grows on you. The lyrics are superb if hard to decipher at times. Unfortunately, their sound hasn't been updated in years. This record could have been recorded sometime in the nineties and nobody would know the difference. Some might say this is a good thing but I guess I would have liked the sound to evolve a bit. Instead, this album is classic Hip, the product of a fully accomplished band that has nothing to prove anymore and that seems content to supply its existing fanbase with more of the music they love, without breaking any new ground. As long as the music is this good, who's to complain?

Maybe it is just me, or maybe there is something to the fact that this incredible Canadian band seems to be losing their magic. I own all the records, but feel that the decline started at "Music at Work", and has continued to this current record which may be the worst one they have made.

This latest record style wise is more of a return to "Road Apples" but it just doesn't have the same magic or hooks to it. Lyrically, the band seems to be getting more bizarre by the record, and this one comes with a "Parental Advisory" as a result of the lyrics in three songs which was definitely something new for this band. These guys have been around a long time and have been making records at a very fast pace compared to many other artists. Who knows, this record migh really grow on me and has a bit on the 2nd listen, but I still can't imagine ranking this as a great Hip record. Perhaps it is time to step back for a bit and take more time making the music to try to regain the magic guys!

I'm a Hip junkie. Been enjoying their music since Up to Here. I own all the other TTH releases, and they all have something to commend them. But In Between Evolution does not contain the thoughtful, melodic rock that I've come to enjoy from the Tragically Hip.

The band kicks, but the tracks just aren't as musical as in the past. And Mr. Downie's singing is the worst I've heard. (Thankfully, this appears to have been temporary -- Gord's back in fine form on World Container.)

Perhaps more importantly, to my ear, Gord's writing and phrasing just don't fit the music this time around.

There *are* a few tracks that I enjoy (I'd give If New Orleans a solid 8/10) but, overall, not much sticks with me. And I *have* tried a few times. But I shouldn't have to try so hard.

Many bands would be happy to have created this CD, but the bar's higher for the Hip. If I give Up to Here, Road Apples, Fully Completely & Day for Night 5 stars (and I do), Phantom Power, In Violet Light & World Container 4 stars, then In Between Evolution rates 2.

[I'd give it 5 out of 10, but Amazon's scale doesn't allow that. And this CD does not merit 60%.]

Here's the deal... I agree with the essence of all of the reviews here - the good and the bad. If that intro peaks your interest and you're new to the Hip, read on.

This CD really departs from the spit and polish of "In Violet Light", and tries to capture the live sound and energy of the one shot take and the bar room smoke. I agree that the result may be off-putting at first, but with repeated listens, I appreciate what The Hip have done, as I can blast this CD in the car and feel the sweat of the front row.

I've been following the Hip since the the beginning, and their evolution as a band is remarkable, as they've moved from raw in-your-face rock ("up to Here", Road Apples, "Fully Completely"), to a more sweeping, melodic power sound ("Day for Night" and "Trouble at the Henhouse") to a cleaner sound ("Phantom Power" and "Music at Work") and 2002's more refined, fully textured sounds of "In Violet Light". If you can appreciate that a band lives and grows, then the progression of these albums is pure bliss... Sure, lots of bands have great sounding music. The bonus? The Hip lyrics. They possesses a fierce intelligence and imagerythat other bands cannot imitate. These lyrics, courtesy of Gord Downie, take this great band and make them truly unique in the music scene. a thinking man's band. No talking down or dumbing down the songs to make them more mainstream. Here's a band that gives you credit or being literate and intelligent. You can spend an afternoon reading the lyrics and trying to figure them out, but my suggestion is to listen the tunes first, then absorb the lyrics, which enhances the music so much more and makes them classics.

This album is truly another evolution - out to the raw road sound and energy of their history. What I've always admired about the Hip, and what will probably prevent them from attaining megastar status (millions of copies of a single album) is that they apply their craft to every song and every note. They don't blow you away with their catchy singles or media hype. They make fantastic albums and focus on creating an experience, rather than a hit single. These bands unfortunately suffer - we've seen so many of these bands that have been around for 10-20 years that still can't outsell one album from new acts like Nickelbach or Avril Lavigne. A blessing and a curse - The Hip just work and work and work on the road and in the studio with such slow burn intensity that an inferno is inevitable. A single from their album is like pulling out a chapter of a great book. It's good on its own, but it's brilliant as a whole.

The Hip have etched themselves into the Canadian musical landscape that they are not one of the first bands people think of anymore when they ask you about Canadian music. As a result will stand the test of time and repeated listens more than most bands and will never just fade away