DumpJack Wrote:
Sad!? Give me a break. Who the fuck here is trying to define the country by a single band?!! Our statements here and those in the previous threads were based on popular reactions to the Tragically Hip's music in different venues over the years. Whether it be in an office, bar, show or at a wedding. There's more to Canadian music than the Hip, obviously. As bad as an example as this may be, look at some of the critical faves over the last couple of years, The Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, Broken Social Scene, The New Pornographers. Obvious examples, I realize, lord knows Radcliffe could cite dozens more. But still, to simplify decades exemplified by certain bands trivializes the entire industry. It's not only simplistic, it's insulting.
My own statement above, and of the orignal post are clear. We're fans, and unabashed ones at that. It's clear by your initial statement that you are not a Hip fan, having never owned an album and neither were your friends. I've lived all over Ontario and now in Saskatchewan. Over my travels I've met my share of snobs who decry the Tragically Hip as populist losers, but the vast majority are huge fans. And who the fuck cares about radio?! I thought this was about music, not about an industry.
And the Guess Who are awesome. Sorry about your self-loathing.
Relax, I'm not making any judgement on The Hip or their fans. I am judging the state of the Canadian music industry, (note I said industry, not music) that so closely defines the various generations to one particular band. Sure The Arcade Fire, and New Pornographers, and BSS and Wolf Parade, are great and have met with critical success, but walk into those bars and offices and weddings and shows, and mention those critics darlings and you're met with blank stares. Sure, maybe they are all young bands, and The Hip were once young and unknown too, but mention quality veteran Canadian artists like Sloan, and Ron Sexsmith, and you'll be met with the same blank stares.
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Who the fuck here is trying to define the country by a single band?!!
uhhh this guy!
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To settle the question raised in a thread a few weeks back, I think they can safely be called the quintessential Canadian band.
Why do we have to have a fucking mascot band. Who is Englands quintessential band? Who is America's? They don't have one. They don't need one? The whole concept is absurd.
Look, I make no judgements about anyone for whatever bands/music they like. It does fascinate me though that the industry and yes most Canadians seem to latch on to one particular band and decide they are "Canada's band". The implication is clear; if you don't like them, you're somehow anti-Canadian. Hell, even Don Cherry loves these guys. You no what? I am not a Hip fan, and I'm just as much a Canadian as you are.
I'm also going to vote Conservative and I think fighting in hockey is stupid. So there!