I like the fact that they've put a lot of newer albums high up on the list, rather than some of these lists which don't list anything after 1979 except for ac couple stuck near the end.
Harvest is great, but Songs of Leonard Cohen is my personal fave, and surprised no GY!BE or Boards of Canada
I've listened to Fully Completely two times now, and I must say my opinion lies somewhere in the middle of Anthony and jonmarck's opinions. (Yes, very political, I know.. but it's honestly so)
They're a decent group, and I even found a few songs quite good, but they're not extraordinary. Still, pretty good album.
I have to admit I was expecting that reaction. The truth is (aside from the great lyrics and song-writing, which a LOT of artists have) the band is only exceptional in their enforcement of Canadian values. They're still a great band and Fully Completely deserves it's recognition, but I think most of its charms are accessible only to habitants this country. In a lot of ways they are the local heroes.
This is a transcript of part 1 segment 1 of a 2 part 90 minute radio broadcast. The other segments can be accessed by clicking the "back" link at the bottom of the page and scrolling down to "The Tragically Hip". It goes as far as anyone can to explain why we like the Hip so much, though just reading their contract rider at the bottom of the first segment should be sufficient!
Here's the segment that explains both Fully Completely and why the Hip are seen as exclusively Canadian. Forgive the writer for his optimism in the band's American viability. This was written and broadcast in 1994 or 95, when the Hip were just coming off their creative peak. Though it has its share of gems ("Gift Shop" was what initially got me into the Hip), Trouble in the Henhouse was the first of a series of disappointing albums. The first four, the live album and the most recent, "World Container", are the only Hip albums that I'd recommend.
Anthony - I kinda decided to avoid this topic because I have some pretty strong views on cancon regulations and I try to avoid getting into political debates on message boards these days. It's bad for my blood pressure, I suspect.
I'll happily chime in on the hip, though - I don't like them! I find their music grey, plodding and dreary. I can't really add anything more profound than that, I guess.