The Tragically Hip

Album Review

The Tragically Hip's self-titled debut album is blanketed with a roadside texture that is interesting only because it harnesses their music in its rawest and earliest stages. Gordon Downie has not yet mastered his poetic rigidity or his soothsayer approach to obscure experiences and events here as he does on future albums. Instead, the simplicity (and immaturity) of their first outing comes fumbling through on a track like "I'm a Werewolf Baby," but redemption is quickly found with the frustrated cry of "Small Town Bringdown," complete with an anticipated chorus and burnished guitar. There's even a glimpse into the future with "Last American Exit," which sounds like it could have come from their accomplished Road Apples album. On the other hand, just because the band has not yet mastered their musicianship as a whole doesn't mean the entire album is a total washout, either. The Tragically Hip were still playing extremely small venues at the time this album was released, so its appeal lies within its freshman sound and its link to what has become of the band. Songs like "Cemetery Sideroad" and "Highway Girl" may lack the lyrical depth or conceptual tapestry that Downie later inherited, but the overall coarseness is what causes this debut album to seep with some slightly unsophisticated allure. [The 2004 Zoe reissue included bonus material.]