The Tragically Hip – Phantom Power

“I got to your house this mornin’
Just a little after nine
In the middle of that riot
Couldn’t get you off my mind. So I’m at your house this mornin’
Just a little after nine
‘Cause it was in Bobcaygeon where I saw the constellations
Reveal themselves one star at a time”

The last release before the millennium by the group that was, “ahead by a century” is arguably their strongest work. Canadian legends and border town darlings, The Tragically Hip had already dominated the alternative rock radio-waves for nearly a decade before the album came out but like the rest of their 90’s releases, it landed perfectly.

Critically lauded, Frontman Gord Downie’s lyrics were as sharp as ever, with the band following at an electric pace, tight and gripping while displaying some of their finest learned pop sensibilities to date.

In 1999 the album would go on to win two Juno Awards for ‘Best Rock Album’ (beating out Matthew Good Band, Sloan, 54-40 and the The Watchmen) and ‘Best Album Design’.

Many of my American readers may have not even heard of the group despite their legendary status in Canada and many Northern US cities – so if you’re reading this and you haven’t heard of them I implore you to check them out. Thirty three years of some of the best rock music of all time and their live performances were even more exciting.

Songs You May Have Heard

Songs You Need To Hear

Band: The Tragically Hip

Album: Phantom Power

Release: July 14th 1998

Label: Universal