I agree with Scott. (Both Scott's that have posted in this thread can take that as they see fit.)

The beauty of this forum is that we can all express our opinions freely. I was at the Canada Day show, and my opinion of the recording is jaded by the great memories I have of the show. That said, I can hear the weaker spots in Gord's voice, or the musicianship on other songs (what's that electric guitar roar during the begninning of Wheat Kings???) but all in all, I'm just happy that we have a great band who continually impress me in concert, and put out discussion provoking material.

I'm as "siked" as any that they've released this show, but I will say that i have noticed his vocals seeming to stray into "hoarse" a few times this tour. But can we blame him? He's been singing, screeching, yelling, howling, bellowing longer than many lead singers out there today. Eventually, his vocal chords are going to be subject to some wear and tear. So I'd agree with Scott, I have noticed some change. But, by the same token, the fact that he puts his vocal chords on the line night after night, as we know he does, shows a sense of passion and musicianship that is lost in many bands' live performances these days. I'm surprised he hasn't gone the way of Ed Vedder, drinking tea and wine during a show. Regardless, he's still singing his heart out, and we as fans have all got to respect that...

Locked wrote:hey Rory!
Stick up for me here..

Your fellow cannucks are getting a little blind adoration for the Hip..

Dude, you posted a slam of Gord's vocals at a TRAGICALLY HIP FAN WEBSITE. What did you think would happen? Next time, I suggest you make a post like this at a really? site. I'm sure they'll agree with you 100%, once they stop asking "Gord who?"

BTW, it's "Canucks", and it's "psyched".

Do you have a fan website where I can mock your spelling (or lack of it)?

It's a good life if your faith wasn't weakened.....

Scottitude nails it right on the head with regards to the greatness of LBU. I remember my first listen to LBU after hearing so much about The Tragically Hip while a member of a alt.Rush zine. I kept hearing from other members about this kick ass blues based canadian rock band that put on a live great show and I picked up LBU, looking for something new to listen to. don't get me wrong, I admire the musicianship and poetry of Rush's music but one thing they are weak in is the variety of songs in their live shows. My first listen of "hello, my arse is capable of more flesh.." made me perk up my ears and pay attention to the flow and spontaneity of the music. To me it was being transported to a sweaty, grungy out of the way cafe where a band was cranking out their music and enjoying it.

I am guilty as charged for being a "like everything the hip do, no matter what, because that makes me an ultimate fan" fan

But, I do agree that the live vocals on wheat kings from July 1st 2004 are not very impressive.

Does this make me a better/smarter person, no

All it makes me is someone who voiced their opinion, in forum where by voicing that opinion incited the people to do all matter of things, ya let's put 'em down, let's snuff him out! Geeze you think I painted a picture or something.......

last response, I promise..
You guys make it seem like I'm some sort of newbie to this band who's barely heard of the hip.

I LOVE the Hip!
I haven't failed to miss a show in Boston since the FC tour...
As Rory (wphipfan) knows, I've filmed four shows, been lucky enough to hang with the band a few times too...even this year..

I've got tons of boots and yes, I rate each one of them for my own use, some have a great performance but lousy sound, some have great sound but less than stellar performance.

this is no sweeping inditement of the band by any means or how hard Gord works to deliver a show...
Those of you who were at the concerts I mentioned, I have no desire to take anything away from you, memeories and all..

But as a rabid Hip boot collector for over Ten years, I think this forum would be able to tolerate me to "expressing my opinion" (its only mine so don't break out the torches)...

I agree with the post which said Gord's voice tends to improve as the tour goes on ... I saw the Boston 9/21?04 show and he was "dead on"..
I've read alot of 2004 show reviews that also testify he is in great form..

I just was disapointed (agree or not) that the first official release was
so uneven with Gord's vocals and yes, I think its tough to listen to...
So don't gimme no more lip like "Geez, maybe you should go listen to studio albums, or maybe you'd want the band to do overdubs.."
Grow up!
It's one boot I'm talking about...
The band is great, the live series is finally here and if Bobby is true to his
word, we should expect a 2004 DVD in the near future as well..
I just hope they get the lighting right!...

OK, I'm done with this topic ...
Peace my fellow Hipsters (did I spell that right???)

Scott
down in a bunker in Boston ("let me OOOOUT!)

Gord's voice is perfect in it's imperfection.

Elegant in the studio.

Energy on stage.

I pay money to see him grind that voice raw... that's Joe Cocker, that's Janis Joplin: that's rock and roll

Stephen Dame wrote:that's Joe Cocker, that's Janis Joplin: that's rock and roll

Good call.