Top 100 Canadian Songs

As always here is the link to vote for a song in rock band, Click on it, vote. and feel free to reference this site as to why they rock.

http://www.rockband.com/request

I did a quick search for Top 100 Canadian songs and every list i could find included a number of Tragically Hip songs (and they were number one on a lot of these lists)

I'm not going to list all of them but here are a couple i found to hold a little more credibility

http://www.torontomike.com/best_canadian_song_search/

It's a pretty complete list and honestly i would be happy with almost all of them making a Rock Band appearance but here are the entries from our boys

1. The Tragically Hip - New Orleans Is Sinking

13. The Tragically Hip - Courage

41. The Tragically Hip - Bobcaygeon

63. The Tragically Hip - Wheat Kings

69. The Tragically Hip - Ahead By a Century

They are also featured in the "Top 100 Canadian Albums of all time" A book was published in 2007 by Bob Mersereau a long time arts and entertainment reporter for CBC Television.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Top_100_Canadian_Albums

The Tragically Hip Had 4 of the top 26 Albums (beating out Rush who came in at number 9)

5. Fully Completely - The Tragically Hip

15. Up to here - The Tragically Hip

21. Day for Night - The Tragically Hip

26. Road Apples - The Tragically Hip

Come on Harmonix, i'm sure part of Rock Band's mission statement is to introduce rhythm game fan's to new music. This is probably the best band that no one in the states has heard of. Introduce them.

July 1st 2010 (Canada Day)

As always let me start with the link to the Rock Band Request Page

http://www.rockband.com/request

The more i look around for Tragically Hip info the more frustrated i get that this band hasn't been given represented in Rock Band.

Don't get me wrong i'm loving everything Harmonex is doing, if i look at my video game shelf it currently holds Rock Band, Rock Band 2, Rock Band Beatles, Lego Rock Band, the AC/DC track pack and Grand theft Auto 4. I've easily spent over 250$ on DLC grabbing at least one track a week. This week we got some more Tom Petty and next week we finally get "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

All of these band are worth representation but take a look at some of the arguments presented in this Blog If we hit July 1st 2010 (Canada Day) and i'm not playing a Hip song in Rock Band i'm going to be very upset. (This is as angry as Canadians get, and notice i'm not apologizing i might loose my citizenship over this.

So 2 years after Rock Band was released let me officially Re-start my grass roots efforts to get my favorite band into my favorite rhythm game.

Click on the link above and vote now!

How many of the Top 200 New Rock Songs go to The Hip?

As always let me start with the Rock Band Song Request Link. Go There, Vote well and Vote often.

http://www.rockband.com/request

On thanksgiving i was in the car for 8 hours. :) On my way through Toronto ended up listening to 102.1 the edge. (because when i was flipping through the dial they happed to be playing a Hip song.)

Turns out 102.1 the edge used thanksgiving weekend as an excuse to play the top 200 new rock songs of all time according to the Edge listeners. When i got home i decided to check out the list to see how our boys did.

Not only were they well represented they also had the most entries with 12 Tracks.

3. The Tragically Hip - Ahead By a Century

19. The Tragically Hip - Locked In the Trunk of a Car

33. The Tragically Hip - Poets

46. The Tragically Hip - At the Hundredth Meridian

64. The Tragically Hip - Courage

78. The Tragically Hip - Looking for a Place to Happen

90. The Tragically Hip - Fifty Mission Cap

102. The Tragically Hip - Blow At High Dough

111. The Tragically Hip - Grace Too

112. The Tragically Hip - Nautical Disaster

148. The Tragically Hip - Bobcaygeon

162. The Tragically Hip - 700 Ft. Ceiling

I don't necessarily agree with the order but i think we can all agree that Harmonix needs to get some of these tracks into their game.

Other Interesting Fact

Out of the 200 Song's chosen only 43* have already made it into Rock Band.

* Disclaimer, this is a Toronto radio station so Canada was pretty well represented in the top 200 and Harmonix seems to think that Alanis Morissett is enough to make us kunnuk's happy... it's not.

here's the link to 102.1 The Edge's top 200 new rock songs.

http://www.edge.ca/Music/Countdowns/Top200ofAllTime.aspx

Haven't Given Up

I havn't given up, just takeing a new direction, more to come soon. Also i'm flying down to Texas to catch 3 hip shows in Oct. Can't wait!!

as always i start with the link to vote for the hip.

http://www.rockband.com/support#request

Well it's Canada Day, i was hopeing for a tip of the had from Harmonex but no Canadian content. I'm not discuraged, i just thought i would hop on and make a quick post. "Happy Canada Day". Here is the card i have been handing out at conserts, feel free to print some out and do the same. Can't wait for the London Show. See you there.

They Know!!

Going forward I'm going to start every post with the request link (that way anyone new to the site can recommend right away.) Add a comment to this post and let me know what song you voted for.

http://www.rockband.com/support#request

Feel free to put www.makerockbandhip.com as the reason the band rocks in the song request form.

The show last night was amazing, they started with "The Depression Suite" played The Bear for the first time live EVER! Lots of new stuff, I think they almost played the entire album, and all Yer Favorites. 

I handed out a hundred "Vote for the Tragically Hip" cards and met allot of great people. 

I was also tipped of that Harmonix is well aware of The Hip and are even teasing their fans a little. 

Check out the first pair of pants in the rock section for female players.

Tragically Hipsters. 

The description: When your looking for a place to happen. 

That night in Toronto

So i got hip tickets for the April 24th show in Toronto, Second row. In an effort to get some more followers i made up some business cards with the web page address on them www.makerockbandhip.com 

So if you got a card and typed in the URL thank you. 

here is the address to recommend a Tragically Hip song in Rock Band

http://www.rockband.com/support#request

Do it often, and when they ask you why the band rocks feel free to type in this url. 

Quick post, found this video of some public school kids playing New Orleans is Sinking. I think i'm changing my top request.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q9OLa5xja4&eurl=

Little bit of the Itunes

I thought i would hop over to Itunes to see how our boys are doing, and they didn't disappoint. A week after their album was released they are at number 2 right behind Hannah Montana. I can only assume that taking out girls under 10 would shoot us up to the top.

Here's the Itunes quote about the new album.

Album Notes

National heroes who have never forgotten their ethic - or aesthetic - of a "local band that could," the Tragically Hip are back with its 12th studio album. We are the Same reunites the Kingston, Ontario, band with producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Our Lady Peace, Motley Crue) and explores the many musical moods and socio-political interests which have always defined it. The opening track "Morning Moon" opens with a placid unaccompanied acoustic guitar before an open toned electric guitar ushers it into wondrous country-rock territory. The prominence mandolin plays on "Queen of the furrows" is probably the most love that a stringed instrument has received in the rock world since R.E.M's "Losing My Religion." And the nearly nine and a half minute "The Depression Suite" sympathetically examines the life of some everyday folks working in menial jobs.

The Request Link

So i finally tracked down the song request link, (you would think this would be my first post) any way here it is.

http://www.rockband.com/support#request

Click on it, request your favorite Hip track, do it often, post a comment to let me know what song you requested. Oh, and when they ask why the Hip rock put in this webpage address. www.makerockbandhip.com :)

The Hour Interview with the Hip

Found this Amazing interview with our friend George Stroumboulopoulos promoting world Container. I definitely recommend waching the full video but i pinched the intro for my Blog.

"Without question they are the most important Canadian Band of the past 2 decades and for many of ya it defines how you see Canada, were talking Gord Downie, Bobby Baker, Paul Langlois, Gord Sinclare and Jonny Fay. They are the Tragically Hip and This is the Hour"

"Shall we get you caught up to the biggest band in Canada? The Tragically Hip"

"Well you don't get any more Canadian then the Tragically Hip, they've been called this country's Home and Native Band. Here's some information. 

Formed in 1983 Kingston Ontario, the hip released their first record in 87, a self titled album that went largely unnoticed then 1989 the Hip broke through with this.

New Orleans is sinking.

The albums called "Up to here" and "New Orleans is sinking" made the Tragically Hip a house hold name.

A few years later came the record "Fully Completely" and it was official, The Hip were representing. They sing about hockey players like Bobby Orr, Bill Barilko and Dan Snyder. They sing about the injustice of David Milgaard, plus painter Tom Thompson and the writer Hugh Mclennan.

It's music, culture and history all rolled into one. These guys have sold more then 6 million records, made 11 studio albums, and still sell out shows all across the country, and i'm talking about arenas. Their latest album is world container, produced by Canadian producing legend Bob Rock, yes the same Bob Rock who's worked with Metallica, Bon Jovi, Areosmith, and Our Lady Peace.

Rolling Stone has called The Tragically Hip bonafide monsters of Rock at home and no other Canadian band has replaced them in their fans affections and after over 2 decades its unlikely that any one ever will.

Canadian Music Hall Of Fame and a Challange

I should get something out of the way, I love The Tragically Hip. 

This is really the first band that got me into music. My First Hip album was Trouble at the Hen house (i got it as a birthday gift). After listening to the album 5 times through and memorizing the lyrics by reading the CD jacket i was hooked, within a week i ran to the record store and bought Their EP, Up to Here, Road Apples, Fully Completely and Day for Night (a story that i'm sure a lot of Hip fans can duplicate.)

Now that that's out of the way...

My intent for this post was to highlight that the Hip have been inducted into the Canadian music hall of fame on April 2nd 2005. So i tracked down a couple articles and check out lead guitarist Rob Baker's Response.

"I guess everyone expressed honour to be in the company of Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, The Band and Leonard Cohen, but at the same time if feels like you're being put out to pasture and given the golden watch, and we're not ready for that. We feel the best music is yet to come, especially after the last tour. We're better than ever. We're slow learners, I guess."

I have to agree, "We are the Same" Is quickly becoming one of my favorite albums.

Scouring the interwebs and reading articles is giving me a re-newed appreciation for Canada's unofficial band. Its been a great reminder of what The Hip mean to Canadians and our culture. Here are some of the quotes that brought a smile to my face.

Advertising a Show coming up in Toronto

"As Canadian as an unnecessary apology, it's almost treason not to like The Hip. I'm sure it's only a few years before "O Canada" is replaced with "Wheat Kings" as our national anthem. Think about it; it's not that big of a stretch. What other band can play five undoubtedly sold-out shows in Toronto to an adoring audience that knows all the words to all their songs, and barely pack a bar one mile South of the border? - R.T."

Alan Cross Describing the Hip at their Canadian Hall of Fame induction

Alan Cross, host and producer of the Toronto radio show "The Ongoing History of New Music," describes the Hip as not only being important Canadian artists, but as an important part of Canadian culture itself.

"We haven't seen a more quintessentially Canadian band in the last 20 years. The Hip have become so ingrained in the culture of Canadiana that it's almost impossible to imagine a domestic music scene without them."

I have been racking my brain to try and think of a way to show the Rock Band programmers  Why the Hip need to be a part of their game and i've come to one conclusion, You have to see them live to understand. 

So here is my challenge anyone at harmonix. Catch one of their shows this summer and not get caught up in the energy they create. Walk through the crowd and not feel overwhelmed by that fact that 25000 fans are singing every song, word for word, and loving every minute of it. If you catch the London show you can crash on my couch. :)

The Hip at Cineplex

What an amazing show, 

The Last Recluse and Coffee Girl are really growing on me so is Love is a First.

I've been dropping the webpage address on the Rock band forum and the hip forum and i yelled it out to the movie theater before the show tonight so welcome anyone who was lured here. 

if you have any ideas for posts let me know. 

Ask the Hip a Question

This really couldn't be anymore last minute but The Band will be taking questions from registered members of the hip fan club during the live show tomorrow. I asked my question about Rock Band but it couldn't hurt to have more than one fan asking right?

To ask a question go to www.thehip.com and register to their newsletter. additional info below

Have a burning question to ask the band? If so, it's your lucky day. Registered Users of thehip.com can visit www.thehip/q-and-a and ask the band any question that comes to mind. Select questions will be asked during the show. 

Tip of the Hat from Maxim Magazine

Welcome to the 4th post in my never ending quest to get my favorite Band, The Tragically Hip, into Rock Band.

I was all set to post something about how many Juno awards our boys have won, or maybe something about album sales, when a close friend of mine mentioned that Maxim Magazine had given our Boys a tip of the Hat a while back.

I checked out The Maxim website and after a quick search I tracked down their list of 12 essential Road Trip albums. These are in no particular order but check out the company the The Tragically Hip Keep.

A great road trip calls for great road tunes. Here are Maxim’s essentials.

Creedence Clearwater Revival
Chronicle

(A Cover version of fortunate Son is in Rock Band)
The Tragically Hip
Live Between Us

(Put them into rock band.. Please.)
James Brown
Revolution of the Mind

(The recent Funk pack gave way to 1 James Brown song in Rock Band)
AC/DC
Back in Black

(Recived full album recognition with an expantion pack and have 19 songs in rock band)

Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin Boxed Set

(I'm sure there are hundreds of blogs devoted to getting this band into the game, and i agree)
R.E.M.
Automatic for the People

(Has 2 songs in Rock Band, which reminds me, i need to download loosing my religion)
Mike Watt
Contemplating the Engine Room

(One of the 2 Bands on this list i don't recognize)
Howlin’ Wolf
More Real Folk Blues

(The other Band on this list i don't recognize)
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Have a Ball

(Really great punk band that i would like to see in Rock Band as well)
Rolling Stones
Exile on Main Street

(have one track in rock band with a couple more rumered, The Tragically Hip have opened for the Rolling Stones, look for more information in a future post.)
Nirvana
Nevermind

(They have gotten the "Almost full album treatment" WTF give us smells like teen spirit already. 9 Songs in Rock Band) 
Jimi Hendrix
Are You Experienced? 

(I Love Jimi buy my bitter hatred of Guitar Hero and the fact that he is one of the playable characters has knocked him down a few pegs for me)

Here's the link (scroll down to the bottom for the album list)

So again i ask, how are the Tragically Hip not in Rock band? July 1st is only 87 days away!

 

I have my tickets do you have yours?

The Tragically Hip prove again that they like to connect with their fans in new and exciting ways. (Perfect for Rockband)

On Monday (they day before their new album drops) they're treating Canada with a live and intimate Q&A/Concert, on the big screen, from their private recording studio The Bath House. Included in the admission is a copy of their new album a day early.

Here's the details from the cineplex website

"ONE NIGHT ONLY! Presented LIVE on the big screen in HD! The Tragically Hip, from the Bathhouse recording studio, live and intimate with a special Q and A (hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos)! * In Western Canada, the performance will be timeshifted. Select locations will be playing both the live presentation and the delay broadcast. Check your local theatre listings for these participating theatres. Experience The Tragically Hip as you have never seen before, as they perform classic hits and new tracks from their upcoming CD 'We are the Same'. This event also includes an exclusive opportunity: specially priced event tickets include the new CD with the big screen concert. Don't miss The Tragically Hip, live for one night only, Monday April 6! Tickets on sale March 20!"

Related Article

Trailer

I also remember a while back they were one of the first bands to jump on the enhanced CD band wagon. I know i personally re-bought all the albums that now included their videos.

Number 1 in the Top 10 Canadian Singles of all time

Alen Cross has a little radio program called explore music. He recently published a list of the top 10 Canadian Singles of all time and our Boys were number 1.

Here is the Article

And here's is the full list

1. Tragically Hip – “At the Hundredth Meridian”
2. Rough Trade – “High School Confidential”
3. I Mother Earth – “One More Astronaut”
4. The Viletones – “Screaming Fist”
5. Rush – “Closer to the Heart”
6. Guess Who – “American Woman”
7. Steppenwolf – “Born to Be Wild”
8. Sloan – “The Lines You Amend”
9. Martha and the Muffins – “Echo Beach”
10. Neil Young  - “Old Man”

Now some of these songs are already in Rock Band, American Woman by the Guess Who and Closer to the heart by Rush. The Tragically Hip would be right at home :).

The First Step

This is the first step in a journey that i hope will end with me downloading a Tragically Hip song in Rockband. This is something I've been thinking about since the first Rockband game came out over 2 years ago. 

I, like millions of other Canadians, know that The Tragically Hip is Canada's unofficial Band. Even if you don't like the band you have to respect what they have accomplished over their 10 Albums. 

I could easily list of 30 Hip songs that belong in this game, anything from Yer Favorites would do. But I'm no dummy i know you need a gimmick if you want to get things done. So here is mine.

Canada Day is July 1st, The Tragically Hip is Canada's unofficial Rock Band and as a result they sing allot of songs about Canada. :)

1. Fifty Mission Cap

"Bill Barilko disapeard, that summer, he was on a fishing trip. The last goal he ever scored, in overtime, won the Leafs the cup. They didn't win another till 1962 the year he was discovered."

2. Fireworks

" If there's a goal that everyone remember, it was back in ol'72 we all squeezed the stick and we all pulled the trigger and all i remember is sitting beside you, you said you didn't give a fuck about hockey and i never saw someone say that before, you held my hand and we walked home the long way, you were loosening my grip on the fake cold war"

3. 3 Pistols

"...Tom Thomson came paddling past I'm pretty sure it was him And he spoke so softly in accordance
With the growing of the dim."

4. Wheat Kings

"...Sundown in the Paris of the Prairies."

5. Looking for a place to happen

"...I've got a job, I explore..."
"...To find a place, an ancient race
The kind you'd like to gamble with
Where they'd stamp on a burning bag of shit"

6. The 100th Meridian

"At the 100th Meridian, were the great plains begin."

This selection covers everything from discovering Canada, discovering the 100th meridian in Manitoba. Tragedy's like David Milgard, artists like Tom Tompson and, of course, Hockey.

Canada has allot of amazing music but i honestly can't think of a better way to celebrate Canada Day then belting out some Hip songs.

My goal will be to create a post every week until July 1st (Canada Day) outlining why my favorite band belongs in my favorite Video Game.