It's been a year.
Gord Downie's passing affected a lot of Canadians, including those in the our office. While this week has brought legalization of cannabis to us, and Saturday will bring an end to the municipal, school board and district elections, we thought we'd take a moment to recognize Canada's first year in a long while without Gord.
In a process that took much longer than it should have, we narrowed down the Tragically Hip's huge discography down to five songs. In no particular order, because a fight breaking out over the Hip's music isn't what Gord would have wanted, here are our five:
Ahead By A Century was one of the band's signature songs. When Canada turned 150, it was a version of this that closed down the party in Ottawa with dozens of performers joining on stage for fireworks.
For us out in Western Canada, if we hear Bobcaygeon we're much more likely to think of this song than the small Ontario town and namesake. But we all know where the constellations reveal themselves one star at a time.
"Courage, it couldn't come at a worse time." One of Gord's greatest, and shortest, lyrics.
A great song, raised to myth by Gord's performances (and final screams) on the final tour.
The loon call, the 'Paris of the Prairies, 'no one is interested in something you didn't do,' the Canadian storytelling wrapped in there...really we could go on for a while.
On the upside, while we've lost Gord, we still have the rest of the Hip, and they still do things, like THIS.
Five for Friday is our weekly feature highlighting five of...something. Usually topical. If you have any thoughts or future ideas for us, let us know at [email protected].
