30 Years of Road Apples with The Tragically Hip
The Tragically Hip’s Johnny Fay and Paul Langlois on 30 Years of Road Apples.
The Hip's sophomore album Road Apples is being celebrated with a 30th Anniversary Deluxe Reissue which includes the original album remastered, Hoof-Hearted (outtakes, demos and alt. versions) and Saskadelphia (Nov. 5) + Live at the Roxy and More (Nov. 12).
In this interview, Johnny Fay (drums) and Paul Langlois (guitar) of the Hip share how it feels for them to be individually revisiting that period in time (1990-1991), whether or not it's uncomfortable sharing such personal mementos for album reissues such as this, the decision to tour one last time with Gord, future plans and more. This interview was a powerful experience for me and I sincerely thank the Hip and Universal Music Canada for the privilege.
From Universal Music Canada:
Created to mark the 30th anniversary of the band’s second studio album which became their first record to hit #1, the Road Apples 30th Anniversary Deluxe editions were carefully crafted with input from each living member of the band. The outcome is a deep dive behind the scenes of what made this album one of the most beloved in The Tragically Hip’s vast catalogue. With all tracks completely remastered in 2021 by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in Nashville, for the first time, fans will hear music from the band with all the grit, vibrancy, and passion of their original recordings, second only to being in the recording studio with them.
The physical box set editions, (CD and Vinyl), of the release will contain special Dolby Atmos, 7.1, 5.1 and binaural mixes by Richard Chycki of Road Apples and 5 cuts from Saskadelphia, ensuring fans have a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Fans and collectors will also appreciate the brand-new artwork for each of the packages within the physical box sets.
The expansive deluxe editions the release are jam packed with rare and more previously unreleased and never heard before pieces of music chronicling The Tragically Hip’s Road Apples era, including:
Road Apples, the original album re-mastered in 2021 by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in Nashville.
Saskadelphia, as released earlier this year.
Live At The Roxy Los Angeles, May 3rd 1991, originally recorded for a Westwood One radio show, often bootlegged and sought after by fans for many years. It has been re-mastered and expanded and includes the rare “Killer Whale Tank '' version of New Orleans Is Sinking. This legendary Roxy show is now a double vinyl album.This album is available exclusively in physical product.
Hoof-Hearted, an album of previously unreleased demos, outtakes,and alternate versions. Fans new and old will appreciate the intimate and rare items from the band’s personal collection, as well as fan collections that are part of the physical deluxe box set editions. Included in a 36-page booklet are essays from Bruce Dickinson (who initially signed them to MCA Records in the U.S.), and from producer/engineer Mark Vreeken, both of whom played pivotal roles in The Tragically Hip’s career; reproductions of original handwritten lyrics from Gord Downie’s personal notebooks, never seen photos from Kingsway Studio recording sessions and the Road Apples era and a touching tribute to late producer Don Smith along with further commentary from the band.
Recorded in 1990 in New Orleans at Daniel Langlois’ The Kingsway Studio in an old mansion that looms over the French Quarter Neighbourhood by a group of young men from Kingston, Ontario, singer Gord Downie, guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois, bassist Gord Sinclair, and drummer Johnny Fay, Road Apples, was first released in 1991. Guided by producer Don Smith and engineer Bruce Barris, the band created an album that yielded an avalanche of gritty rock ‘n’ roll with a relentless quality to it, like a stream of blues that struggles to be contained. Road Apples contains some of their best-known songs including, 'Little Bones’, ‘Fiddler’s Green’, ‘Long Time Running’ and ‘Three Pistols.’ Road Apples is now approaching double diamond certified status in Canada.
About The Tragically Hip
Critically-acclaimed for more than three decades, The Tragically Hip has been at the heart of the Canadian musical zeitgeist, evoking a strong emotional connection between their music and their fans that remains unrivalled. A five-piece group of friends including Rob Baker (guitar), Gord Downie (vocals, guitar), Johnny Fay (drums), Paul Langlois (guitar) and Gord Sinclair (bass), who grew up in Kingston, Ontario, The Tragically Hip have achieved both mass popularity with more than 10 million albums in Canada and over 1.5 million sold in the U.S, as well as peer recognition through 15 Juno Awards – picking up their last two for Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year for Man Machine Poem.
Their studio catalogue includes their self-titled debut album The Tragically Hip (1987), Up To Here (1989), Road Apples (1991), Fully Completely (1992), Day For Night (1994), Trouble At The Henhouse (1996), Phantom Power (1998), Music @ Work (2000), In Violet Light (2002), In Between Evolution (2004), World Container (2006), We Are The Same (2009), Now For Plan A (2012), Man Machine Poem (2016) and Saskadelphia (2021).
A National Celebration was the final show of The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem Tour recorded on August 20th, 2016 at the K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario, and is their last performance as a five-piece band.
Through their career the band became a cultural touchstone in Canada, who despite their accolades and numerous recognitions, will always be proudest of the humanitarian work they have done over the years through numerous charitable organizations and causes.
Follow The Tragically Hip:
Matt Mays on Strange Times, 'Dog City' and the State of Rock n Roll
My conversation with Matt Mays on CHEZ106 ahead of his live album, ‘From Burnside With Love’, release next Friday, February 12th. A livestreamed concert event to follow on Saturday, February 13th. Get your tickets at MattMays.com/tour.
Matt Mays and his band are keeping fans very entertained during these strange times with the release of their live 'From Burnside With Love' album out Friday, February 12th. The semi-unplugged set was recorded from his hometown of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It's release is followed by a livestreamed concert event, happening Saturday, February 13th.
You can grab tickets to the show, a perfect Valentine's date night thing if you ask me, online here.
Matt released his 8th studio album 'Dog City' last September with a whopping 484 dogs on the cover, although over 700 photos were submitted. Written from the perspective of a rescue dog, it delivers his (and his bands') signature folk-rock vibes with wonderful moments of Marc Bolan (T. Rex), Elliott Smith and the Velvet Underground. Check out that Stooges cover, too!
View this post on Instagram
Here's my full conversation with Matt about pandemic life, the need to perform and the future of live shows. I mean, we talked for near 13 minutes, so we covered a log of ground but I won't type it all out here when you could just click the play button (below).
‘From Burnside With Love' is out next Friday and the livestream concert event follows on Saturday.
After the premiere, you have until Monday, Feb. 15 at 10 p.m. EST to watch the video. Tickets cost only $20.00 all in (or at least that's what option I chose to purchase). The other option costs from $70.00 to $90.00 CAD and includes your ticket PLUS an autographed copy of 'From Burnside With Love' on vinyl (3 LP set)..
Alex Martel on Montebello Rock 2019
Got to ask Alex Martel some questions about what happened in Montebello and congratulate him on his ability to move forward following last season’s bankruptcy.
How is this possible? What does the future hold for Montebello Rock? Questions answered in the audio above.
For more on Montebello Rock 2019, CLICK HERE.
10 Albums of Significance
There was a post circulating Facebook a while back that had people posting their Top 10 Albums. Not necessarily their faves - but albums that held some significance in their lives. Generally, I refrain from hopping on those types of bandwagons but this was one I wanted to jump on I just couldn't think of the albums.
It wasn't easy coming up with a Top 10 list but after much deliberation: I did it!
Starting off with an absolute classic and Canadian legend. I can easily credit him/this album as my "gateway" LP to rock music. If I remember correctly, my dad bought me this CD from CD Warehouse when I was really young.
"So Far So Good" is full of Cancon hits that was the right mix of 90s love ballads with ass kicking bangers. It was so good, I felt proud gifting this on cassette to Emily K. in elementary school. Had my first slow dance to Everything I Do (I Do it For You) with the boy I shared my first kiss with, too! This album is solid gold. A must have for Canadian 30 somethings.
Fave track: Please Forgive Me
Got into emo, screamo and harder rock in my teens. Thrice was the perfic mix of technical guitar riffs, harmonies, California surf-punk vibes with a harder edge. Thrice continues to make music and push the limits on their sound. I dropped off at Vheissu, but their second LP, The Illusion of Safety, stands tall as my fave Thrice record.
Fave track: The Beltsville Cruicible
The Beatles final album isn't my favorite but it go the most play in my car. I'm a bigger fan of the early Beatles and in a way, this album kinds comes full circle. It's also kinda sad.
Fave track: Let it Be
I was nine years old when this album came out and it's still in my car. It still gets play. Oasis is my favorite band. I never did see them live, but I caught Noel last year at Bluesfest which was a total dream come true. Maybe one day... Fun fact, my preferred Gallagher (Noel) allowed Liam to sing lead vocals on their smash hit Wonderwall if he could sing lead on the album's next track which, of course, was Don't Look Back in Anger. Noel didn't care to sing Wonderwall but he put up a stink to strike a deal that would lock him in for lead on the album's strongest song, in my opinion.
Fave track: Don't Look Back in Anger
1...2...3...4... Punk rock! PUNK ROCK. Real. Gritty. Fast. Simple. Hard. Ahead of their time, man.
Fave track: Havana Affair
As far as absolute guitar legends goes, Jimi's music was palatable, poetic and poppy enough for me to follow. Yeah, we've all been down the Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai wormhole before and they're friggin' awesome, too. This album spoke to my soul. Hendrix was beautiful - still is.
Fave track: The Wind Cries Mary *featured on the Original North American release
Metallica's self-titled, fifth studio effort is an album most of us call "The Black Album." This album was my introduction to classic thrash metal.
Fave track: Through the Never
My best friend in elementary school gave me this CD when Iris broke out and Johnny Rzeznik was on the cover of all the teen magazines. I was way into this album when most girls were asking for Britney Spears' record. I'd pick this LP over any Spears joint, every time.
Fave track: Black Balloon
Pop punk and maybe a little emo, I jumped on the Ataris late. Still regret not seeing them at Maverick's a few years ago. Dang! This band is surf-punk fun when you need a break from the blink.
Fave track: San Dimas High School Football Rules
Since it's impossible to pick ONE blink album, I'm going with their live one. I know every single word to every single song on this record, including the stage banter.
Fave track: Going Away to College
Rory's Playlist
Rory came into the world on March 20th, 2017 at 13:13. During the operation, the following songs played on 106.1 CHEZ. She arrived during U2's New Year's Day.
For the record, the staff cranked it up during Steppenwolf.
Matthew Good Band - Hello Time Bomb
David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust into Suffragette City (for Rory Stardust, naturally)
April Wine - Enough is Enough
Red Rider - Human Race
Metallica - Turn the Page (one of my personal faves)
Steppenwolf - Born to Be Wild
U2 - New Year's Day (enter Aurora at 13:13)
Chuck Berry - Sweet Little Sixteen
Northern Pikes - She Ain't Pretty
Led Zeppelin - The Immigrant Song
Bryan Adams - Run to You
Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
Harlequin -Superstitious Feeling
Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion
The Pursuit of Happiness - I'm An Adult Now