Phantom Power

Every time I hear the Tragically Hip, I think to myself, "I need to listen to more Tragically Hip." They were so good. It didn't even occur to me until now that there was no Tragically Hip on the original 1,001 albums list. That seems like a pretty major omission to me, but what do I know. In any case, thanks anonymous person for adding this. 4 stars.

This is superior educated rock, like REM but better singing! I was immediately taken by “Bobcaygeon” - good storytelling. A solid and engaging “indie” rock album.

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Bobcaygeon, Thompson girl, Fireworks, Escape is at hand for the travellin’ man

I'm from Michigan, which is a lot like Canada but with more guns and less affordable healthcare. Canada is so close to me that I grew up listening to the CBC on the radio. So, I'm very familiar with the Tragically Hip! However, I think this is my first full album listen. I don't quite get how these guys transcended to become full on Canadian royalty/icons/institutions, but it's a great album with lots of energy! I've been listening to them all week, so there's something to it for sure.

Liked this one, even if it felt a bit stodgy due to trappings of the past at points. Think cutting a bit of the fat and getting this LP down to a 40-minute runtime would’ve made it killer, but even then it was enjoyable getting to hear Canada’s take on R.E.M.

They have good music, but the singer doesn't seem very appealing to me, he has a lazy voice. Their best hit is somewhat ordinary. To be classified as rock, there is a lot to be desired.

Another band with a very familiar name that I don't recall ever really listening to, though I must have crossed paths with them given their era's intersection with my college radio days. I liked this, alt rock in somewhat in the vein of Hüsker Dü or Trip Shakespeare. It's got a bit of that male alt-rock vocal issue, but overall better than most.

Not groundbreaking in anyway, but very much enjoyed

3 Oasis-level

I have a theory that protectionism in the Canadian music industry provides domestic success for Canadian bands that every so often accidentally bleeds over into the rest of the world. The end result is harmless and friendly, yet pointless and bland Canadian rock bands getting a sliver of airplay outside their home country and boring the shit out of us. Realistically, most of these Canadian bands' successes can be chalked up to the same policy that stops supermarkets importing milk from Thailand. The local farmers can continue to ply their middling trade and don't have to move to the city, ya know? 3/5, will never listen again.

This album was fairly basic college rock fare. I listened to it twice but both times I couldn’t really get into it like I wanted to. Also, 1998 seems a bit late for this album. Music like this was being done a decade earlier. I did enjoy some songs in the back half quite a bit though.

The second best indie rock album called Phantom Power. Rating: 3.5 Playlist track: Bobcaygeon Date listened: 25/09/24

A well written, well played album of the college rock variety. Leans a little too much into REM's well-worn musical territory. Still some decent songs to be found here, worth revisiting later. Fave Songs: Bobcaygeon, Fireworks, Thompson Girl, Something On, Vapour Trails

Sounds like a less polished REM.

Very boring