Fully & Completely

Fully & Completely: Redux"In Between Evolution"Hosts: jD & Greg LeGros | Guest: Toronto Mike | Fully & Completely: ReduxThe EpisodeThere are records you fall into immediately - and then there are the ones that sneak up on you. "In Between Evolution" is absolutely the second kind. The Tragically Hip's 2004 record is one of their most slept-on, most politically charged, and - depending on who you ask - one of their very best. jD and Greg LeGros dig in track by track, joined by Toronto's favourite podcast man, Toronto Mike.It's feisty. It's got punk energy. And for a record that got passed over in 2004, it holds up like an absolute bruiser. So there's that.Guest SpotlightToronto Mike from Toronto, OntarioToronto Mike is the podcaster and blogger behind torontomic.com and Toronto Miked - a fiercely independent Toronto-centric podcast that's been going longer than most people can remember. He's a passionate Hip fan who - full disclosure - once had serious plans to launch his own Tragically Hip album-by-album podcast series. He abandoned those plans specifically because jD and Greg were doing it too well. That's not spin. That's what he said on mic."I went into the podcast kind of tiny bit hoping it would suck."- Toronto Mike, on hearing Fully & Completely for the first timeWhat's In This OneA full track-by-track of "In Between Evolution" plus the cultural context of June 2004 - which, as it turns out, is a lot. Here's some of what you're getting into:Why this is probably The Tragically Hip's most overtly political record - and why it had no choice but to be (they recorded it in Seattle, surrounded by American media, one year after the U.S. went into Iraq)'Heaven Is a Better Place Today' - a tribute to Dan Snyder built on funeral clichés and sports colloquialisms that somehow makes you cry. Every time.'Summer's Killing Us' - the song Greg would play for anyone who's never heard of this band. Not even officially released as a single. Absolutely should have been.'Gus the Polar Bear from Central Park' - a slow burn. Toronto Mike did not like it at first. He's come around. We dig into why.'Vaccination Scar' - the actual lead single, and a song that gets a bit more complicated the more you think about it'It Can't Be Nashville Every Night' - the one with the la-la-oos in the chorus that should not work, and absolutely does. Possibly a Toby Keith thing. Possibly a Dixie Chicks thing. Definitely a great song.'One Night in Copenhagen' - band turmoil, Gord's solo career pulling on the seams, and that one line about a payphone in the snow that Greg still talks about'Goodnight Josephine' - the closer that sounds like late-period Springsteen and contains some of the most beautiful lyrics Gord ever put down on tapeThe Stanley Cup Final, the Grey Cup halftime show (yes, The Hip played it), a commemorative Tragically Hip CD, and how the 2004 Leafs playoff run ended a sketch troupe's road trip to LAThe Cultural Climate: June 2004Greg always brings the goods on context, and June 2004 is a rich one. "In Between Evolution" landed in the middle of a musical year that included American Idiot, College Dropout, Funeral, Hot Fuss, and Songs for the Deaf. Commercially, the charts were a very different story - Usher, Evanescence, Josh Groban, and a lot of stuff these three would rather forget. It's a great time to be a music fan if you knew where to look. This was a record that knew exactly where it was looking.Pocket SongsAt the end of every record, we each pull one track to carry forward to the playlist.jD: 'Goodnight Josephine'Greg: 'It Can't Be Nashville Every Night'Toronto Mike: 'Are We Family'Why This Record MattersBecause it got slept on. Even in the band's own documentary, this one gets two seconds. And that's bananas - because it is a deep, huge favourite, and it is one of their very best. It's a hard rocker. It's a protest record. It's a record about loss, and change, and what happens when the things you love don't get to stay the same. It's the most guitar-forward record they ever made, and it has the audacity to rhyme its chorus with la-la-oos.Spend time with this album. This album is waiting for you.About Fully & Completely: ReduxFully & Completely: Redux is the reunion of the original Fully & Completely podcast - the show that started it all in 2018. jD and Greg LeGros go back through The Tragically Hip's full catalogue, album by album, track by track. Same DNA. Same chemistry. Not a sequel - a reunion.Part of The Tragically Hip Podcast Series, a network raising funds for the Downie Wenjack Fund, The Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research, and CAMH. Over $35,000 raised and counting.Find UsFacebook: facebook.com/groups/tthpodsInstagram: @tthpodsYouTube: youtube.com/@tthpodsEmail: tthpodcastseries@gmail.comListen via your podcast app of choice. Search: Fully & Completely Redux.#TheTragicallyHip #InBetweenEvolution #GordDownie #FullyCompletely #TragicallyHip #CanadianRockPodcastMeta Description (for podcast platforms)jD, Greg LeGros & Toronto Mike go track by track on The Tragically Hip's "In Between Evolution." Hipstories, fandom, and Canadian rock - TTH Podcast Series.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Tragically Hip On Shuffle - Live Stream: 'We Want To Be It'Hey, it's jD here.Every once in a while, the shuffle lands on a song that feels like it found you on purpose. This was one of those weeks.'We Want To Be It' - track four off "Now For Plan A" - doesn't get talked about the way'Bobcaygeon' does. It doesn't get the bar rock reverence of the early records. But spend a week with it, really spend a week with it, and something starts to happen. Layers. Lots of them.This week, jD is joined by Steph from Winnipeg, Andrew from Tampa, and Tyler from Etobicoke for what turned into one of the more surprising discussions the show has had. The song is three minutes and twenty-nine seconds. The conversation ran nearly an hour. That ratio should tell you everything.We dig into what "Now For Plan A" actually is as a record - the shortest album in The Hip's catalog, a band quietly fracturing while somehow still playing out of their minds, produced by Gavin Brown under conditions that, as Tyler points out, sound a lot like band therapy. Andrew came in with ten shows under his belt from that tour. Tyler revisited the record for the first time in years and kept finding new things. Steph brought the kind of insight that makes you stop mid-sentence and say yes, exactly that.And then there's the drip, drip, drip.Is the song about Laura Downie? About the band itself? About wanting to dissolve into the music instead of having to manufacture it over and over? Tyler brings a genuinely hot take - sourced from an Alan Gregg interview on Toronto Mike's podcast and Michael Barclay's book - that reframes the whole thing. Andrew adds the Alan Arkin connection Gord himself referenced in early live intros of the song. And jD talks about the three layers of crust this song has developed for him personally over the years.It's a choose your own adventure lyric written by a guy who never gave you the map. That's the feature. Big thanks to Steph, Andrew, and Tyler for bringing the goods on this one. Next week, we hit shuffle again - no idea what's coming, and that's exactly the point.From Our Guests"I'm in season three of Pocket Full of Mojo - wherever you enjoy your podcasts. I help recovering people pleasers like me remember how to get out of our own way and figure out that there's way fewer rules in this life than we're told."- Steph from Winnipeg | Pocket Full of Mojo Podcast"If you can't make it out to the event, get on the page and get into the GoFundMe for Sarah. And you don't have to be in Toronto - you can always fly in."- Andrew from Tampa"I'll be appearing on Toronto Mike's podcast in early April to do a Q1 recap. Other than that, just keeping my head down and trying to stay out of trouble."- Tyler from Etobicoke | Toronto Mike'd Podcast• Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this landed for you.• Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/tthpods• Instagram: @tthpods• YouTube: youtube.com/@tthpods• Email: tthpodcastseries@gmail.com#TheTragicallyHip #TheHip #TTHOnShuffle #NowForPlanA #GordDownie #TragicallyHipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

FULLY & COMPLETELY: REDUX"In Violet Light" - The Tragically HipEpisode Show Notes——————————————————————————————————Fully & Completely: Redux | "In Violet Light" - The Tragically Hip (2002)——————————————————————————————————Hey, it's jD here.Some albums don't just meet you where you are - they find you exactly when you need them. **"In Violet Light" is that record.** Released in June 2002, it's the one that pulled jD hard back into The Tragically Hip after a stretch of distance. And if you listen closely, it makes total sense why. This isn't a band trying to hold on - it's a band that has let go of every obligation and is just making music for themselves. **The result is one of the most quietly assured records of The Hip's entire career.**This week on Fully & Completely: redux, jD and Greg LeGros go track by track through "In Violet Light" - the eighth studio album from The Tragically Hip, recorded in the Bahamas with legendary producer Hugh Padham - and make the case that this record has no business being this good, this far into a career.——————————————————————————————————EPISODE OVERVIEW"In Violet Light" landed in a 2002 music landscape that included Coldplay's "A Rush of Blood to the Head," Queens of the Stone Age's "Songs for the Deaf," Beck's "Sea Change," and Broken Social Scene's "You Forgot It in People." The indie pop explosion was just beginning to blow the roof off Canadian music. The Hip were eight albums deep, the mainstream had largely written them off, and **they responded by making one of their best records.** No fat. No filler. Eleven tracks of lean, confident, beautiful rock and roll.The album was recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas - the same studio where AC/DC recorded "Back in Black" and Bob Marley cut some of his most enduring work - with Hugh Padham, the producer behind the gated drum sound that defined the 1980s (Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight," Sting's solo catalogue, The Police's "Synchronicity"). **jD and Greg break down why that combination - this band, this producer, this place - produced something genuinely special.**——————————————————————————————————TRACK BY TRACK HIGHLIGHTS**'Are You Ready to Love'** - The opener sets the whole album's thesis. jD hears the first verse as a direct response to the critics and mainstream fans who had written The Hip off. **"They're pulling the plug. They've got our whole dug." And then - the chorus arrives like a shrug and a fist at the same time: are you ready for love?** A great rock and roll song that doubles as a mission statement.**'Use It Up'** - Built on a lyric attributed to the booklet of a Raymond Carver collection, this is a track about seizing everything, wasting nothing, and making music for the love of it. Greg hears Radiohead's "OK Computer" in the verses and the Georgia Satellites in the chorus - **and somehow The Tragically Hip pull both of those things off in the same song.** A slow burn that rewards headphones.**'The Darkest One'** - jD turns up whatever he's listening to every single time this song starts. **"The wild are strong and the strong are the darkest ones - and you're the darkest one."** Greg calls it a safe place. A song about freedom of expression, comfort, and the strange intimacy of being fully understood. Don't let the Trailer Park Boys video fool you - this song could have broken them wide open.**'It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken'** - The centrepiece. The lead single. **Both jD and Greg pick this as their track of the record - the first time in the history of Fully & Completely that hosts have landed on the same song.** Named for a Canadian graphic novel by Seth and a phrase used by band staffer Molly Lorimer to describe life on the road, it's a song about mortality, aging, and the strange grace that comes when you stop fighting. Death is swirling all around it - and it's still one of the most uplifting things The Tragically Hip ever made.**'Silver Jet'** - The one that changes gears just right. Greg connects this song personally to the empty skies over the Danforth in the days after 9/11, and the feeling of the first plane cutting back through the silence. **A song about hope, fear, and the things that pull your gaze forward.** The wolves of Northumberland. An archipelago. A green star. Only Gord.**'Throwing Off Glass'** - Companion piece to 'Trick Rider' from "Phantom Power" - if that song is about his son, this one is about his daughter. A slow builder that rewards patience. **A soundscape that would fit comfortably on "Coke Machine Glow."****'All Tore Up'** - A great drinking rock and roll song. Dottie the bluegrass singer. Open concept. Getting a little happening with old friends. **No one else writes a lyric like this and makes it fit inside a song this well.** Turn it up.**'Leave'** - A waltz in 3/4 time. Beautiful backup vocals. A late-night phone call at three in the morning. **"You better be dying." And they were.** An emotional gut-punch that doubles as a permission slip - to leave a job, a relationship, a place that no longer fits.**'The Dire Wolf'** - A pseudo-history lesson disguised as a rock song. Tallulah Bankhead and Canada Lee, stars of Hitchcock's "The Lifeboat." Ann Harvey of Isle of Morts, Newfoundland, who rescued 163 shipwrecked souls in 1828. A poem called "Sea Surface Full of Clouds" by Wallace Stevens. **Greg pulls all of this from memory. It's an entire university lecture wrapped in six minutes of music that absolutely slaps.****'The Dark Canuck'** - The closer. Possibly the longest Tragically Hip song ever recorded at six and a half minutes. A time signature change halfway through. **Canadian soldiers as peacekeepers. Apple, Zippo, and Metronome as record labels. Jaws at the drive-in. The Dark Canuck playing second on the double bill.** Nobody at the drive-in is staying for it. And that's sort of the whole point.——————————————————————————————————WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERSThis is the album that brought jD back to The Hip in earnest - **the record that cracked open the second half of his relationship with this band.** It's also the episode where he and Greg pick the same song for the first time. And it's the one where jD, partway through discussing 'Leave,' pauses to talk about his mother. **Listen for that moment. It's what this podcast is for.**"In Violet Light" is a masterpiece with no business being this good eight albums in. And this episode earns every minute of its runtime.So there's that.——————————————————————————————————SOURCES & CREDITS• HipMuseum.com• This Is Our Life: The Tragically Hip in the 1990s (Michael Barclay)• "It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken" - graphic novel by Seth• "Sea Surface Full of Clouds" - poem by Wallace Stevens• Ann Harvey of Isle of Morts, Newfoundland - historical record• Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas - production history• Raymond Carver - attributed quote in "Use It Up"——————————————————————————————————CONNECT WITH THE SHOW• Facebook: facebook.com/groups/tthpods• Instagram: @tthpods• YouTube: youtube.com/@tthpods• Email: tthpodcastseries@gmail.comThe Tragically Hip Podcast Series - Est. 2018#TheTragicallyHip #TheHip #InVioletLight #FullyCompletely #GordDownie #TragicallyHip #CanadianRock——————————————————————————————————Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Honey, Please — Deep Cut or Hidden Gem?Sometimes the Shuffle Gods reach deep into the catalogue.And sometimes what they pull out sparks a conversation you didn't see coming.This week on The Tragically Hip On Shuffle, we landed on “Honey, Please”, the second track from We Are the Same — The Tragically Hip's 2009 album produced by Bob Rock. Clocking in at four minutes even, it's one of those songs that quietly sits in the album's early stretch and doesn't always get the spotlight when people talk about the band's catalogue. But that's exactly the point of this show.Because when you put a few fans in a room and really dig into a track — the lyrics, the production choices, the album context, the cultural references — sometimes a song that felt like a bridge suddenly starts revealing its layers.And “Honey, Please” might just be one of those songs.On paper, the track finished #162 in the fan-voted Road to the Top 40, placing it surprisingly close to the bottom of the list of Tragically Hip songs ranked by listeners. Yet when fans were polled again ahead of the episode, many described it as an “underrated gem.” So what gives?That's the question we explore in this episode.Along the way we talk about:where the song fits within the We Are the Same album flowwhether “Honey, Please” functions as a bridge track between songsthe role of keys and arrangement compared to other Hip songslyrical interpretations and what Gord Downie might be reaching forpossible cultural references in the title and phrasingand how deep-cut Hip songs often reveal more when fans start connecting the dots togetherAt one point the conversation turns to the phrase itself — “Honey, Please” — and how it echoes similar titles across music history, from soul influences like Barry White to indie and punk songs with the same name. Because with Gord Downie's writing, nothing ever lives in a vacuum.And that's where the fun begins.As we talk through the track, one idea keeps coming up: even songs that seem modest on first listen can open up when fans start doing the homework — digging into the lyrics, the context, and the emotional throughline of the album.Sometimes what sounds simple is anything but.Or as we discover here, a deep cut can still be a gem once you look under the hood. Pull Quote“Even a song that feels like a deep cut can turn out to be a gem once you start digging into it.”In This EpisodeA closer look at “Honey, Please” from We Are the Same (2009)How the track fits within the album's narrative flowLyrics, references, and fan interpretationsProduction touches from Bob RockWhy some Tragically Hip songs reveal themselves slowly over timeAbout The Tragically Hip On ShuffleHosted by jD, The Tragically Hip On Shuffle randomly selects a song from the band's catalogue and explores it in conversation with fellow fans.No scripts.No predetermined rankings.Just a deep dive into whatever the Shuffle Gods decide we're listening to that night.The result is part conversation, part discovery — and a reminder that the music of The Tragically Hip always has more to uncover.Get InvolvedWant to join a future episode?Follow along in the community and keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in upcoming recordings of:The Tragically Hip On ShuffleThe Tragically Hip Top Forty CountdownDiscovering DownieFollow + ListenIf you enjoy this episode, make sure you're subscribed to the show and share it with a fellow Hip fan.And if you'd like occasional updates about episodes, events, and opportunities to join the conversation, you can sign up for Yer Letters here:https://mailchi.mp/8fca809e6a92/join-the-communitySEO KeywordsThe Tragically Hip podcast, Honey Please Tragically Hip, We Are the Same album analysis, Gord Downie lyrics meaning, Tragically Hip deep cuts, Canadian rock podcast, Tragically Hip song discussion, Bob Rock production Tragically Hip, Hip fandom podcast, Tragically Hip fan community.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fully & Completely: redux – Music @ Work Guest: Rob Johannes

Discovering Downie: Live at Six (Gord Downie + The Sadies + The Conquering Sun) — Track-by-Track on Release DayOn launch day, jD reunites with Craig Rogers, Kirk Lane, and Justin St. Louis to break down Live at Six, a newly released live record featuring Gord Downie, The Sadies, and The Conquering Sun. It's an eight-track collection drawn from four shows (Sarnia, Fredericton, Cambridge, MA, and Dundas) spanning 2012 and 2014.This episode is a full-on fan-and-musician conversation: play it loud, follow the rabbit holes, and enjoy a record that feels like you're right up against the stage, even when it was recorded outdoors.MVP picks, deep cover-song origins, live-record sequencing debates, and a whole lot of gratitude—plus a reminder that sometimes the point isn't to decode everything. Sometimes it's just rock and roll.Episode HighlightsThe crew gets back together to cover Live at Six on release dayWhy this record feels like a sweaty club even when it isn'tThe meaning behind the title Live at Six (and where “six” actually comes from)Major rabbit holes (including the story behind “If You Have Ghosts”)Covers that still sound unmistakably like Gord Downie + The SadiesLive energy: loose-but-tight, tempo shifts, extended outros, and why that's part of the magicMVP picks from each host—plus what track people “need to hear” firstTracklist Breakdown (as discussed)1) “If You Have Ghosts” — recorded in Dundas, Ontario (Sept 1, 2012)Huge reactions to Dallas Good's performanceDeep dive into Rocky Erickson and the song's backstoryWhy the lyric “If you have ghosts, you have everything” hits so hard2) “So Sad About Us” — Sarnia (Aug 30, 2014) — a The Who coverNoted for harmonies and a vibe that recalls early rock/pop influenceDiscussion of how naturally it sits in Gord's wheelhouse3) “It Didn't Start to Break My Heart” — (live version discussed as an all-time banger)Faster than the studio version; jam section praised heavilyDescribed as completely over-delivering as a live performance4) “Grey Riders” — Fredericton, New Brunswick (Sept 12, 2014) — Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival — a Neil Young songStrong praise for backing vocals and arrangementConversation about preferring this version vs. the one they heard from Neil5) “Generation” — Fredericton (Sept 12, 2014) — a Fucked Up coverAlbum title reference comes from Gord speaking right before/around this track (“at six o'clock”)Note: the group didn't have as much time with this track due to a file miss6) Cambridge, Massachusetts set (May 3, 2014) — a track originally by The Gun Club (from Fire of Love, 1981)Described as the most “Sadies-sounding” song on the recordTalk of punk lineage and guitar swagger7) “Demand Destruction” — revisited live (from the Sarnia show)jD's MVP: the live performance hits harder than the studio versionFavorite lyric noted: “Breakdown in the verse part / Dead spot in the lyrics…” (songwriting “fourth wall” moment)8) “I Gotta Right” — The Stooges cover (closing track)Described as a “punch in the face” closerLeaves everyone wanting more; debate about wishing the album was longerJustin mentions being disappointed it wasn't “Search and Destroy” (also performed by Gord + The Sadies in other live clips)MVP PicksCraig: “If You Have Ghosts”Kirk: “Grey Riders” (and says “I Gotta Write” is the one people need to hear)Justin: “It Didn't Start to Break My Heart”jD: “Demand Destruction”Production Credits (as stated on the episode)Mixed by Ken Friesen (all tracks) except “Goodbye Johnny”“Goodbye Johnny” mixed by Dallas Good and Guillermo SabatzeMastered by Philip Shaw BovaTimestamps (approx. from transcript)0:49 — Welcome + what Live at Six is + who's on the mic3:36 — Release context: 4 shows, 2012/2014, where the recordings come from9:14 — Track 1: “If You Have Ghosts” deep dive begins21:57 — Track 2: “So Sad About Us” (The Who cover)33:11 — “It Didn't Start to Break My Heart” (live version reaction)38:27 — “Grey Riders” (Neil Young)43:54 — Side B + “Generation” (Fucked Up) + title explanation51:07 — Cambridge, MA track (The Gun Club origin discussed)55:26 — “Goodbye Johnny” (live vs studio)59:11 — Closer: “I Gotta Write” (The Stooges) + credits1:09:24 — MVP picks1:17:41 — Final thoughts + gratitude + community + live music plugListen / Follow / Join the CommunityInstagram: @tthpodseriesYouTube: youtube.com/@tthpodsFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/tthpodcastseriesEmail: TTHtop40@gmail.comSEO KeywordsPrimary: Discovering Downie, Live at Six, Gord Downie, The Sadies, The Conquering Sun, Gord Downie live album, Gord Downie coversSecondary: If You Have Ghosts, So Sad About Us, Grey Riders, Demand Destruction, Generation (Fucked Up), I Gotta Write (The Stooges), live record review, track-by-track breakdownLong-tail: Gord Downie Sadies live at six tracklist, Live at Six album discussion, Discovering Downie Live at Six episodeHashtags#DiscoveringDownie #GordDownie #TheSadies #TheConqueringSun #LiveAtSix #CanadianMusic #LiveAlbum #MusicPodcast #TheTragicallyHipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of The Tragically Hip On Shuffle, we landed on “Fully Completely,” the title track from The Tragically Hip's landmark 1992 album Fully Completely, and brought together Toronto Mike, Joe Cad of Forever Hip, and Duxoop Douglas to unpack it properly. This is a song that finished #13 in the fan-voted Top Forty Countdown and continues to hold a unique place in the Hip catalogue — not the loudest track on the record, but one that reveals itself more the longer you live with it. With Fully Completely sitting among some of the band's most iconic songs, this conversation digs into what makes the title track endure — structurally, emotionally, and personally — decades laterEpisode SummaryFrom the jump, the panel keeps circling back to how much weight “Fully Completely” carries in such a compact frame. jD points out the song's efficiency — how there's nothing wasted in its structure, lyrically or musically. It moves quickly but never feels slight. Instead, it builds tension through groove and restraint, creating something that feels dense despite its relatively short runtime.Toronto Mike situates the track within the broader context of the Fully Completely album, a record stacked with defining Tragically Hip songs like “Locked in the Trunk of a Car,” “Courage,” and “50 Mission Cap.” In that company, the title track can sometimes feel overshadowed, but he emphasizes how it stands on its own — particularly in live settings, where its emotional and musical arc becomes even more apparent.Joe Cad brings a performer's lens to the discussion, describing “Fully Completely” as his personal favorite Hip song. As the frontman of Forever Hip, he speaks to the physical and emotional experience of performing it, highlighting its gradual build and payoff. He describes it as a kind of musical ascent, where every section contributes to a sense of lift and release by the end.Duxoop Douglas reflects on discovering the song in a different way — through individual listens rather than as part of the original album rollout. His experience mirrors the premise of the show itself: rediscovering The Tragically Hip one song at a time. Over time, “Fully Completely” earned its place as a standout, not because it demanded attention immediately, but because it rewarded repeated listening.Interpretation becomes another thread running through the episode. The panel explores different readings of Gord Downie's lyrics, reinforcing how the song's meaning remains open and personal. Like many Hip songs, “Fully Completely” doesn't hand you a single answer — it leaves space for listeners to find themselves inside it.Topics Discussed• Why “Fully Completely” feels dense and efficient despite its short runtime• The song's place within the Fully Completely album and the Tragically Hip catalogue• Differences between studio and live performances of the track• Joe Cad's experience performing the song with Forever Hip• How listeners discover Hip songs outside of traditional album listening• The interpretive openness of Gord Downie's lyrics• The song's placement at #13 in the fan-voted Top Forty CountdownPull Quote“It's very economical. I don't know that there's 150 words in it. And yet it feels fucking dense, pound for pound.”About Our Guest(s)Toronto MikeToronto Mike is the host of Toronto Mike'd, a long-running podcast featuring interviews with musicians, media personalities, and cultural figures. A lifelong music fan, he brings historical context and deep personal experience with The Tragically Hip's albums and live performances.Joe CadJoe Cad is the frontman of Forever Hip, a Tragically Hip tribute band dedicated to performing the band's catalogue for audiences who continue to connect with the music. His perspective combines fandom with the lived experience of performing these songs.Duxoop DouglasDuxoop Douglas is a dedicated Tragically Hip listener whose discovery of the band unfolded gradually through individual tracks and repeated listening. His perspective reflects the personal and evolving nature of connecting with the Hip's catalogue.Guest LinksToronto Mike• torontomike.comJoe Cad• foreverhip.caDuxoop Douglas• No link providedSubscribeNever miss an episode. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.FollowInstagram: @tthtpodsFacebook: The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesSupportIf you value this work and want to help keep it going:buymeacoffee.com/tthtop40Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Live Between Us – Essential Tracks, Layered Lyrics & Hip ObsessionFully & Completely – The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesThis week on Fully & Completely, jD and Greg dive into Live Between Us, The Tragically Hip's electrifying 1997 live album — and they're joined by music publicist, historian, and walking encyclopedia Eric Alper.Together, they unpack what makes these tracks “stone cold classics,” how Gord Downie's lyrics evolve over time, and why some songs reveal entirely new meaning decades after first listen.If you've ever sung a Hip lyric confidently… only to realize years later you completely misunderstood it — this episode is for you.

The Tragically Hip On ShuffleThis week on The Tragically Hip On Shuffle, we pull “At Transformation” from Now For Plan A and let it breathe.Is it about Gord Downie's wife's cancer battle? A marriage unraveling? The band's own evolution? Or something more universal — the moment when life tilts and you realize you're different now?jD is joined by Tim (Columbus), Shawn (Edmonton), and Jeff (Vaughan) for a layered, passionate, and occasionally chaotic deep dive into one of the most emotionally charged songs from the later Hip catalogue.

Fully & Completely: ReduxEpisode 6 — Trouble at the Henhouse (1996)In this episode of Fully & Completely: Redux, we land in 1996 and crack open Trouble at the Henhouse — one of the most misunderstood, emotionally loaded, and quietly radical albums in the catalogue of The Tragically Hip.What should have been a victory-lap record turns into something stranger and braver: stripped-back, red-toned, reflective, and full of songs that don't explain themselves — they linger. This is the sound of a band surviving the 90s, refusing to coast, and accidentally making one of the era's most enduring records.Hosts jD and Greg LeGros dig into the album track by track, placing it inside the cultural hangover of the mid-90s: the end of high school, the death of grunge's innocence, shifting radio formats, CanCon realities, and the moment when everything felt like it was changing — whether you were ready or not.What We Talk AboutWhy Trouble at the Henhouse feels like the hangover to Day for NightThe opening five-song run (Gift Shop → Flamenco) as one of the strongest stretches in the Hip's careerRobbie Baker's guitar finally stepping out of the shadowsThe sequencing controversy (yes, we're talking 700 Foot Ceiling and Butts Wiggling)“Ahead by a Century” as a once-in-a-generation song — and why it had to be the oneGord Downie's writing shift: misdirection, restraint, and devastating clarityDon't Wake Daddy as the emotional centre of the record (and the 90s)Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, Eric's Trip, and the ghosts living between the groovesWhy this album was divisive then — and why it's essential nowStandout MomentsThe bleed from Gift Shop into Springtime in Vienna as a mission statementThe Kurt Cobain reference that somehow lands with graceFlamenco as both comfort and confrontationSherpa as pure atmosphere — the quiet psychedelic cousin of Day for NightPut It Off as an ending that feels like everything slowly going darkWhy This Album Still HitsTrouble at the Henhouse isn't flashy. It doesn't chase hits. It doesn't hold your hand.It sits with you.This episode makes the case that the record's power lies in its restraint, its refusal to repeat past triumphs, and its willingness to capture a moment when music — and life — felt heavier, stranger, and more complicated.Red instead of blue.Morning instead of night.The hangover instead of the party.Listen & Follow

Fully & Completely: Redux — Day for Night (1994)A presentation of The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesHosted by: jD & Greg LeGrosRelease: MondayFormat: Album deep dive (Redux edition)Runtime: ~1h 45mIn this episode of Fully & Completely: Redux, we turn our full attention to Day for Night — the record many fans point to as the moment The Tragically Hip stopped chasing expectations and fully committed to the dark, patient, cinematic version of themselves.Released in September 1994, Day for Night arrived at a cultural moment when the '90s were no longer new, no longer shiny, and no longer pretending everything was okay. What followed was an album that broke rules quietly: hit singles with no choruses, stories without resolutions, grooves that crept instead of charged.In this Redux episode, jD and Greg revisit the album with fresh perspective — tracing its creation, its reception, and why it remains one of the most singular statements in the Hip's catalogue.What We CoverWhy Day for Night felt like a deliberate pivot after Fully CompletelyHow “Grace, Too” announced a darker, stranger Hip — visually and sonicallyThe improbability of “Nautical Disaster” becoming a massive hit with no chorusGord Downie's leap into fully cinematic, image-driven lyricismJohnny Fay and Gord Sinclair quietly redefining the band's rhythmic identityThe patience, restraint, and atmosphere that hold the album togetherWhy this record feels less like a collection of songs and more like a journeyTrack-by-Track HighlightsGrace, Too – A career-defining opener and tonal manifestoDaredevil – A tumbling, vertigo-inducing rock song hiding in plain sightGreasy Jungle – Off-kilter, playful darkness with a smirkYawning or Snarling – Menace, crowd imagery, and creeping tensionFire in the Hole – Nuance over catharsis, patience over payoffSo Hard Done By – A mid-tempo, grimy, cinematic standoutNautical Disaster – One of the boldest hit singles of the decadeThugs – Swampy groove, film references, and one of Downie's greatest opening linesScared – Beauty, menace, and the illusion of safetyAn Inch an Hour / Emergency / Titanic Terrarium – The album's final descent into reflection and uneaseWhy Day for Night EnduresMore than any other Hip album, Day for Night rewards patience. It doesn't rush you. It doesn't explain itself. It invites you into the fog and trusts you to stay there. For many fans — including jD and Greg — this wasn't just another release. It was the album that turned admiration into devotion.About the PodcastFully & Completely is a chronological, album-by-album exploration of The Tragically Hip's studio catalogue. Hosted by jD and Greg LeGros, the series blends music history, personal memory, cultural context, and deep fandom — without myth-making or nostalgia goggles. Redux episodes revisit classic installments with improved audio, tighter edits, and the benefit of distance.Follow, Join, Support

Fully & Completely: Redux — Day for Night (1994)A presentation of The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesHosted by: jD & Greg LeGrosRelease: MondayFormat: Album deep dive (Redux edition)Runtime: ~1h 45mIn this episode of Fully & Completely: Redux, we turn our full attention to Day for Night — the record many fans point to as the moment The Tragically Hip stopped chasing expectations and fully committed to the dark, patient, cinematic version of themselves.Released in September 1994, Day for Night arrived at a cultural moment when the '90s were no longer new, no longer shiny, and no longer pretending everything was okay. What followed was an album that broke rules quietly: hit singles with no choruses, stories without resolutions, grooves that crept instead of charged.In this Redux episode, jD and Greg revisit the album with fresh perspective — tracing its creation, its reception, and why it remains one of the most singular statements in the Hip's catalogue.What We CoverWhy Day for Night felt like a deliberate pivot after Fully CompletelyHow “Grace, Too” announced a darker, stranger Hip — visually and sonicallyThe improbability of “Nautical Disaster” becoming a massive hit with no chorusGord Downie's leap into fully cinematic, image-driven lyricismJohnny Fay and Gord Sinclair quietly redefining the band's rhythmic identityThe patience, restraint, and atmosphere that hold the album togetherWhy this record feels less like a collection of songs and more like a journeyTrack-by-Track HighlightsGrace, Too – A career-defining opener and tonal manifestoDaredevil – A tumbling, vertigo-inducing rock song hiding in plain sightGreasy Jungle – Off-kilter, playful darkness with a smirkYawning or Snarling – Menace, crowd imagery, and creeping tensionFire in the Hole – Nuance over catharsis, patience over payoffSo Hard Done By – A mid-tempo, grimy, cinematic standoutNautical Disaster – One of the boldest hit singles of the decadeThugs – Swampy groove, film references, and one of Downie's greatest opening linesScared – Beauty, menace, and the illusion of safetyAn Inch an Hour / Emergency / Titanic Terrarium – The album's final descent into reflection and uneaseWhy Day for Night EnduresMore than any other Hip album, Day for Night rewards patience. It doesn't rush you. It doesn't explain itself. It invites you into the fog and trusts you to stay there. For many fans — including jD and Greg — this wasn't just another release. It was the album that turned admiration into devotion.About the PodcastFully & Completely is a chronological, album-by-album exploration of The Tragically Hip's studio catalogue. Hosted by jD and Greg LeGros, the series blends music history, personal memory, cultural context, and deep fandom — without myth-making or nostalgia goggles. Redux episodes revisit classic installments with improved audio, tighter edits, and the benefit of distance.Follow, Join, Support

Every Wednesday, we spin the wheel, land on one randomly selected Tragically Hip song, and then do the only sensible thing: discuss, debate, and dissect it from top to bottom. That's The Tragically Hip On Shuffle. That's the game. So there's that.This week's shuffle pull: “Wild Mountain Honey” (Track 11 on Music @ Work), a song that got exactly zero votes in the Tragically Hip Top 40 Countdown universe — and, honestly, that fact alone felt like a cosmic dare. Is it an overlooked monster? A “respect more than like” deep cut? A Johnny Fay showcase hiding in plain sight? We took it to the group chat court and let the litigious force do its thing.This Week's SongSong: Wild Mountain HoneyAlbum: Music @ Work (2000)Why this one matters: A structural outlier that some fans skipped for years — and others swear is an absolute banger.PanelistsTyler (Etobicoke) — longtime fan perspective + “meridian point” theory for the band's erasKirk (Chino) — U.S. fan, Music @ Work as the gateway record, Zeppelin energy comparisonsAdam (Tampa) — reappraisal years later, big on the Music @ Work “depth and weirdness” (complimentary)What We Get IntoThe “zero votes” mystery: how does a track like this get nothing in a 169-song voting pool?Johnny Fay unleashed: drums way up in the mix; Bonham-ish weight; pure chops showcase“Breakup song” reading: divorce / separation / relationship unraveling… and why the lyrics support itEmbassy + diplomacy imagery: neutral ground, choosing to leave before it gets uglyThe album as a turning point: Music @ Work as the “door out” for some fans, and the “door in” for othersLive rarity: discussed as being played 26 times, essentially during the 2000 eraThe eternal question: why is it called “Wild Mountain Honey” when the phrase never appears in the song?Quote Worth Stealing“Diplomacy goes even better with drinks.”(Also: “confetti cannon… with litigious force,” which… come on.)Next Week on ShuffleWe spun again — and the next song is: “Fire in the Hole” (Day for Night).Three new panelists, same chaotic method.Shout-outs + Links MentionedDiscovering Downie (podcast) — recommended by KirkFOTM Cast (quarterly deep-dive on Toronto Mike'd) — Tyler's appearanceA surprisingly heartfelt wellness moment: do your checkups, take care of your health, don't put it off.Join Us LiveThe Tragically Hip On Shuffle streams every Wednesday night — come watch live, jump in the chat, and help us decide whether the wheel nailed it or needs to be thrown in the lake.Follow / Join / Hang: (add your usual socials + group links here)Support the work: buymeacoffee.com/tthtop40Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fully & Completely: ReduxEpisode 104 — Fully Completely (1992)A presentation of The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesHosted by jD and Greg LeGrosClass is officially back in session.In Episode 104, Fully & Completely returns as Fully & Completely: Redux — our weekly, album-by-album wander through the studio catalogue of The Tragically Hip.This week: Fully Completely (1992). The one that didn't just kick the door down — it blew the whole damn car up.And because this is Redux, you get it in two parts:First, a short present-day catch-up with jD and Greg — sitting in the “easy chairs by the fireplace” version of adulthood — reminiscing about what this record felt like then, what it feels like now, and why it still hits like a masterclass.Then we drop into the classic Fully & Completely episode, now re-edited, re-mixed, and re-mastered — the same deep dive, but cleaned up, tightened up, and sounding better in your headphones.From the jump, the conversation is rooted in why this album became a cultural object in Canada: six singles, nonstop video rotation, and that feeling that you couldn't escape it — even if you tried. Not because of CanCon. Because people wanted it.We get into why Locked in the Trunk of a Car is such a strange (and perfect) lead single, the confidence of a band shifting from “beloved” to “the band,” and how the record meant to help crack America ended up being, arguably, their most Canadian statement up to that point.Along the way: 1992 as a time capsule (good, bad, and bananas), the shifting musical landscape, and how Gord's writing starts leaning harder into Canadian stories, mythology, and history — without turning into novelty.It's huge. It's dusty. It's intense.And it still holds up top to bottom.In This EpisodeThe Redux intro: jD + Greg reunite, reminisce, and talk about how this record lands nowWhy Fully Completely felt unavoidable in Canada (six singles, constant rotation)1992 as a time capsule — culture, headlines, and a wildly stacked year in musicThe jump in sound: new producer, bigger rooms, bigger ambition, bigger “world stage” vibeThe American push that got pulled after two weeks — and what that meantGord's shift into Canada-as-myth + Canada-as-story songwritingParty guitars, campfires, and why we all somehow still know that songTrack-by-track highlights including:Courage and the Hugh MacLennan connectionLocked in the Trunk of a Car and the bootleg “bonus for the nerds”At the Hundredth Meridian as a national singalong momentWheat Kings as the great Canadian makeout song you probably shouldn't make out toDeep cuts love for Eldorado and the title track's intensityAlbum DiscussedFully Completely (1992)Produced by Chris TsangaridesSix singles. A diamond-era cultural staple.A road album. A statement. A turning point.What's NextNext week, the journey continues — another step forward, another right turn, another era.Listen & SubscribeFully & Completely: Redux is available wherever you get your podcasts.Follow, subscribe, and settle in — we're taking this fully and completely, one record at a time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Every Wednesday night at 8pm ET, we spin the wheel and land on one randomly selected Tragically Hip song — then we discuss, debate, and dissect it with three panelists and a very opinionated live chat.This week, the wheel landed on “Leave” from In Violet Light (2002) — and we got into the groove, the two-part structure, Gord's bird-heavy storytelling, and where this track sits in the album's pacing (aka: the unsung bridge between heavy hitters).Next week's random pick: “Wild Mountain Honey” from Music @ Work.This Week's SongSong: “Leave”Album: In Violet Light (2002)Producer: Hugh PadghamFormat: Live panel + chat discussion (one song, one hour, no wrong takes)PanelistsAndrew (Winnipeg)Patrick (Toronto)Craig (Langley) (also plays in the Hip tribute band Gift Shop)What We Talk About (Highlights)Album “go-to” picks right now: World Container, In Violet Light, and We Are the SameWhy “Leave” feels like an album track / deep cut — and why that's not an insultThe band's groove (Sinclair + Fay love all over this one)The song's structure: essentially two halves instead of a standard verse/chorus/bridge patternLyrical rabbit holes: quotes, birds talking to birds, and that killer line: “How do we learn to hurt?” (discussed, not solved — because Gord)Live history note from the panel: “Leave” appears to have been played live only a handful of times (per setlist research mentioned on the stream)Chat check-in: one-word reactions and a great listener description of the track as a “start the day” song — gentle, moving, pointed but laid backTimeline (from the stream transcript)[0:38] jD sets the table: the On Shuffle format + “no wrong takes”[1:47] Introductions: Andrew (Winnipeg), Craig (Langley), Patrick (Toronto)[3:36] “Go-to Hip record right now” discussion[10:43] Song discussion begins: first impressions + where “Leave” fits[18:31] Music deep-dive: groove, dynamics, structure (two-part feel)[24:09] The “birds” thread expands (and yes, people noticed)[35:31] Live-performance chat + setlist mention[48:09] Wheel spin: next week's song is “Wild Mountain Honey”[49:54] Panelist plugs + shoutouts[53:01] Breadcrumbs teased for upcoming stuff + community reminderNext Week

Fully & Completely: ReduxEpisode 103— Road Apples (1991)A presentation of The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesHosted by jD and Greg LeGrosIf Up to Here was the sound of a band kicking the barroom doors open, Road Apples is what happens when they walk in knowing the room already belongs to them.Released in February 1991, this record lands right in the middle of a cultural earthquake — Nevermind, Ten, The Black Album, Out of Time, Loveless, Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Rock music is shedding its hairspray, sharpening its teeth, and looking for something that feels real again.And here come The Tragically Hip — louder, darker, more confident, and somehow more mysterious than ever.In this episode of Fully & Completely: Redux, jD and Greg LeGros dig into Road Apples as the moment where the band perfects their bar-band bravado — and then quietly starts planning their escape from it. Produced once again by Don Smith, recorded largely live off the floor, this album sounds like five guys in a room who trust each other completely… and aren't afraid to push.We talk about:Why 1991 might be the most important year in modern musicRoad Apples as the band's first true leap — not just forward, but outwardThe brilliance of Little Bones as an all-time album openerGord Downie's emerging lyrical mythos — cab drivers, King Lear, Macbeth, and prison-yard staresHow Cordelia and The Luxury reveal a darker, more literary HipWhy Long Time Running becomes one of the band's first truly communal songsThe quiet devastation of Fiddler's GreenAnd how Last of the Unplucked Gems gently closes the door on one era… and opens anotherThis is the album where the confidence hardens, the writing deepens, and the band stops sounding like anyone else. The last gasp of their blues-rock skin — and the first clear signal that something bigger is coming.School's still in session.And things are starting to get interesting.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Tragically Hip On Shuffle — “You're Everywhere” (In Between Evolution)Episode SummaryWelcome to the very first episode of The Tragically Hip On Shuffle — a weekly live-streamed conversation where host jD and a rotating panel of fans spin the wheel, land on one randomly selected Tragically Hip song, and discuss, debate, and dissect it from every angle: lyrics, themes, musicality, album context, and the personal connection that makes Hip fandom feel like home.For the premiere episode, the shuffle lands on “You're Everywhere” from In Between Evolution (2004) — a loud, sharp, post-9/11-era record produced by Adam Kasper that captures The Tragically Hip in full rock-and-roll form. From the opening riff to the vocal urgency in the chorus, this track becomes the perfect test case for what this series is all about: thoughtful takes, layered interpretations, and the shared realization that there's rarely one “right answer” in Gord Downie's writing.Panelists this week include:Tim (Columbus, Ohio) — co-host of the long-running music podcast Dig Me Out, and a proud defender of deep cutsRyan (Victoria, BC) — frontman of Nautical Disaster, a Tragically Hip tribute band, with a vocalist's ear for emotional deliveryJustin (Vermont) — longtime Hip fan and Discovering Downie alum, bringing album-level context and a sharp eye for lyrical subtextTogether, the panel explores why “You're Everywhere” feels both deeply personal and uncomfortably political, how In Between Evolution balances big guitars with uneasy undercurrents, and why this song—despite being lesser-played live—hits with the kind of emotional pressure that grows louder the longer you sit with it.And yes: the episode also features the first official On Shuffle tech gremlin moment, a brief detour to the green-room snack table, and a laminated birthday card signed “No.” So there's that.In This EpisodeThe On Shuffle format: one random Hip song, one hour, zero forced takesFirst impressions of “You're Everywhere” and why the groove is deceptively simpleThe vocals: urgency, desperation, and that “live-in-the-can” feelLyrics + themes: layered meaning, media saturation, democracy, identity, and memoryThe line “when I reel my Irish in” — and why it can mean 10 different thingsAlbum context: where “You're Everywhere” sits in the In Between Evolution tracklist and why it works as a centerpieceRare live sightings: an early “workshopping” version with a different working title and lyricsProducer talk: Adam Kasper (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden connections) and how the Hip chose heavyweight producers across erasThe show's mission: The Hip as refuge, ritual, and community hangKey Quotes“There are no wrong opinions. There are no wrong takes. But my hope is there will always be a moment.”“It's a simple song structure… but it's how they play it.”“Gord layers ideas — the subtext can run through the entire album.”Featured Song“You're Everywhere” — The Tragically HipAlbum: In Between Evolution (2004)Next Week on The Tragically Hip On ShuffleThe shuffle chooses the next track live at the end of the episode.Next episode song: “Leave” from In Violet Light

Fully & Completely: ReduxEpisode 102 — Up To Here (1989)A presentation of The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesHosted by jD and Greg LeGrosIf Episode 101 was the band trying to get hired, Up To Here is the band showing up like: we're already the headliners, you just don't know it yet.Released in September 1989, The Tragically Hip's first full-length LP is the moment where the sweat and swagger of the EP turns into something sturdier — a vibe, a sound, an identity. This is the record that made the country start paying attention in a different way. Not “hey, that bar band is pretty good,” but “oh… this is our band.”We set the scene: Mulroney still running the country, the first Grey Cup at the SkyDome (and yes, the Rough Riders/Roughriders nonsense is as chaotic as it sounds), and a pop-heavy musical world where Repeat Offender, Milli Vanilli, Paula Abdul, and even Dr. Feelgood are moving units like it's a national sport. Meanwhile, the underground is brewing — Sonic Youth, the weirdos starting to kick the door open — and out of Kingston comes this bluesy, barroom, don't-overthink-it-just-turn-it-up record that somehow becomes a diamond-certified Canadian classic.We talk about why Up To Here connects with everybody — the Queens Pub crowd, the farm-town beer crowd, the “I only know four Hip songs but I know them perfectly” crowd — and how certain tracks became bigger than the band itself. There's a whole New Orleans is Sinking tangent involving Crown Royal, Lake Ontario, and one of the most wholesome cross-cultural Canadian moments imaginable.This album is loaded. Side A is basically a greatest hits package. But we also dig into the deeper stuff: the early emergence of Gord's strange, slippery cadence; the way the band's confidence jumps from the EP to this like it got shot out of a cannon; and the idea that every Hip album has at least one track that quietly points at what comes next.Up To Here is where the lesson plan gets real.In This EpisodeThe cultural and musical landscape of 1989 (Mulroney, pop domination, the underground brewing)Why Up To Here hit everywhere in Canada — bars, cottages, dorms, and car stereosThe leap in identity from the EP to a full-on signature sound“New Orleans is Sinking” as a national anthem (and as a live-performance launchpad)Gord Downie's early “how-the-hell-do-you-sing-that” cadence taking shape (“38 Years Old”)The record's “top-heavy” track sequencing — and why it worksDeep-cut advocacy hour: “Every Time You Go” gets its flowersThe “DNA track” theory: one song per album that hints at the next recordListener callout: What's your Up To Here moment?Album DiscussedUp To Here (1989)Produced by Don SmithA barroom-recorded, road-tested, diamond-certified cornerstone.Time Capsule TracksjD's pick: 38 Years OldGreg's pick: OpiatedWhat's NextNext week, we keep moving — and you can already feel the band getting sharper, stranger, and more themselves. The evolution is in motion.Listen & SubscribeFully & Completely: Redux is available wherever you get your podcasts.

Fully & Completely: ReduxEpisode 101 — The Tragically Hip EP (1987)A presentation of The Tragically Hip Podcast SeriesHosted by jD and Greg LeGrosClass is officially back in session.In Episode 101, Fully & Completely returns as Fully & Completely: Redux, kicking off a weekly, album-by-album journey through the catalog of The Tragically Hip — starting where it all began: the self-titled 1987 EP.This episode takes us back to a pivotal year in Canadian history. Brian Mulroney is Prime Minister. The loonie replaces the dollar bill. Edmonton is the City of Champions. And in a music landscape dominated by The Joshua Tree, Appetite for Destruction, Sign o' the Times, and Document, a sweaty, blues-rock bar band from Kingston quietly releases their first official recording.It's not a masterpiece. It's not fully formed.But it is the sound of a band just out of high school, road-tested, tight as hell, and figuring out who they might become.jD and Greg dig into the historical and musical context of 1987, the Canadian charts of the era, the bar-band DNA baked into this EP, and the early lyrical breadcrumbs that hint at where The Tragically Hip were headed. Along the way, they debate throwaway lines versus keeper lyrics, celebrate the power of live mythology, and agree — as most Canadians eventually do — that Highway Girl is the track that escapes the gravity of its origins.This is the starting point.The chalk outline.The sweaty stage at the Horseshoe before the arenas.And from here on out, it only gets deeper.In This EpisodeWhy 1987 matters — culturally, musically, and politicallyThe Tragically Hip as a very good bar band (and why that matters)Blues rock, R&B roots, and early Stones influenceCanadian pop vs. underground grit in the late '80sFirst signs of Gord Downie's lyrical instinctsThe role of live performance in shaping Hip mythologyTime Capsule Track: Highway GirlAlbum DiscussedThe Tragically Hip (EP, 1987)Produced by Ken “Kenny” GreerEight tracks. Under 30 minutes. A launching pad.What's NextNext week, the tour continues with the next chapter in the evolution — more confidence, sharper songwriting, and the beginning of something unmistakably Hip.Listen & SubscribeFully & Completely: Redux is available wherever you get your podcasts.Follow, subscribe, and settle in — we're taking this fully and completely, one record at a time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Happy Holidays from yer pal jDSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey folks, jD here. Give this episode a listen and then get cracking and submit and share your stories. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Celebrate this triumph with Justin, Craig, Kirk, and jD. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join jD and Sara J for a weekly gab fest focusing on all things The Tragically Hip!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever wonder what really happens when I “tabulate the results using an abacus”?This is The Abacus Files — eight straight minutes of pure, mystical nonsense pulled from the fever dream that is my creative process. A parade of psychic ferrets, deep-fried deep fryers, face bidets, kumquat bongs, and ceramic televangelists with spiderweb crowns — all gathered around one sacred desk to divine the true order of The Tragically Hip's Top 40.It's equal parts séance, satire, and studio detritus — a love letter to the absurd rituals behind the show. Somewhere between noir and nostalgia, math and magic, you'll find The Abacus Files: a companion piece to chaos, and maybe the most honest thing we've ever done.So grab a candle that smells like nachos and regret. The spreadsheet gods demand tribute.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It is October 18 — twelve years have passed since Gord Downie released Secret Path, his beautiful and haunting tribute to Chanie Wenjack. Today we re-release the Secret Path episode of Discovering Downie to listen back through those ten songs with fresh ears, deep care, and respect.We trace Secret Path's journey: Gord's shift to solo purpose, how each lyric sketches escape and absence, and how the album remains a bridge between grief and activism. In this intimate revisit, we unpack the poems, the illustrations, and the moments that still haunt us.What to Expect:A song-by-song revisit: The Stranger, Swing Set, Seven Matches, I Will Not Be Struck, Son, Secret Path, Don't Let This Touch You, Haunt Them, Haunt Them, Haunt Them, The Only Place To Be, Here, Here and HereReflections on how Secret Path changed what we heard — and how we rememberInsights into Gord's vision, the artistic collaboration with Jeff Lemire, and the legacy of cultural reconciliationMoments of silence, of grief, and of renewed purposeIf this album shaped your heart — or you haven't listened closely before — I invite you to enter its shadows with me and let Gord's voice linger long after.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Enjoy this flashback to Fully & Completely as Greg and jD break down The Hip's 9th studio long play.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It is October 16. Five years ago today, Gord Downie's final solo album — Away Is Mine — was released. It's a double album: ten songs in electric form, ten more in acoustic. It's the last time Gord ever sang into a mic.  Tonight, we re-release the Away Is Mine episode of Discovering Downie. We walk those songs again. This is a record born of love, mortality, and farewell.During four days in July 2017, Gord and Josh Finlayson went into The Bathouse studio in Ontario and captured these final songs, knowing time was short.  They weren't trying to make an album — they were trying to make a moment.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join jD and Greg every week as they recap the song of the week by exploring the back catalogue of the Fully & Completely episodesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Well, here we are. The end of the road. The summit. The final spin of The Tragically Hip Top Forty Countdown. After forty-four episodes, one cross-country fandom, and 441 days of counting, we hit the mountaintop—LIVE.Recorded in front of a packed room of Hip fans at A Celebration of The Hip for ALS, this finale brings all the pomp, circumstance, and pure Canadian emotion you'd expect from a sendoff like this. Joined by the incomparable Tara Slone, we crown the #1 song as chosen by you—the listeners—and dig into what makes Grace, Too such a defining moment in the band's story.There's reflection, revelation, and a few well-earned sighs. Because when the abacus finally stops spinning, what's left is something bigger than rankings—it's legacy.About the GuestTara Slone—musician, broadcaster, actor, and lifelong champion of Canadian artists—joins jD live on stage for the grand finale. Tara's Hipstory runs deep, from performing on national stages to interviewing Paul Langlois at Massey Hall. Her perspective on the band's artistry, evolution, and impact is both intimate and electric. Together, she and jD unpack Grace, Too with reverence and humour, exploring its mystique, its mythology, and why Gord's two-finger salute still echoes through time.Why It MattersThis isn't just another countdown. It's a love letter to one of the greatest bands this country's ever produced.Over nearly a year, fans from across the globe submitted their Top 20 Tragically Hip songs, resulting in this fan-sourced canon of Hipdom. From 38 Years Old to Ahead by a Century—and finally, Grace, Too—the journey has been as poetic, chaotic, and proudly Canadian as the music itself.And with Tara Slone on stage, the night becomes something else entirely: a collective catharsis. Part concert, part wake, part love fest. A moment when everyone in the room—bandana'd superfans, first-time listeners, and the just-plain-curious—felt the same electricity that Gord once bottled on stage.Pull Quote“I like to think this was a band that didn't have a logo—every record was different because the content was different. They were explorers, always chasing their own evolution.” — jDBig ThanksTo Tara Slone for being such a generous, brilliant guest. To every fan who submitted their Top 20. To the membersHIPwho kept this thing humming. And to Gord, Paul, Rob, Johnny, and Sinclair—for the soundtrack to our lives.This isn't goodbye—it's a standing ovation that never ends.Get Involved

Enjoy The Strictly Hip's amazing performace from the fundraiser. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join jD and Greg every week as they recap the song of the week by exploring the back catalogue of the Fully & Completely episodesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Revisit Greg and I discussing Fully Completely to celelbrate the 33rd anniversay of this monster. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's the penultimate stop on this wild ride — and the abacus beads are clicking faster than ever. This week, jD welcomes Will from Columbus to break down song number two in The Tragically Hip Top Forty Countdown. Together, they explore the song's myth, muscle, and emotional gravity — how it's shaped their lives and where it sits in the great constellation of The Hip.Along the way, they share stories of fandom, discovery, and the strange joy of loving a band that's become part of our DNA. It's reverent, funny, and a little unhinged — just the way Gord would've wanted it.Pull Quote:“Every time I hear it, it feels like the first time all over again.”Next WeekThe moment we've all been waiting for — song number one, revealed live at A Celebration of The Hip for ALS.Get Involved

This Week on The Sunday Evening Jam

Join jD and Greg every week as they recap the song of the week by exploring the back catalogue of the Fully & Completely episodesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week's ride on the Countdown takes us straight back to Kingston, where the Hip story really begins. I'm joined by Mike — a fan whose Hip journey stretches from pub shows in the band's early days to the heavy resonance of their final bow. Mike's got a gift for tying his own life's turning points to the music, and our conversation goes places both unexpected and deeply familiar to anyone who's ever carried a Hip song in their bones.We talk about restless youth, chance encounters that reshaped careers, and the strange way music keeps showing up right when you need it most. Mike shares stories from working life, his brush with CBC journalism, and how following the band's trail across Canada opened him up to adventure. It's less about nostalgia and more about recognizing how Gord and the boys kept nudging us to live a little bigger, a little braver.This episode is a reminder that Hip fandom isn't just about the music — it's about where those songs take us. Sometimes that's a sweaty Kingston bar, sometimes a mine in Northern Ontario, sometimes it's right back home, realizing how much has changed and how much hasn't.“It was this sense of adventure — like Gord was off having all the fun, and I thought, maybe I need to find some of my own.”About Our GuestMike is a Kingston native, longtime Hip fan, and veteran storyteller. His professional path wound through economics, CBC journalism, and documentary film — but the Hip have always been a compass point. His stories carry the grit, humour, and tenderness of someone who's lived through the same soundtrack we all share.Get InvolvedWe're counting down to A Celebration of The Hip for ALS on October 4th at The Rec Room in Toronto. Silent auction, The Strictly Hip live, and the grand finale of this very countdown. Grab your tickets: bit.ly/TTHALSOct4th.Follow + Stream

Sara J and jD are fresh off a Toronto adventure, swapping stories and laughs while gearing up for A Celebration of The Hip for ALS. We dropped some big reveals on silent auction items, checked in with the membersHIP, and gossiped about all things Hipland. With October 4th closing in, the energy was high, the chatter was loose, and the vibes were pure fan-forward. If you missed it live, grab a replay and hang out—it's like pulling up a stool with friends who can't stop talking about the band we love most.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join jD and Greg every week as they recap the song of the week by exploring the back catalogue of the Fully & Completely episodesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join jD and Greg as we revisit Day for Night on it's 31st anniversary. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

IntroHey friends, jD here. I'm coming to you a little heavy today — because I've just put the final “regular” episode of the Countdown to bed. It's all edited, all stitched together, and out of my hands now. And that's a trip. When I started this whole thing last August with nothing more than a wild idea, an abacus, and a bunch of fan lists, I had no clue what it would become. Now we're here — and damn, it feels equal parts surreal, emotional, and downright beautiful.This episode isn't just about ticking off another slot. It's about reflecting on the journey, the people I've met, and the stories that have come pouring out along the way. Somewhere along the line, it stopped being about the rankings and started being about us. About the community. About the way these songs stitch into our lives and memories. That's what's really hit me in the gut as I wrapped this one up.Next WeekOf course, this thing ain't really done. We've still got the live finale waiting for us — October 4th at The Rec Room in Toronto. That night we find out what stands tall at number one. The Strictly Hip will be there to blow the roof off. Tara Slone will be there. Richard Beland will be there. And most importantly, you can be there too. I want to see you in the room, repping your pick, belting it out, celebrating the band we all love.“Somewhere around episode two I realized — this was never really about the countdown at all. It was about the stories.”About the GuestThis one's a solo reflection, just me in your ears — but you'll hear shoutouts to so many folks who've carried me through: Sara J, the membersHIP, the Discovering Downie crew, and everyone who's shared their Hipstory along the way. You're all part of this episode.Get Involved

This week, the Countdown goes visual. Joining me is Richard Beland, concert and music photographer, Hip historian, and all-around good dude from Bright's Grove. Richard's camera has been a witness to some of the most iconic moments in The Hip's career — from sweaty club gigs at Fanshawe Pub, to international festival stages alongside Metallica and Neil Young, to that final August 20th show in Kingston. He's shot Gord, Rob, Paul, Johnny, and Sinclair from every angle, and he's here to share his Hipstory.Richard takes us through his early days sneaking into pubs on a scratched-up license, the serendipitous connections that led him to London and Europe with a camera in hand, and the near-miss that almost kept his work out of the book and the doc. He shares the story behind his most iconic photograph of Gord Downie — the toque shot that's since been tattooed on bodies, blasted on TSN, and memorialized in magazines. And yes, he tells us about the time Rob Baker rode shotgun on a milk crate while the band's own song played on the radio. (Waffle butt confirmed.)From the Grateful Dead to The Hip, from fish-eye lenses to stage risers, from Sudbury snowstorms to late-night alleyway portraits — Richard's journey is a reminder of how music, photography, and fandom intersect to tell stories bigger than any one of us.And then comes the big reveal: Song #4 on the Countdown. It's a track that swells with atmosphere, memory, and melody — one Richard says feels like “warm water filling a cold glass.” It's the song that can soundtrack both a snowy walk into Sudbury Arena and a lazy summer night at the cottage, arm around a friend, eyes to the stars. You know it. You love it. And now, you know where it landed.This episode is loaded with Hip history, fan parallels to the Dead, and stories you've never heard before. And if you want even more, Richard will be joining us live on October 4th at A Celebration of The Hip for ALS at The Rec Room in Toronto, opening the night with a special photo presentation before The Strictly Hip take the stage.Next WeekWe head into the Top 3. One more regular episode before the live finale. Get ready.Get Involved:

TL;DRA big, buzzy night. We roll into the Top 5 of the Countdown, swap Hipstories, announce Tara Slone for the Oct 4 live finale, unveil fresh silent auction items, and crank up the Hockey Night in Canada Raffle. Plus: Sarah J's cosmic patio moment, Jeff drops by, and the chat goes full feels.Tonight's Vibe“Bittersweet” as we near Song #1; the finale plans are locking in.Community energy is peaking—tickets are moving, and the auction list is getting spicy.Big AnnouncementsFinale Format (Oct 4 @ The Rec Room, 7pm ET): Live episode exactly like the pod—guest Hipstory → Song reveal.Special Guest: Tara Slone will join us on stage.Music: The Strictly Hip — two sets.Photography Feature: Richard Beland shares iconic Hip shots.Tickets: Limited capacity. Don't wait.Silent Auction — New RevealsTragically Hip – CBGB RSD Pink Vinyl (hard-to-find gem)Artage Portrait Gift Certificate (~$3,000 value): pro sitting + 14” finished portraitFull auction runs Oct 1 – Oct 4 (11:30pm ET). Bid from anywhere.Hockey Night in Canada Raffle (Leafs vs Oilers, Dec 13)Prize: 2 seats — Section 104, Row 29, Seats 24–25 (Scotiabank Arena)Odds: Only 100 spotsPrice: 1 for $35, 2 for $65, 4 for $100Proceeds to ALS Society of Canada. (U.S. friends: your exchange rate is your friend.)Song #6 Talk (No Spoilers)Was it robbed? Jeff argues it's his #1 live closer—“lights hit white, bass drops, crowd erupts.”Tribute-scene parallels to Deadhead culture: community, travel, jams, and those Gord rambles that turn songs into songs within songs.Community MomentsSarah J's ‘universe wink': walking out of a show, hears “New Orleans Is Sinking” from a 3-piece on a patio—cosmic timing, mozzarella sticks, and goosebumps.Guest drop-ins: Jeff (hockey & live-show lore) and Adam from Tampa (rankings spice).Paper tickets nostalgia, binder flex, and a gentle call for karaoke + worst-misheard-lyrics showdown.Calls to Action

Join jD and Greg every week as they recap the song of the week by exploring the back catalogue of the Fully & Completely episodesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Production #636 | Song #5 | Guest: Chris JerichoWinnipeg to WorldwideThis week's countdown takes us into the sacred territory of the Top 5, and who better to usher us in than Winnipeg's own Chris Jericho? Yes — that Chris Jericho: wrestler, rock frontman, podcaster, and lifelong music obsessive.Jericho drops by to share a Hipstory that winds through Winnipeg clubs, Red River Community College, college-gig security shifts, and even a chance backstage beer offer from a young Gord Downie. He recalls the moment someone predicted, “These guys are going to be Canada's Rolling Stones,” and how right that turned out to be. From there, the stories spill — touring abroad, rediscovering the band after Gord's illness, and parsing just what makes The Hip feel so distinctly Canadian no matter where you're standing in the world .From Prairie Bars to Packed ArenasTogether, we dig into how a song can hit like a cannonball — and how riff, lyric, and swagger combined to propel the band from campus bars to multi-night arena stands. Jericho marvels at the way Gord slipped surreal imagery into a rocker, at the joy of lyrics that morph each chorus, and at the Hip's rare ability to stay intact as a five-piece gang from the first EP to the final tour .There's wrestling talk, there's band-life talk, there's even pool-hall humidity trivia. And threaded through it all is the sense that The Hip weren't just a band — they were, and are, a measure of what Canadian rock could mean when it refused to be anything but itself.Next WeekWe're down to #4. Think myths. Think shadows. Think of a song that reshaped the way we listen to The Hip forever.“I met Gord in '89 before they broke big. He was tall, skinny, and had this presence — even then. They offered me a beer, and I said I was working. Just regular guys. And then? Boom. A year later they're everywhere.”— Chris Jericho About Our GuestChris Jericho is a Winnipeg native, wrestling legend, and frontman of Fozzy. He's also a music lifer whose fandom runs from Iron Maiden to The Hip, with stories that stretch from Prairie bars to sold-out New York clubs. He's been called many things in his career — champion, showman, podcaster — but here, he's simply a Canadian kid telling the truth about a band that mattered.Get InvolvedThis countdown is by the fans, for the fans:

Join jD and Sara J every week as they gab, giggle, and gossip about all things The Tragically Hip. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join jD and Greg every week as they recap the song of the week by exploring the back catalogue of the Fully & Completely episodesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

jD breaks down the October 4th event. Tickets are on sale now.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode SummaryAs we close in on the Top 5, the conversations get heavier, funnier, and more personal. This week, jD welcomes Keith from Calgary—drummer, GEDfest founder, and long-haul Hip fan—for a ride through the moments that shaped his fandom. From the spark of discovery, to sweaty live-show floors that move as one, to building something new for the community with GetFest, Keith's stories capture the essence of what it means to belong to The Hip's orbit.About the GuestKeith first stumbled into The Hip through a mix of MuchMusic, Columbia House roulette, and the kind of tapes that never left your Discman. Decades later, he's still hooked—and now he's part of the engine keeping the flame alive. As the founder of GEDfest, Keith has helped create a multi-city tribute festival raising funds for cancer charities, proving that fandom can ripple outward into real impact.Why It MattersWhat starts with one song, one show, one memory—becomes a community. Keith's Hipstory is proof of how the band's catalogue doesn't just soundtrack our lives, but stitches them together with others. Whether it's a packed bar, a festival stage, or a room full of fans swapping stories, it's that shared electricity that keeps The Hip alive long after the amps are turned off.Episode HighlightsFirst sparks: the early singles and tapes that hooked a generationThe magic of the live show: when the floor moves as oneThe community connection: parallels between Hip fans and DeadheadsHow GEDfest grew into a cross-Canada event with charitable impactThe records and Gord solo cuts Keith is spinning right nowPull Quote: “It's not about us on stage—it's about the music, the memories, and how it transports people back to their own golden ages.”ClosingBig thanks to Keith from Calgary for the laughs, the memories, and the work he's doing to keep the spirit of The Hip alive through GEDfest. We're getting dangerously close to the Top 5—Song #5 drops next Monday. Got a Hipstory of your own? Send us a note or a voice memo—we'd love to share it on the show.Promos / CrosslinksSunday Evening Jam (Sundays 8pm ET): News, banter, and Hip chatter with Sara J & jDA Celebration of The Hip for ALS (Oct 4): Live finale + online silent auction supporting ALS Society of CanadaDiscovering Downie: A curated tour through Gord's solo catalogConnect with UsFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/tthtop40Instagram: @tthtop40Email: tthtop40@gmail.comWebsite: dewvre.com/tthtop40YouTube: youtube.com/@dewvre1974Meta Description (SEO, 160 chars):jD and Keith from Calgary unpack discovery, live-show magic, and building community through fandom—plus how GEDfest channels Hip love into real impact.SEO Tags: Tragically Hip podcast, The Tragically Hip Top Forty Countdown, Gord Downie, Hip fandom, Canadian rock podcast, Tragically Hip fan stories, GEDfestSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tthtop40/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy