Canadian legends The Tragically Hip celebrated four decades since the release of their debut with this Deluxe Boxset version of Up To Here, where the four records include the original album, plus live tracks, previously unreleased studio selections and demos.
The first LP is the original album, remastered. “Blow At High Dough” gets the listen off to a warm start, before the band’s distinct version of rock enters with buzzing and melodic ideas. Further along, the cozy, acoustic strumming of “38 Years Old” is met with frontman Gord Downie’s powerful and emotive voice, and the crisp and jangly “Everytime You Go” emits plenty of ruggedness amid Johnny Fay’s thumping drums.
The second and third records consist of tracks live at The Misty Moon and previously unreleased studio tracks. Of the live selections, “She Didn’t Know” displays the band’s dynamic onstage energy with Rob Baker’s spirited guitar very much aglow, while “Three Pistols” is an anthemic display of charged and meticulous rock.
Of the unreleased studio tunes, the rich “Rain, Hearts And Fire” is layered precisely with well-timed backing vocals and Downie’s unmistakable vocal presence, which tragically came to end in 2017 when he passed away from a brain tumor.
The final slab of wax includes 1988 demos. The swirling atmosphere of “New Orleans Is Sinking” welcomes Paul Langlois’ intricate guitar playing, and “Just Another Midnight” finishes with a timeless appeal that fits in well with today's version of modern rock.
Whether you’re an unwavering fan or a first time listener, this is a great collection from a band that is globally revered for good reason. The liner notes included are thorough and the entire package is an excellent way to honor a band who will forever be one of the greatest in the area of rock’n’roll.