Singer/songwriter and poetic improviser
Gordon Downie is one of Canada's most treasurable artists. Since 1983 he's fronted Kingston, Ontario's beloved trad rock band
the Tragically Hip, and
Downie's lush and charming lyrical stories have garnered
the Hip many fans across the globe, particularly in pockets of New York and Michigan.
Downie, however, is the charging force -- not only as a lead singer, but also as an artist. The clarity in his songwriting exudes a passion, a poignant sensibility for the most simplistic and the most complex. Aside from his band duties, the new millennium saw
Downie making time for a solo career. He worked alongside
Skydiggers'
Josh Finlayson and ex-Odds bass player
Steven Drake, to complete and produce his first solo effort, 2001's Coke Machine Glow. Coke Machine Glow, which was also the title of his first book of poetry and prose, was recorded in Gas Station Studios and featured additional help from
Barenaked Ladies'
Kevin Hearn, bandmate
Paul Langlois, and
Don Kerr of
Rheostatics. A second solo effort, Battle of the Nudes appeared two summers later. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
Green links represent an available CD.
Red links represent a CD that is not currently available.
Battle of the Nudes