The project by the iconic Canadian band delivers six previously unreleased tracks written in 1990; five were recorded in that same year during sessions for the “Road Apples” album in New Orleans, and one live track, "Montreal (Live from The Molson Centre, Montreal, Dec 7th, 2000)," written at the same time, but for which the original recording is yet to be found.
Originally planned as a double album, some material slated for the follow-up to 1989’s “Up To Here” was trimmed when the group’s US label balked at the scope of the project while the band were rising quickly in their homeland.
With classic tracks like “Little Bones,” “Three Pistols” and “Twist My Arm”, the released edition of “Road Apples” – which marks its 30th anniversary this year – scored the Hip their first Canadian chart-topper while going on to sell more than 1 million copies to earn Diamond status in the region.
Meanwhile, the extra material was shelved as the group moved forward with each new project; it was thought to have been lost in a 2008 fire on the Universal Studios backlot but, unbeknownst to the band, the tapes had been quietly transferred back to Canada in 2001.
As the band retired following the death of singer Gord Downie in 2017 after a lengthy battle with terminal brain cancer, the surviving members finally had a chance to review the tapes last summer while hearing the recordings for the first time in three decades.
"We didn't know what was there, so this meant baking them and listening to them as they were being transferred,” explains drummer Johnny Fay. “Hearing them for the first time in 30 years was crazy."
"I went 'Wow' when I heard 'Ouch' after all this time," adds guitarist Rob Baker. "We were a pretty good little band."
Formed in Kingston, ON in 1984, The Tragically Hip issued 13 studio albums to huge success in their homeland, earning an unprecedented 16 Juno Awards, and inductions into both the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame and Canada’s Walk Of Fame.
The Tragically Hip are set to receive the 2021 Humanitarian Award at the 50th Annual Juno Awards in Toronto, ON on June 6; presented by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, the honor recognizes outstanding Canadian artists or industry leaders whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and beyond.
“Saskadelphia” is being previewed with a sample of the set’s opening track, “Ouch.”
UPDATE: You can stream "Saskadelphia" in its entirety here.
The Tragically Hip
“Saskadelphia”
Release date: May 21
1. Ouch
2. Not Necessary
3. Montreal (Live from The Molson Centre, Montreal, Dec 7, 2000)
4. Crack My Spine Like a Whip
5. Just As Well
6. Reformed Baptist Blue
See also:
Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie dead at 53
The Tragically Hip dominate Canadian charts following farewell concert
VIDEO: Pearl Jam dedicate song to The Tragically Hip during Chicago show
The Tragically Hip perform farewell concert in Kingston
Search The Tragically Hip at hennemusic
