Gordon Downie - Battle Of The Nudes

Gordon Downie was a member of the Tragically Hip. If this means nothing to you, as it means nothing to me, then you're in for a weird record. Maybe if I was familiar with the previous work involved here I could have known what to expect. However, I've listened to this album a countless number of times and I've no idea how to properly explain what it sounds like. First of all, you're going to have to give Mr. Downie's voice a few minutes to sink in before you really get used to it. It's not bad, but it's not exactly soothing either. Secondly, know that this album has no coherent theme beyond diversity. The first track "Into The Night" is a very quiet acoustic song, followed by the blistering "Figment" - which combines alot of guitars, big drums, and even the occasional horn. "Christmastime In Toronto" is more of a straightforward rock song with some keys leading things along. "Pascal's Submarine" is gospel-esque at times, "Steeplechase" is a dark and brooding one, "We're Hardcore" is brash and somewhat ridiculous. The album ends with two versions of the song "Pillform #2" and "Pillform #1" - though you'd never know if you weren't paying attention to the lyrics. If you're a Tragically Hip fan, this album will probably quench your thirst for a view at another side of Gordon Downie. If you're not a Tragically Hip fan but enjoy a diverse, somewhat obtuse, and yet occasionally bizarrely catchy mish-mash of songs this may be for you. If you don't fall into either of those categories, you may want to check it out just to experience the inability to properly describe it. [www.wienerart.net]