1/17/2024 0 Comments Gordon downie introduce yerself![]() The song’s title track has Downie talking about getting a tattoo on his hand to remind himself, and maybe others, to make introductions. But there are moments of playfulness here too, moments of humour that need to be acknowledged, even if that humour is tinged with the loss of a memory and brain that lifted and carried the stories of a nation for so many years. In its review of the album, the Toronto Star warns that “Introduce Yerself” will haunt listeners. He announced this album in September, surprising everyone other than those who work on it with him. Whether we want to admit it, we all knew our time with Downie was short and to be treasured. What sets apart this album from David Bowie’s “Blackstar” is we knew Downie was sick we didn’t know about Bowie’s cancer until after the album was released days before he died. So much has been written about the album, called everything from his parting gift to fans to a love letter. The misunderstood world.It’s been nearly two weeks since we lost Gord Downie and just a few days since his last solo album, “Introduce Yerself,” was released. Downie takes the final moments of the song - which closes the album - to focus on hope: “Let’s turn our faces to the sun and get whatever warmth there is in the unnoticed world. “They’re parents without kids, without parents,” he says. Downie tells of his mindset of “keeping things real and keeping things day-to-day” while he learned more about “life of the North, in a Canada we should’ve never called Canada.” He sheds light on problems that are “over 100 years old” and the scars left by residential schools. “THE NORTH” - After last year’s whirlwind summer tour the Hip embarked on a trip to James Bay with Canadian novelist Joseph Boyden and a group of Indigenous guides. She rejects his advances and tells him off. ![]() “You had long blond hair to your waist and didn’t give a damn.” Eventually his lust takes over and Downie tries to make a move. “You read books all the time and made me want to read books over my head,” he sings. He frames their connection with a cinematic vigour. “MY FIRST GIRLFRIEND” - Dipping into nostalgia deepest here, Downie reflects on his first relationship, with someone six years his senior. “We talked about other stuff nearly every day too, with the B’s you could never lose.” Percussion was recorded with a hockey stick on the driveway outside the studio. “We talked about them nearly every day, for over 40 years now,” he sings. His younger brother Patrick shares the spotlight in this memory, with Downie singing about their shared love for the Boston Bruins. ![]() ![]() “YOU ME AND THE B’S” - Downie’s hockey obsession was no secret, so it’s completely appropriate that one of the album’s most upbeat songs pays tribute to the sport that brought him so much joy. But the tattoo shop was closed and the phrase was never inked, though Downie immortalized his idea on the album cover. On Christmas Eve, he decided to tattoo the words on his hand. Downie talks about how that moment stuck with him. He writes “Introduce Yerself” on his hand and pokes his friend, hoping the suggestion might ease the tension. His memory is deteriorating and he’s struggling with the name of his driver, even though he feels he should know him. “INTRODUCE YERSELF” - One of the songs Downie wrote after his invasive brain surgery, it begins while he’s riding in the backseat of a vehicle with a friend. He finishes with a lesson he took to heart in his final days: “You said, ‘What you do is you.”‘ “First person to lean down and kiss me goodnight.” The song then drifts towards Downie repeating “goodbye” against the haunting sound of a piano and an intensifying kick drum that evokes the sound of a heartbeat. “First person, this is the gift of my life,” he sings. “FIRST PERSON” - Setting a sombre tone, Downie offers flashes of what seem to be early memories of his mother, Lorna. Here are five notable tracks and their back stories: The album is best experienced on a set of headphones, which commits the listener to hanging onto every word of each story from Downie, who died last week at 53. Sometimes the context is hazy and who he’s speaking to is often a mystery. ![]() “Introduce Yerself” pays homage to the good times Downie shared with friends, moments of emotional intimacy, and perhaps even ties up a few loose ends. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt. ![]()
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