Gord Downie Essentials

Gord Downie Essentials

As Canada's de facto rock bard, Gord Downie chronicled the country's mythology and idiosyncrasies in song. His Tragically Hip tunes couch his abstract lyrics in wide-reaching riffs, but as a solo artist, he carved out space for more offbeat, atmospheric fare: the shuffle and clang of “The East Wind”; the kitchen-sink rave-up “Pascal's Submarine”; the quivering moonglow serenade “Trick Rider,” with its shades of Patsy Cline. In precise, evocative poetry, Downie created gorgeous snapshots of shared identity, ones that inspire sing-alongs by campfires and in stadiums alike.