Downie’s perspective is by turns whimsical, cynical, tender and world-weary.Īlthough recorded in an urban setting, much of Coke Machine Glow has a rustic, rural feel, especially on tracks that feature accordionist Jaro Czerwinec, a Junkies sideman and organist Jose Contreras of the band By Divine Right. Quieter and clearer vocally, they run the gamut from folk and country- rock to light, jazz-tinged tunes and denser experimental pieces. Produced with the Skydiggers’ Josh Finlayson and Steven Drake, best known as a member of the Odds, the result is a collection of 16 songs that bear little resemblance in either tone or style to Downie’s work with the Hip. In a surprise move, he also collaborated with filmmaker Atom Egoyan on two tracks. It was there in a small, now-defunct studio that he recorded Coke Machine Glow with a cross-section of the city’s music community, including members of such popular bands as Barenaked Ladies, Cowboy Junkies, Rheostatics and Skydiggers. Significantly, Downie is the only Hip member not based in Kingston, having moved 10 years ago to Toronto, where he lives with his wife and three children. ![]() Released jointly by Universal Music Canada and Vintage Canada (they will be sold as a single package for the first two weeks, at $29.95), the CD and poetry collection firmly establish Downie as a singer-songwriter in the literary tradition of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Now, with Coke Machine Glow, 38-year-old Downie is stepping out on his own with a poetry book and his first solo album. His first allegiance has always been to the band and the friends with whom he formed the group more than 15 years ago in Kingston, Ont. Yet the Tragically Hip’s charismatic front man has never seemed altogether comfortable in the role of shaman. They hang on his every move with the rapt attention of a church congregation. At concerts, thousands of fans chant his lyrics as if they were mantras. Layered and deceptively simple, imbued with Downie's wit, insight, anger, compassion and rock'n'roll edge, Coke Machine Glow is a remarkable debut from a remarkable creator.Gord Downie inhabits an enviable place in Canadian culture. Ultimately, this book is about the distances that bridge and separate us. With his acute and observing eye, he gives us snapshots of his life, both on the road and at home he writes of loneliness and isolation of longing and desire of the present and the past of dreams and nightmares love lost and love of family. ![]() In poetry that is urban, gritty and political, as well as romantic, nostalgic and whimsical, Downie allows us a glimpse inside his world. Now, on the 20th anniversary year of Coke Machine Glow, fans have more to delight in: an audiobook of Coke Machine Glow and a brand new album by Downie, released posthumously.Ĭoke Machine Glow is a rich, haunting collection that reveals both the public and private selves of one of Canada's most enigmatic musicians. Alongside the album, his first book of poetry and prose under the same title was published, including the lyrics to the sixteen songs on the record. Gordon Downie, lead singer and lyricist for the popular Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, released his first solo record, Coke Machine Glow in Spring 2001.
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