In Violet Light
Strange experience, the Hip. Since the release of their first EP in 1987, they've steadily become one of the best-loved and most successful rock bands Canada has witnessed (they do shows withAlanis, for Juno's sake!). If you are American, you're probably just discovering them now, without the context of their nine previous albums. So when first listening toIn Violet Lightyou can feel disoriented--as if you happened to watch, say, your first episode ofTwin Peaksmidseason, having never known there was such a thing. This album exists in a slightly more stylized and dramatic world than the everyday--something like an indie-rock opera starringBryan Ferry, but without the models. It might take a few listens to understand how Gordon Downie can sound like theTalking Heads("Are You Ready") and thenR.E.M.("Silver Jet" and "Leave") and thenthe Smiths("Throwing Off Glass") while still maintaining his own distinct and consistent voice. But given a few listens, this other world makes more and more sense, and you'll find yourself inhabiting it.--Laura Etling