The Tragically Hip

You have to wonder if these Kingston lads are attempting to justify themselves with an album title like We Are the Same (the 12th Hip studio effort). While Gord and co. continue to chisel out precise chunks of Canadiana, they have somehow found a way to condense that perfect, early summer barbecue/campfire evening into a 12-song soundtrack. The laid back---almost lazy---vibe, permeates this set of future Hip classics, such as "Coffee Girl," "The Last Recluse" and "Now The Struggle Has A Name." We Are the Same is an album that is best enjoyed on speakers, as opposed to cramming in a pair of ear buds.