The Tragically Hip – Yer Favourites Vol. 2 (2 LP)
The vinyl release of The Tragically Hip – Yer Favourites Vol. 2 (2023) delivers a spectacular sonic journey that instantly transports you to the heart of Canadian rock history, even if its physical packaging cuts a few corners.
When you drop the needle on this 180-gram pressing, the first thing that hits you is the sheer warmth and punch of the remaster. Unlike the original 2005 CD release, which compressed some tracks, this vinyl master breathes. The twin-guitar attack of Rob Baker and Paul Langlois bites with newfound clarity, while Gord Downie’s poetic, trembling vocals occupy a commanding center stage.
The album plays out like a high-energy road trip through the band's peak eras. The energy kicks off with the raw, driving grit of "Little Bones", a track where the rhythm section feels incredibly tight and muscular in this format. As the record progresses, the sonic landscape deepens with "Locked In The Trunk Of A Car", a highlight where the bassline creeps in with a dark, menacing depth that was sorely missing on digital formats.
The absolute crown jewel of the listening experience, however, is "Bobcaygeon". The vinyl remaster elevates this melancholic masterpiece into something sublime; the subtle acoustic strumming and the gentle, echoing electric guitar notes hang beautifully in the air, capturing the exact feeling of a quiet Canadian night.
While the music is flawless, the physical presentation leaves something to be desired. Universal Music Canada chose to split the original CD compilation into two separate vinyl releases, and unfortunately, stuffed both heavy LPs into a single, tight jacket rather than a luxurious gatefold. It feels a bit cheap for a premium-priced release, though the inclusion of a massive 24" x 36" fold-out poster offers some consolation for collectors.
Ultimately, if you can overlook the bare-bones packaging, the audio quality alone makes this a mandatory spin. It is a sonically vibrant tribute to a legendary band, capturing their unmatched chemistry and raw emotional power on glorious wax.
Label: Universal Music Canada – 4881755
Country: USA & Canada
Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
Sealed