IN REVIEW: Gord Downie - "Introduce Yerself"

It simply isn't possible to listen to Gord Downie's final recordings without a heavy heart. That Introduce Yerself, his sixth solo record, follows mere days after his passing is a case of the cruelest timing; recorded as a means by which to say goodbye to the people and places that have mattered most to Downie, the words and performances here have the raw emotion and power to cut deep even to people he's never met. Make no mistake, listening to this album's 23 songs is an exercise in emotional roulette; though there are lighthearted moments to be found, there are also crushingly sad exchanges, most crushing to me (and likely any parent) being the story of Downie trying to rock his child to sleep on Bedtime.

There are heartfelt memories like this put to tape throughout, which makes Introduce Yerself quite clearly Downie's most personal and intimate work. Through these recollections, some humourous and some haunted, Downie is completely transparent and vulnerable; he knew this was his last and best chance at this form of communication, and no opportunity to show love and gratitude is left behind. Several songs find Downie grateful for help and support, and there's no doubting his honesty and genuine affection. Old girlfriends, family members and fellow musicians all get their due, as do the indigenous peoples that Downie called the government out for ignoring so loudly last year; The North closes the album out with a final round of thanks and a final plea for awareness.

The musical direction of Introduce Yerself is almost inconsequential compared to the message of the album, but co-writer and producer Kevin Drew (who also worked on previous albums by both Downie and The Tragically Hip) treats these songs with tasteful, sparse arrangements; it's a sombre record, and intentionally so, and yet some moments are more colourful than one might expect, like the snappy Ricky Please and the delightfully odd and uptempo Love Over Money.

Through the album's 73-minute roller coaster ride of emotions, the common thread is respect; Downie pays it to any and all subjects he chooses to sing about on Introduce Yerself; this album is more than a fond farewell, it's one more clear and honest example of perhaps the most gracious and classy rock star this country has ever seen or will see again. Mr. Downie, wherever you are, the respects you give are most assuredly mutual.

October 27, 2017 • Arts & Crafts
Highlights Wolf's Home • Bedtime • A Better End