After a two week hiatus–sorry about that; I was on vacation–the Five Songs You Must Hear list returns with another preview of a major Tragically Hip event, along with some pretty intense songs from both parts of Ireland.
1. Chasing Abbey, Greedy Pigs
Single (Culchie Kid Records)
Recommended If You Like: A song for these billionaire-dominated times
This trio from Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, calls ‘em like they sees ‘em. At a time when the world’s billionaires keep on amassing more and more power and money, this song hits home hard. If you like what you hear, know that Chasing Abbey has more material like this, which combines sophisticated electronic production with traditional Irish sounds, although there’s not a lot of the latter in this song. Still, it’s brilliant.
2. The Tragically Hip, At the Hundredth Meridian (Live 2016)
Live July 22 – August 20, 2016 (Universal)
RIYL: Well, it’s The Hip, innit?
We’re getting closer to the ten-year anniversary date of The Tragically Hip’s final show of their final tour. Live July 22-August 20, 2016 features tracks from that last roadtrip. This version of At the Hundredth Meridian comes from the band’s last time at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The full album will be available on August 21. The CBC will rebroadcast the last gig starting at 7 pm on Saturday, August 22, commercial-free.
3. Bedwetter, Makeshift Art Bar
Lacklustre Writing Makes Fundamental Reading (Independent)
RIYL: Catching up on things you might have missed.
This is not new, but it’s new to me. I’m not sure how I missed this song, but I’m happy to be caught up. Bedwetter (not a great name, TBH, and not to be confused with the Estonia band Bedwetters; these guys are from Belfast), dropped this song in very late 2024. It’s pretty unconventional in that its structure is odd, starting on one path before veering into a different direction about halfway through. Pretty menacing stuff, especially when the drums start pounding.
4. Dragonflies, Slower (Independent)
Dragonflies (Dark Horse Records/BMG)
RIYL: Supergroup vibes
Nigel Godrich, Radiohead’s favourite producer, and Dhani Harrison, son of George, have a new project that will be introduced with a self-titled album on September 18th. They’ve been friends for years, but really only got serious about collaborating when COVID messed everything up. Godrich says that this album involved “one person throwing something in the air and the other person catching it.” Interesting.
5. Bif Naked, Lift Me Up
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Everyone loves Bif, right?
It’s been a busy time for Bif, what with her 2025 album Champion and her recently released documentary. This brand-new track was a co-write with her longtime collaborator, Ezra Cipes, someone she’s known for more than 20 years. Watch for Canadian tour dates this summer.
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