Tragically Hip Fully Completely (MCA) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
A shrink would have a field day with the Tragically Hip’s vocalist-lyricist Gordon Downie, whose songs on the Canadian quintet’s third American album are full of disturbing images: abductions and inexplicable disappearances, death and-above all-alienation. What keeps Downie from drowning in excess is the group’s steadfast musicality, especially the twin guitar attack of Bobby Baker and Paul Langlois. The power of the band’s live shows has finally been captured on “Fully Completely,” from the rhythm section’s thunder on “The Wherewithal” and “Locked In the Trunk of a Car” to Downie’s endearingly quavery vocals throughout. Sometimes it’s impossible to figure out what Downie’s on about (“Pigeon Camera,” “Eldorado”), but on songs like the title track and, especially, “At the Hundredth Meridian” the vocals, lyrics and music unite to produce some of the most vital and compelling rock ‘n’ roll you’ll hear these days.