Gordon Downie is the lead singer and lyricist for The Tragically Hip. "Songs like "Thirty-eight Years Old,' ‘Wheat Kings' and ‘Nautical Disaster' have inspired a new generation of Canadian poets by demonstrating how relevant, contemporary narratives can be rendered in provocative yet accessible verse…is best poems elegantly understated…" - Quill and Quire " gentle irongy and clever conceptual turns are thoroughly contemporary and undeniably original…Downie's debut…possess a distinct, personal vision and reintroduces whimsy and humour to an artform often hobbled by its own self-importance - laudable achievements for any first book." -Kevin Connolly, eye Weekly " Coke Machine Glow is a wildly enjoyable read… writes of and from hotel rooms, hotel bars and diners, giving us a peek at the often boring and lonely, but occasionally exhilarating, life of a travelling performer." -Moe Berg, Globe and Mail " Coke Machine Glow…is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated poetry collection in recent memory…Downie doesn't disappoint… is something of a national treasure." - Calgary Herald Like Greg Curnoe and Stan Rogers, he never learned that ‘here' is a four-letter word." -Robert Everett-Green, Globe and Mail At a time when poetry has mostly turned away from large-scale social realities, he bridges deftly and persistently between personal and national narratives. ![]() "Downie has a casually attentive way with words each one does its work without mystification or excess. "Downie's fertile imagination can no longer be contained within the Hip alone." -Nicholas Jennings, Maclean's His particular strength as a poet is his unusual, unexpected imagery… the words are exact, sensuous and satisfying." - National Post When he wants, he can be quite funny, and he can drop Canadian references - Pierre Trudeau, Tim Horton's, hockey, Canada geese - without sounding like he's trying to be Canadian. " writes in an accessible, entertaining way, but with a refined enough approach that his works can't be dismissed as crude or simplistic. With its publication, Gordon Downie becomes a part of the wonderful literary tradition of Canadian songwriters like Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell who are also poets. Layered and deceptively simple, imbued with Downie's wit, insight, anger, compassion and rock 'n'roll edge, Coke Machine Glow is a remarkable debut. Ultimately, this book is about the distances that bridge and separate us. ![]() With his acute and observing eye, he gives us snapshots of his life, both on the road and at home he writes of loneliness and isolation of longing and desire of the present and the past of dreams and nightmares love lost and love of family. In poetry that is urban, gritty and political, as well as romantic, nostalgic and whimsical, Downie allows us a glimpse inside his world. It will also contain the lyrics to the sixteen songs on the record.Ĭoke Machine Glow is a rich, haunting collection that reveals both the public and private selves of one of Canada's most enigmatic musicians. Simultaneously, Vintage Canada is delighted to publish Downie's first book of poetry, under the same title. Gordon Downie, lead singer and lyricist for the popular Canadian rock band, The Tragically Hip, will release his first solo record, Coke Machine Glow in Spring 2001.
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