With daytime radio being more and more careful not to air that which may be perceived as offensive, it's nice to hear a song containing an expletive air completely uncensored. The other morning on CFNY Edge 102 I heard "At The Hundredth Meridian" by The Tragically Hip and the f-bomb was dropped right on queue. I'm fairly certain no American radio station would air it unedited and I'm somewhat surprised CFNY Edge 102 lets it slip by. I suppose in the context of a song the powers that be figure nobody would complain to the CRTC...and they're absolutely right. It's a great song by a great band and the f-bomb is used as an expression of anger and frustration. To omit it would be to ruin it.
Speaking of "At The Hundredth Meridian", I can no longer hear the song at the recorded speed. The version played on the radio is the version from Fully Completely and a great deal slower than the version Gord Downie sings live. The live version of this tune blows me away as Gordie rips into the chorus at double-speed.
If I die of Vanity, promise me, promise me
That if they bury me some place I don't want to be
That you'll dig me up and transport me
Unceremoniously away from the swollen city breeze, garbage bag trees
Whispers of disease, and acts of enormity
And lower me slowly, sadly, and properly
Get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy.
Great stuff.
