Like hockey is a distinctly Canadian experience (sure other countries play the game, but we live the game) that's the way the Tragically Hip are to Canada, a distinctly Canadian experience. I had always known about The Hip, but for some reason at age 15 while watching the MuchMusic countdown and the video for Poets starting with that now familiar guitar solo, and the camera pan around the dimly lit room, it all clicked. It's like awaking from a dream and realizing what has to come next, what needs to be done. I let the Hip into my life, and I have never let go since.