Justin Rutledge Covers The Tragically Hip on New Album
Not everyone would have the ‘courage’ to do this, but JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge has released a 
10-song “homage” to one of Canada’s most enduring and celebrated bands, The Tragically Hip.
Titled Daredevil (released today through Outside Music), Rutledge’s sixth album features songs that appeared on ‘Hip albums (Road Apples, Fully Completely, Day for Night, Trouble at the Henhouse, and Phantom Power) released from 1991-98.
“I chose songs that resonated with me in my youth,” said Rutledge of the album. “It was a little like memory lane, at times. As Canadians, I think we all share a connection to these songs—the Hip bind us together the way Gordon Lightfoot does.”
Leading into the album, Rutledge test drove 25 ‘Hip songs, before having to painfully decide on which 10 would make the cut. He opted for a mix of ‘Hip classics, including “Courage (for Hugh MacLennan” and “Grace, Two,” along with deeper cuts, “Springtime in Vienna” and “Put it Off.”
Once the tracks were decided upon, Rutledge recorded the album live off the floor (“with minimal overdubs”) in five days, and enlisted the services of special guests like Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene, Andy Maize of The Skydiggers, and Jenn Grant.
“The Hip always have a live sound to their albums,” noted Rutledge. “It was imperative that we do it their way.”
Here are the tracks Rutledge went with:
1. “Looking For A Place to Happen”
2. “Springtime in Vienna”
3. “Thugs”
4. “Escape is At Hand for the Travellin’ Man”
5. “Grace, Too”
6. “Locked in the Trunk of a Car”
7. “Courage (for Hugh Maclennan)”
8. “Long Time Running”
9. “Put it Off”
10. “Fiddler’s Green”
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