Despite the fact that the flourishing music scenes in Toronto and Montreal are consistently cranking out quality bands and musicians, Gord Downie remains one of Canada's national treasures. With his band, The Tragically Hip, Downie helped put Canadian music on the map in the 80s and 90s with a string of beloved alt-rock albums and hit singles. As a solo artist, Downie plays more stripped down - yet still rock-based - singer/songwriter style tunes that retain the storytelling lyrical style his fans have come to expect. Although the Tragically Hip still actively record and tour, Downie has always managed to find time for his solo work, releasing albums like Coke Machine Glow in 2001, Battle of the Nudes in 2003 and The Grand Bounce in 2010.
