Strippers Union
The Undertaking
The Orchard
Strippers Unionβs The Undertaking is the third instalment from the collaborative efforts of Rob Baker (The Tragically Hip) and Craig Northey (Odds), and supported by Pat Steward (Odds – drums), Doug Elliot (Odds – bass) and additional vocals by Emily Fennell (aka Miss Emily). The Undertaking is the end result of three years of teamwork between two veteran musicians from over 4,000 kilometres apart, with Northey being based in North Vancouver, BC and Baker in Kingston, Ontario.
The Undertaking was released on double white vinyl, limited to 1,000 certificate signed and numbered copies, which sold out within weeks. The album is also available in digital formats and, for the time being, not available on CD. The stunning album artwork, including the inner fold drawings, which whimsically depict each song (Γ la Robert Crumb), were created by none other than Baker himself.
Thereβs a lot of material to absorb with the plethora of songs totalling 18 being an anomaly nowadays. The Undertakingβs sound in comparison to Strippers Unionβs previous two releases (2005βs self titled Strippers Union Local 518 and 2010βs The Deuce), overall has matured, mellowed-out and simplified (void of brass instruments), as you could expect over the course of 15 plus years. Northeyβs smooth, melodic voice is prevalent through most of the album, with Bakerβs contrasting deep, gravelly pitch making appearances and Fennellβs sweet vocals complimenting the landscape.
The albums first song and first single, βWe Are the Underworldβ, is a stand-out that will easily be a fan favourite at live shows, with somewhat of a call-and-response pattern.
βThe Enforcerβ is a song about friendship, a melancholic acoustic love song, sung from the perspective of a lonely hockey fighter;
βIβm here, my friend
Iβm here to take care of you
Iβm here doing what nobody wants to doβ
Dogs are recurring theme, first with βDogstarβ, written from the perspective of a faithful dog, and then βWhen I Come Back as a Dogβ. Both songs signifying the importance of the trust and love that canines inspire within us.
The Undertaking is an excellent contemporary, soulful, blues, rock album, with many catchy songs. Of course, there are some similarities, at times, to Northey and Bakerβs other acts, but seemingly less so with this third release. This truly signifies a growth and shaping of Strippers Unionβs own distinct sound, a task that canβt be easily undertaken.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STRIPPERS UNION – THE UNDERTAKING
John Graham