Album Review: Hi Ha Un Party by Roland Hi! Ha! Tremblay
Released in 1989, Hi Ha Un Party is a quirky gem from Canadian artist Roland Hi! Ha! Tremblay. This album straddles genres like Folk, World, Country, and even dips its toes into Non-Music territory, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. With styles rooted in Comedy and Chanson, it’s not your typical music release—it’s more of an experience, one that feels like sitting around a campfire with old friends who won’t stop cracking jokes.
The record was released under Distribution Select, but the real star here is Michel Barrette. He wears multiple hats—voice actor, lyricist, performer—and his fingerprints are all over this project. You can tell he had fun making it because the tracks have this infectious energy, almost as if they’re daring you to take them too seriously. Spoiler alert: don’t.
Two tracks stand out for me personally. First up is "C'est En Revenant de Rigaud (chanson)." It's got this playful bounce to it, mixing witty wordplay with a melody that sticks to your brain like syrup on pancakes. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of small-town life, poking fun at everyday situations without ever crossing into mean-spirited territory. I found myself humming it hours after listening—not something I usually do unless I’m trying really hard to annoy my cat.
Then there’s "L'arrivée de Jacques Cartier," which flips historical events into something oddly relatable. Who knew the arrival of a French explorer could be turned into such a toe-tapping tune? The mix of humor and history works surprisingly well, kind of like watching a documentary narrated by your favorite comedian. It makes you think about how we romanticize the past while still laughing at ourselves today.
Other notable mentions include "Mitsou (chanson)" and "La Jeunesse de Roland." Both showcase Barrette’s knack for storytelling, though they lean heavier on nostalgia than punchlines. Still, they add depth to what might otherwise feel like just a silly romp through Quebecois culture.
What strikes me most about Hi Ha Un Party is how unapologetically itself it is. There’s no attempt to cater to mainstream tastes or chase trends. Instead, it embraces its quirks wholeheartedly, creating something that feels both timeless and refreshingly out of step with modern expectations. Sure, some parts might feel dated now (it is from 1989, after all), but that only adds to its charm.
In the end, this album reminds me of those rare moments when someone tells a joke so bad it becomes hilarious. Like, you know it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does anyway. And isn’t that what great art is supposed to do—make us laugh, think, and maybe question why we’re still smiling long after the last track ends?
Unexpectedly profound for a comedy album, right? Guess Roland Hi! Ha! Tremblay knew exactly what he was doing.
