Coke Machine Glow

Gordon Downie

Aug 2021 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Dan Ayckroyd, Robbie Baker, Clare Downie, Clemens Downie, Lou Downie, Willo Downie, Johnny Fay, Sarah Harmer, Dave "Billy Ray" Koster, Paul Langlois, Ron MacLean, Bruce McCulloch, Kaya Usher, and Various

About this audiobook

Gordon Downie, lead singer and lyricist for the popular Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, released his first solo record, Coke Machine Glow in Spring 2001. Alongside the album, his first book of poetry and prose under the same title was published, including the lyrics to the sixteen songs on the record. Now, on the 20th anniversary year of Coke Machine Glow, fans have more to delight in: the audiobook of Coke Machine Glow and a brand new album by Downie, released posthumously. 

Coke Machine Glow is a rich, haunting collection that reveals both the public and private selves of one of Canada's most enigmatic musicians. In poetry that is urban, gritty and political, as well as romantic, nostalgic and whimsical, Downie allows us a glimpse inside his world. With his acute and observing eye, he gives us snapshots of his life, both on the road and at home; he writes of loneliness and isolation; of longing and desire; of the present and the past; of dreams and nightmares; love lost and love of family. Ultimately, this book is about the distances that bridge and separate us.

Layered and deceptively simple, imbued with Downie's wit, insight, anger, compassion and rock'n'roll edge, Coke Machine Glow is a remarkable debut from a remarkable creator. 

This special audiobook edition features readings from Downie's family and friends, including:

Dan Ayckroyd
Robbie Baker
Andrew Cash
Dave Clark
Julie Doiron
Charlyn Downie
Clare Downie
Clemens Downie
Lou Downie
Mike Downie
Patrick Downie
Paula Downie
Willo Downie
Johnny Fay
Josh Finlayson
Sarah Harmer
Kevin Hearn
Dave "Billy Ray" Koster
Paul Langlois
Andy Maize
Ron MacLean
Bruce McCulloch
Dale Morningstar
Larry Murphy
Andrea Nann
Dr. Pee
Damian Rogers
Jonathan Shedletzky
Gord Sinclair
Kaya Usher

About the author

Gordon Downie was a Canadian rock musician, writer, occasional actor, and activist. He was the lead singer and lyricist for the Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip from its inception in 1984 until his death in 2017. In 2001, Downie recorded his first solo album, Coke Machine Glow, and published his first book of poetry and prose of the same name. He released six more solo albums, two of which were published posthumously. Downie, along with his bandmates from The Tragically Hip,  was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017 for contribution to Canadian music and their support of environmental and social causes.