Post by Follow The Hollow on Jun 14, 2006 21:16:55 GMT -5
The Weakerthans are a band that few on this site have likely heard of. The Weakerthans have a very different style of music than John Samson's old band, Propaghandi. They are a band that can be described as many different styles, varying from alt-rock to country to folk rock to punk. As bizarre as it sounds, the music doesn't sound bizarre. The Weakerthans have managed to combine all of these elements into their music beautifully, and have acheived a sound that is unique. Being a band from Winnipeg, Canada, some said it might have been hard for them to even get noticed on the world stage. However, when the Weakerthans signed with Epitaph records, they were guaranteed to do just that.
Some may call this album, brilliant, clever, inspiring, and amazing. I am one of those people. Samson has an amazing voice, portraying a modest but shy punk rock nerd. His lyrics actually have meaning, while they appear to be random lines strung together, they can describe a scene vividly in your mind. With seven songs under three minutes, and only three songs over four minutes on a fourteen track album, the Weakerthans manage to get their point across in a short amount of time. The short songs also help keep the listener interested, and the songs wont seem repetitive because they don't drag on.
Having released this album in 2003, I can only hope for another album soon. It's the perfect summer soundtrack. However, don't go out buying this thinking this band is the next Unearth. The Weakerthans are just a different sound. To get a greater idea of what they sound like, listen to my favorites of the album "The Reasons", "Psalm for the Elks Lodge Last Call" and "Our Retired Explorer", "Presence of Dawn". Just to give you a sample of the writing of John Samson, a "Plea From a Cat Named Virtue" is in the point of view of a cat who's owner is an elderly person.
I didn't review this album song by song, because it should be listened to as an album so you can decide your own favorites. I've talked to about 10 people about some of their favorite songs on this album, and all have given me different songs as their favorites. But all have said the same thing; it was worth their money. This band is probably the one band me and my dad can both listen to and enjoy. And yes, I may seem to give easy A's, but this album definetely deserves what it gets. I just hope another Weakerthans album comes out soon...
Follow the Hollow's Rating: A
Reconstruction Site
Released August 26th, 2003
Stephen Carroll -- Guitars, Vocals, Lap Steel, Pedal Steel, Keyboards, Piano
John K. Samson -- Vocals, Guitars
John P. Sutton -- Bass, Vocals
Jason Tait -- Drums, Percussion, Vibes, Glockenspiel, Keyboards
Trumpet on Manifest by Rusty Matys.
Piano on Plea from a Cat Named Virtute by Christine Fellows.
Duet Vocal on Benediction by Sarah Harmer.
Some may call this album, brilliant, clever, inspiring, and amazing. I am one of those people. Samson has an amazing voice, portraying a modest but shy punk rock nerd. His lyrics actually have meaning, while they appear to be random lines strung together, they can describe a scene vividly in your mind. With seven songs under three minutes, and only three songs over four minutes on a fourteen track album, the Weakerthans manage to get their point across in a short amount of time. The short songs also help keep the listener interested, and the songs wont seem repetitive because they don't drag on.
Having released this album in 2003, I can only hope for another album soon. It's the perfect summer soundtrack. However, don't go out buying this thinking this band is the next Unearth. The Weakerthans are just a different sound. To get a greater idea of what they sound like, listen to my favorites of the album "The Reasons", "Psalm for the Elks Lodge Last Call" and "Our Retired Explorer", "Presence of Dawn". Just to give you a sample of the writing of John Samson, a "Plea From a Cat Named Virtue" is in the point of view of a cat who's owner is an elderly person.
I didn't review this album song by song, because it should be listened to as an album so you can decide your own favorites. I've talked to about 10 people about some of their favorite songs on this album, and all have given me different songs as their favorites. But all have said the same thing; it was worth their money. This band is probably the one band me and my dad can both listen to and enjoy. And yes, I may seem to give easy A's, but this album definetely deserves what it gets. I just hope another Weakerthans album comes out soon...
Follow the Hollow's Rating: A
Reconstruction Site
Released August 26th, 2003
Stephen Carroll -- Guitars, Vocals, Lap Steel, Pedal Steel, Keyboards, Piano
John K. Samson -- Vocals, Guitars
John P. Sutton -- Bass, Vocals
Jason Tait -- Drums, Percussion, Vibes, Glockenspiel, Keyboards
Trumpet on Manifest by Rusty Matys.
Piano on Plea from a Cat Named Virtute by Christine Fellows.
Duet Vocal on Benediction by Sarah Harmer.
