Apparently there’s a fuss about The Weakerthans. It’s surprising really because when you look at the band, there’s not a scarf or mesh cap in sight. So how come there’s quite so much of a buzz going round if it’s not all about the fashioncore? Well, call me old fashioned, but The Weakerthans simply rock. Not in a synchronised star-jump kinda way, more of a soothing, melodic, foot-tapping kinda way. The simple fact is, this band are brilliant and about as far removed from the prentious toss that is violently spewed across the pages of the mainstream magazines on a weekly basis. And let’s face it, how can any band with John Samson at the helm actually fail?
‘Left and Leaving’ is an old record now, having been released in 2000, but being behind the times (I blame the scarf that hindered my hearing) I’ve only just got hold of a copy. Your ears will be able to tell you why The Weakerthans are quite so revered. For those uninitiated with Mr Samson, he was behind Propagandhi, the Canadian punks who liked to re-inforce their message rather bluntly. If Propagandhi was all about the politics and the punk rock, The Weakerthans are an entirely different beast. For the most part it’s stripped down goodness, as Samson waxes lyrical on a number of subjects. It’s never as blunt or obvious as his former band, but the warmth, charm and appeal he generates from every single song gives this alt-rock/country feel a heartwarming tinge. Tracks like the opening ‘Everything Must Go!’ are so endearing and fullfilling that you’ll be rocking around a warm country fire in no time. ‘Aside‘ pisses all over anything New End Original tried to rip-off, and while it sticks out for being faster than the other tracks, its’ urgency makes this a favourite.
To be honest, words really cannot convey the feelings and thoughts this record provokes. It’s one of those albums where you simply have to listen. The charm is that no matter whether you are a skate punk, pop-punk or hardcore fan, anyone with an open-mind will appreciate this album. Fuck, I don’t even know why I’m writing about this on a ‘punk’ (allegedly) website. Imagine Bob Dylan being brought up through the 70s and writing about the modern day – you’ll be nowhere near just how good this record is, but at least it’s a marker. The attention to detail in the songs – even when the lines often appear forced – are beautifully poetic. The simple fact is that songs like the album’s title track and ‘Watermark’ are little pearlers.
‘Left and Leaving’ is how an emotional record should sound without ever being ’emo’. There’s so much faux shit around that the term has become an albatross around the bands who geuinely have a charm and appeal, while wearing their heart firmly upon their sleeves. In ‘Left and Leaving’ The Weakerthans have made a record that will influence a slew of new bands. This is my first foray into the world of The Weakerthans and it certainly won’t be my last…
Released on Sub City
Paul