I Already Took That...

There's no one I quite enjoy more live than The Weakerthans. Granted, I've only seen them twice, but the first time, I fell completely for the sincerity of their music, and the second time - if not for the three girls and one guy who insisted on singing 80% of the songs, off-key at that - it just re-affirmed the love they have for their music and the art of performing it.

Their lyrics are relatable, and you believe every word that comes out of John K. Samson's mouth. He's so coy on stage, and when he smiles, it's warm and genuine. And smile he does on stage, quite a bit actually. The Weakerthans are a group who take what they do very seriously, but you can see that at the same time they love doing it more than anything.

The songs have a lot to do with everyday sort of stuff. "Civil Twilight," their biggest hit, relates the story of a bus driver missing someone he loves. But the nostalgia for that person is mixed with the benign-ness of the conductor's afternoon commute, all in the upbeat tempo that you wouldn't expect from a song with that sort of subject matter. "Sun In An Empty Room" details leaving an apartment full of memories; it would've been perfect for the last episode of Friends if it didn't have such a happy sway to the whole thing. That's another thing about The Weakerthans: they make uplifiting, toe-tapping, hand-clapping music from seemingly the saddest of situations.

My personal favorite is probably the most driving tune off most recent album Reunion Tour. "Retail Surplus Value" clocks in at a very short 2:38, but there's nothing wasted in there. Samson tells the story of someone who apparently went on a bit of a bender, then gets to work only to find out the company's not doing so well, and that he's being fired. Sounds pretty unfortunate, right? Again, you'd never tell from the musical arrangement. The Weakerthans will always amaze me with the way they seamlessly weave together enticing indie rock with poetry straight from the heartbroken journals of a 30-something urbanite.

Of course, I'm not quite there yet, but in about 10 years I know what record I'll be spinning when I'm sitting in my empty apartment after my most recent break-up.

Check out "Retail Surplus Value," but most importantly, get out there, immerse yourself in The Weakerthans' inspiring catalogue, and buy Reunion Tour. I promise you won't regret it.