It's been two years since the last Weakerthans record and it doesn't seem as though there are plans set for a new one. But the band have 2010 tour dates already listed... so I'm guessing they haven't broken up. That said, singer John K. Samson (former Propagahndi bass player) has solo material that just surfaced. He's planning a series of seven inches all of which are to reflect on Manitoba roads. City Route 85 is the first. Samson has a unique singing voice--but what's more striking is the incredibly descriptive nature of his lyrics. Sure, sometimes he teeters on verbose, but more often than not, the lyrics are woven with a perfect melody to shape perfect pop songs (2000's Left & Leaving is a masterpiece). City Route 85 isn't a much of a departure from the ouevre of The Weakerthans, but the songs do find Samson alone with his guitar for the most part, and the pairing suits him well. Should I listen? Yes. John K. Samson: City Route 85
It’s been two years since the last Weakerthans record and it doesn’t seem as though there are plans set for a new one. But the band have 2010 tour dates already listed… so I’m guessing they haven’t broken up. That said, singer John K. Samson (former Propagahndi bass player) has solo material that just surfaced. He’s planning a series of seven inches all of which are to reflect on Manitoba roads. City Route 85 is the first. Samson has a unique singing voice–but what’s more striking is the incredibly descriptive nature of his lyrics. Sure, sometimes he teeters on verbose, but more often than not, the lyrics are woven with a perfect melody to shape perfect pop songs (2000′s Left & Leaving is a masterpiece). City Route 85 isn’t a much of a departure from the ouevre of The Weakerthans, but the songs do find Samson alone with his guitar for the most part, and the pairing suits him well. Should I listen? Yes.
