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08/02/08 Beachland Ballroom Cleveland
08/03/08 Lollapalooza Chicago 08/04/08 Osheaga Music Festival PQ 08/05/08 Deer Lake Park. Vancouver, BC 08/08/08 Regina Folk Festival, Regina 08/09/08 Regina Folk Festival, Regina, 08/23/08 We Are Many Festival 09/07/08 V Fest Toronto, Ontario |
Some time ago, when I first heard the Weakerthans and couldn’t stop myself from enthusiastically car dancing, I wondered whether they were a guilty pleasure or just a pleasure pleasure. I hadn’t heard much about this band from Winnipeg, hadn’t seen any hipster references on Facebook profiles or t-shirts walking around Uptown. But based on their latest release, Reunion Tour, I’ve made an informed decision.
Here’s the deal, internet. I think you’ll like it. It’s almost impossible to not like it. And this is why (for me, anyway): this album’s sound is a combination of so many really likable bands—Minneapolis locals the Hopefuls, Fountains of Wayne, the Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie, the Mountain Goats, even a little Portastatic. Some of you might be thinking this is like mixing all sorts of pretty colors of paint to create something that looks like dog vomit. It’s not. Keep your body from swaying to “Sun in an Empty Room”, I dare you. Let’s see you resist the urge to sing along to “Tournament of Hearts.” I’m pretty sure you’d need the concentration of an Olympian.
And anyway, that’s just the sound of this latest collection. Reunion features beautiful sentiments with absolutely heartbreaking poetry. John K. Samson doles out emotion in droves, causing any listener to feel that they are experiencing something truly intimate and genuine.
I don’t feel the slightest bit guilty for enjoying this band or this album. I might not buy a t-shirt or download ten ringtones, but I will add Reunion Tour to my next road trip soundtrack and will be keeping my ears out for any news of these delightful pop rockers.
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