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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
my very favorite record--ever, December 28, 2000
I'm in love with this record and this band. This is punk rock for grown-ups. It's not jaded, but slightly weary. It's intelligent, political and romantic without being obtuse, preachy or sappy. It's simply beautiful. I'm constantly being asked to describe their sound (because I tend to talk about them a lot!) and I don't know how. I can not compare them with anyone else and they defy the usual genre lumping. When I first heard them I thought of the first time I heard the first Fugazi record in 1989. Not because The Weakerthans sound anything like Fugazi, but because the music they play is so original and honest, and made with such intelligence and heart. John K. Sampson's lyrics are amazingly poetic and touching. I've been lucky enough to see them live 3 times in the past few months (traveling as far as possible to do so!) and they're even better live!
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A bit confused, but definitely in awe, January 30, 2001
Ahh yes, the weakerthans. To call them "emo" would just be incorrect. To call them "folk" would be an extreme understatement. However, to take this CD at face value wouldn't be doing it any justice. I guess I expected something a little punkier (Being that they are on a punk label), but I am still having trouble finding the right words to decribe this cd. It starts out calm, and throughtful with "Everything must go." Ahh yes, there is that punky, heavier side I expected from former Propaghandi member Jahn Samson. The next two tracks are much faster, but with the same emotional lyrics. The rest of rthe album progresses with a few more folkier songs, and a few guitar heavy balads, until the thrid to last tracks which build up to a stunning climax whihc brought me to tears. Call it what you want: punk, folk, rock, but if there is one word we can all agree on for "Left and Leaving it is staggering.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
chicken soup for the ear, June 13, 2006
If there is a type of food called comfort food, I think there should be a new genre of music called comfort music. With the Weakerthans' combination of comfortable, relaxed harmonies and witty, original, thought-provoking lyrics, I often catch myself smiling halfway through a song. The lyrics especially are my favorite thing about this band; the fact that they can be so unique that so many of us can relate to them without knowing why, and being somehow completely devoid of cliche... Although I didn't notice the worth of some of the lyrics at first, sometimes it can just click. Often, these songs can bring new meaning each time I listen, and this band has the unique ability of bringing a smile to my face even when I'm in the worst mood imaginable. If you have never heard this band, I would suggest some of my favorites: "Aside", "This Is a Fire Door Never Leave Open", or "My Favorite Chords". I also would suggest "Reconstruction Site", which is a little bit softer at times but just as poignant. I hope you enjoy what has been a remarkable music experience for me.
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by The Weakerthans 
