To me, The Weakerthans always felt like the Canadian version of Death Cab for Cutie.
The nasally voice, the poignant lyrics, the off-the-charts indie cred. Even their names have a similarly enigmatic yet somehow self-deprecatory vibe.
Maybe this is why I never quite gave The Weakerthans as much of my attention as I should have; during the first decade of the 2000s, when both bands emerged, I was already obsessed with Death Cab, so the itch scratched by that particular brand of plaintive yearning indi-ness was taken care of.
Well, it’s been years since I’ve listened to much Death Cab, and I’m passing through The Weakerthans’ hometown of Winnipeg this week, so maybe it’s time to give them their due.
What makes this a beautiful song:
1. Few things are more indie than a complex relationship with one’s hometown and its shortcomings. From the first line, this song hits that emotional chord hard: My city’s still breathing but barely, it’s true / Through buildings gone missing like teeth.
2. Not sure how, but a slightly tremolo-ing guitar always evokes the prairies.
3. The brushed percussion is soft but persistent, like a train leading out of town.
Recommended listening activity:
Longing, yearning, pining, and ultimately leaving.