The Weakerthans - Reconstruction Site
2003 Epitaph Records

Track Listing:
1.  (Manifest)
2.  The Reasons
3.  Reconstruction Site
4.  Psalm For The Elks Lodge Last Call
5.  Plea From A Cat Named Virtue
6.  Our Retired Explorer
7.  Time's Arrows
8.  Hospital Vespers
9.  Uncorrected Proofs
10. New Name For Everything
11. One Great City!
12. Benediction
13. Prescience Of Dawn
14. (Past-Due)

Line-Up:
Vocals:  Stephen Carroll, John K. Samson, John P. Sutton
Guitars:  Stephen Carroll, John K. Samson
Bass:  John P. Sutton
Drums/Percussion:  Jason Tait
Lap Steel:  Stephen Carroll
Pedal Steel:  Stephen Carroll
Piano:  Stephen Carroll
Keyboards:  Stephen Carroll, Jason Tait
Vibes:  Jason Tait
Glockenspiel:  Jason Tait
Trumpet on "Manifest":  Rusty Mays
Piano on "Please From A Cat Named Virtue":  Christine Fellows
Duet Vocals on "Benediction":  Sarah Harmer

Website:  www.theweakerthans.org

Follow The Hollow's Rating:  A
Overall Rating:  A

Follow The Hollow's Review:
The Weakerthans are a band that few on this site have likely heard of.  The Weakerthans have a very different style of music than John Samson's old band, Propaghandi.  They are a band that can be described as many different styles, varying from alt-rock to country to folk rock to punk.  As bizarre as it sounds, the music doesn't sound bizarre.  The Weakerthans have managed to combine all of these elements into their music beautifully, and have achieved a sound that is unique.  Being a band from Winnipeg, Canada, some said it might have been hard for them to even get noticed on the world stage.  However, when The Weakerthans signed with Epitaph Records, they were guaranteed to do just that.

Some may call this album, brilliant, clever, inspiring, and amazing.  I am one of those people.  Samson has an amazing voice, portraying a modest but shy punk rock nerd.  His lyrics actually have meaning, while they appear to be random lines strung together, they can describe a scene vividly in your mind.  With seven songs under three minutes, and only three songs over four minutes on a fourteen track album, The Weakerthans manage to get their point across in a short amount of time.  The short songs also help keep the listener interested, and the songs wont seem repetitive because they don't drag on.

Having released this album in 2003, I can only hope for another album soon.  It's the perfect summer soundtrack.  However, don't go out buying this thinking this band is the next Unearth.  The Weakerthans are just a different sound.  To get a greater idea of what they sound like, listen to my favorites of the album "The Reasons", "Psalm For The Elks Lodge Last Call", "Our Retired Explorer", and "Prescience Of Dawn".  Just to give you a sample of the writing of John Samson, a "Plea From A Cat Named Virtue" is in the point of view of a cat who's owner is an elderly person.

I didn't review this album song by song, because it should be listened to as an album so you can decide your own favorites.  I've talked to about 10 people about some of their favorite songs on this album, and all have given me different songs as their favorites.  But all have said the same thing; it was worth their money.  This band is probably the one band me and my dad can both listen to and enjoy.  And yes, I may seem to give easy A's, but this album definitely deserves what it gets.  I just hope another Weakerthans album comes out soon...
Follow The Hollow's Rating:  A

Discography (last updated 6.23.06):
Fallow - 1999
Left & Leaving - 2000
Watermark EP - 2001
Reconstruction Site - 2003