Why aren’t the Weakerthans more popular. No, i’ll broaden that: Why aren’t the Weakerthans acknowledged, objectively and undefinably, as the best band that has yet come. It is a failure on part of the world. I have not celebrated them or even thought to celebrate them as such, but i am coming to a recognition that they might be that one best band. There are some i might like more, listen to more, but i really think this might be it – the absolute peak. Of the guys with guitars kind.
I am swept away buy a lot of things in my life, but am never more enraptured than by Weakerthans songs. Caught, those words leaving my lips, the song coming to define and support everything i want, everything i feel within and out of that moment. This is me, this is life. It is an effect i believe universal, immediate to anyone who has a song of theirs come at those most necessary, most receptive of times. I do not need them all the time – i could not bear it – but at those right times i need nothing else.
At what they do. This is probably a subjective response based on my circumstance in life – who i am and what i respond to – but the best lyrics ever written are those written by John K. Sampson. And there is no one with better voice to sing them. There is no better music to accord them.
So why? They aren’t even at the “indie darlings” level. Maybe they’re too smart, too literate. Maybe they still are too linked with their punk rock past. People fear to tread that path. Maybe it is them being Canadian. Or remaining independent. Or being, as they are, too much for mass consumption and reception. I’m not asking for their popularity. Maybe a committee to analyse and conclude them as that one best band. I don’t get things. It doesn’t surprise me i don’t.
