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Posted in music on November 1, 2007
The Weakerthans played Webster Hall
the Canadian upward guitar thrust (CRED)
Tuesday night (Oct 30, 2007) I visited Webster Hall to check out the return of the Weakerthans. Last time they were in NYC, they played on a boat. I was probably too tired to be at the Webster show, so I don't have a lot to say about it except it was good, and that they played a healthy-sized set - clocking in at around 90 minutes. Jersey Beat has a little more insight...
The real star of a Weakerthans show is the songwriting. Samson’s songs tend to be extended narratives rather than hook-driven pop songs with repeated chrouses; as a lyricist, his attention to detail is impeccable and often arresting. The man does have an odd stage presence though. The band breezed through the hour-plus set with a minimum of banter; no stories, no set ups, very few introductions. Samson clearly expected his audience to already know all the songs. And while he certainly didn’t come across as disaffected or bored, he never seemed very excited to be there, either; mostly, he wore this serene grin that stopped just short of smugness. The crowd seemed to be more excited singing these songs than Samson. [Jersey Beat]They play Boston tonight.
Posted on November 1, 2007 2:38 PM
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Comments (4)
why isn't this band a huge crossover success? their records are outstanding and their live show always delivers. it makes no sense!
Posted by Anonymous | November 1, 2007 2:43 PM
i agree anon 243. their new album floored me, and one would think they would be much bigger. also, their videos usually visually rule, causing one to think that would assist the crossover.
Posted by mat | November 1, 2007 2:55 PM
gonna have to disagree with jersey beat. they were full of energy as they always are, set was flawless. best show i've been to this year.
Posted by rkb | November 1, 2007 2:55 PM
Jersey Beat made many points including:
-- The real star of a Weakerthans show is the songwriting.
-- Samson’s songs tend to be extended narratives rather than hook-driven pop songs with repeated chrouses;
-- as a lyricist, his attention to detail is impeccable and often arresting.
-- The man does have an odd stage presence though.
-- The band breezed through the hour-plus set with a minimum of banter; no stories, no set ups, very few introductions.
Do you disagree with those points too? I think they are dead on actually.
Posted by beat off | November 1, 2007 3:13 PM