New Stuff: John K. Samson

From the time he stepped out as bassist for Propagandhi and formed the Weakerthans, John K. Samson has been steadily building a reputation for being a quality songwriter and witty lyricist. Indeed, the Weakerthans' last two albums (2003's breakthrough Reconstruction Site and 2007's more polished Reunion Tour) are among the last decade's most enjoyable and intelligent rock platters.

The frustrating part about being a fan of Samson's work is just how it takes to get more of it. Sure, there are other bands that take a long time between records, but I'm not about to let Tool off the hook for their sluggish pace anytime soon. With a measly two albums released in the last nine years (and five since the last), one can understand how hotly anticipated a new Weakerthans album has been.

Well, we're probably not getting that this year, although Samson has finally amassed enough songs to release his first official solo album. Although, if we're splitting hairs, it's more of a compilation; half of the album's dozen tracks are rerecorded versions of songs previously released on a pair of EPs, and Taps Reversed, the album's closing track, was originally recorded in 2006. Regardless, Provincial is a nice little tide-me-over while we wait impatiently for a new Weakerthans album; I just hope I don't have to wait until 2017 for it.

The wait isn't so bad between now and the release of Provincial; it's out on Anti- January 24. Here's a couple of tracks, including one that's a petition to get former Philadelphia Flyer and Stanley Cup champion Reggie Leach into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Just in case you forgot, Samson is Canadian, and that means hockey songs.

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