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Left and Leaving by The Weakerthans - Ep. 103
Manage episode 501198266 series 3467894
Left and Leaving is the second album by Canadian indie rock band The Weakerthans, and it’s often regarded as their defining statement. Released in 2000, the record blends literate, introspective lyrics with punk roots and folk-tinged melodies. Frontman John K. Samson, formerly of Propagandhi, brings a poet’s eye for detail and a novelist’s sense of character, crafting songs about lost love, aging ideals, hometown melancholy, and quiet resilience.
Set against the backdrop of Winnipeg — a recurring character in their work — the album captures emotional nuance with rare honesty. Tracks like “Aside,” “Watermark,” and the heartbreaking title track “Left and Leaving” feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. The band’s sound is understated but rich, weaving melodic guitar lines with steady, unflashy rhythms that give the lyrics room to breathe.
More than just an indie rock album, Left and Leaving is a gentle, profound meditation on the spaces we inhabit, the people we miss, and the versions of ourselves we try to hold onto — or let go of.
What did you think of this album? Send us a text!
Patreon
Website
Polyphonic Press Discord Server
Follow us on Instagram
Contact: [email protected]
DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.
105 episodes
Manage episode 501198266 series 3467894
Left and Leaving is the second album by Canadian indie rock band The Weakerthans, and it’s often regarded as their defining statement. Released in 2000, the record blends literate, introspective lyrics with punk roots and folk-tinged melodies. Frontman John K. Samson, formerly of Propagandhi, brings a poet’s eye for detail and a novelist’s sense of character, crafting songs about lost love, aging ideals, hometown melancholy, and quiet resilience.
Set against the backdrop of Winnipeg — a recurring character in their work — the album captures emotional nuance with rare honesty. Tracks like “Aside,” “Watermark,” and the heartbreaking title track “Left and Leaving” feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. The band’s sound is understated but rich, weaving melodic guitar lines with steady, unflashy rhythms that give the lyrics room to breathe.
More than just an indie rock album, Left and Leaving is a gentle, profound meditation on the spaces we inhabit, the people we miss, and the versions of ourselves we try to hold onto — or let go of.
What did you think of this album? Send us a text!
Patreon
Website
Polyphonic Press Discord Server
Follow us on Instagram
Contact: [email protected]
DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.
105 episodes
All episodes
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