The Weakerthans — Watermark EP

The two live tracks included on this single for Left And Leaving's punchy "Watermark" further showcase the Weakerthans' sublime ability to sound devilishly punky one minute and achingly heartfelt the next. "Watermark" itself is a playfully crunchy, punk-pop number with a taste of John K. Samson's penchant for penning refreshingly poetic lyrics. In stark contrast, recorded live and acoustically for Private Ear Live on CKUW Radio in Winnipeg, "Illustrated Bible Stories For Children" and "The Last Last One" (both taken from 1997's Fallow) hint at the extreme level of intimacy the band can create between themselves and their audience. It always begins with Samson's vocals, of course. That easy-going delivery and ever-inviting tone immediately help you connect to the music as if you've known it for years. "The Last Last One" sounds exquisite with Samson on piano and Jason Tait gently feathering away at his drum kit. The lap steel guitar and accordion simply make you shake your head in joyful awe, thinking to yourself how great it would be to have these guys play inside your bedroom every night to sing you lullabies to sleep.