ALBUM REVIEW: Cerebral Samson

by Nikki M. Mascali
Weekender Editor

As with pictures, every song on John K. Samson’s “Provincial” tells a story and takes listeners on a journey through Manitoba, the Canadian province the singer/songwriter calls home.

The Weakerthans member’s solo debut is a scholarly and out-there outing that showcases a vocal lilt that is, at times, similar to Woody or Arlo Guthrie, namely on the pretty “Heart of the Continent” and “ www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle/.” The latter, a functioning URL, is a plea to get Reggie “The Riverton Rifle” Leach, a retired NHL player, into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“Cruise Night,” on which Samson declares “I wanna rock the RPM between the reds and greens on cruise night,” is infectious (and wouldn’t be lost in an ’80s-based teen coming-of-age flick). The velvety “Grace General” precedes the playful “When I Write My Master’s Thesis” — inspired by Bob Dylan’s “When I Write My Masterpiece” playing on a bar jukebox.

Standout “Letter in Icelandic from the Ninette San” takes Samson about as far from his punk roots as can be; the song is so still you can hear fingers on the guitar’s fretboard, plus it features beautiful, woeful violin. “Longitudinal Centre” is frantic and calls to mind Bruce Springsteen’s “Outlaw Pete;” you can’t help but go along for the ride.

“The Last And,” about an office romance, features prominent double bass, well-placed piano and violin and the use of the seldom-heard word “ampersand.” Samson’s wife, Christine Fellows, delivers pretty piano and lovely lyrics like “the old house drinks everything we hide” on “Taps Reversed.” The mixing of the couple’s vocals is inviting, yet intimate — just like its preceding songs.

Rating: W W W W