I Just Read About That…

SOUNDTRACK: THE WEAKERTHANS-Left and Leaving (2000).

The Weakerthans are an interesting band from Winnipeg. They were formed by the founding one of the members of Propagandhi, a fantastic, very political punk band. And it’s clear that even though the sound of the Weakerthans is very different, the tone is quite similar. John Samson writes wonderfully literate lyrics (these are not overtly political as in Propagandhi, but nor are they apolitical either).

I found out about these guys with Reunion Tour, (their most recent release) and I decided to fill in the back catalog. The single from this album, “Aside” features a faster style (more rocking, less introspective) than the rest of the album, and is consequently, my favorite song. The rest of the album slows down quite a bit. It’s a great chance to really listen to the lyrics, and get absorbed in the music. I often don’t have opportunities to do this, (especially when driving), so the record loses something for me. However, Samsons’ vocals are always clear, which allows you to catch a great line even if you’re not paying attention.

[READ: June 10, 2008] Gray Horses

This was a fantastic book. That’s all there is to say about it.

Well, not true exactly. I was marvelling as I read this book (and it’s fast and easy read) just how beautiful this story was, and how beautiful the drawings were.

The simple premise is that Noemie has left Dijon, France for Onion City, Illinois. She is going to be an art history student. She has left a lover behind and is trying to assimilate alone in a strange city. She befriends Anna, a baker’s daughter who is in her class, and together they share some pleasant times together.

The title comes from dreams that Noemie has. She dreams that she rides a horse into the wilderness to escape her past. The dreams show some portents to her current situation, and the story ties together very nicely. And that’s about it. A charming little story.

What really blew me away was the set up of the story. First, it’s bilingual. Every thought is in French and English (with the English being oftentimes slightly less prominent so you can really take her point of view.) Second, I loved the way that she uses words and lines as indicators of, well, of lots of things. Curved lines and arrows that turn into words like shhhh or click whrrr. Normal action lines turned into graceful arcs and backgrounds: stunning. Third, the color scheme of the story is peach, black and white. It’s a strange color palette but it is very beautiful.

For a story in which not much happens, I was really moved by it. Her drawing style is simple and elegant. Very emotive with just a few brush strokes. Overall a delight to read.

I also just found out that she is married to Bryan Lee O’Malley who did the excellent Lost at Sea. What a talented household. Their whole house must be drawing tables. (And they live in Halifax!).