John K. Samson - Provincial

John K. Samson first entered the Canadian music scene as the bassist for Manitoba punk band Propagandhi in the mid 90s. Almost 15 years and two bands later, Samson is finally releasing his first full-length solo disc, Provincial.

Over that time he has managed to establish himself as a songwriter with undeniable talent. On Provincial Samson shows off his ability to turn a three-minute song into a story that the listener can easily become lost in. Provincial is appropriately titled as Samson's stories take listeners on a journey through the province of Manitoba starting with the opening track "Highway 1 East". Throughout the songs on Provincial, Samson references Manitoba landmarks that would come across as foreign to the majority of Canadians. On "When I Write My Masters Thesis" Samson shares the thoughts of a student struggling to keep his life together as he completes his academic studies.

In the song called "www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle/" Samson sings about the truly Canadian topic of hockey, and references an online petition that Samson established to lobby for ex-NHL player and Manitoba native Reggie Leach to enter into the Hockey Hall of Fame. On the beautifully moving hymn "The Last And" Samson details a failed workplace romance between a teacher and principle that evokes feelings of one's own failed relationships. Provincial's final song "Taps Reversed" is a slow piano ballad that has Samson collaborating with his wife Christine Fellows about how individuals, myself included, have overscheduled lives. One line in particular that stands out on this song is "The calendar requests a meeting to discuss the time we waste. When would be good for you?" In this regard, Samson is right — we don't often take a moment for ourselves to enjoy all that is around us. So, please do yourself a favor and take the time to listen to this beautifully crafted album by one of Canada's most gifted songwriters.

(Epitaph/Anti)

- Daniel Lombardi