Case File #10: "Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure"

The Weakerthans
"Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure"
Reunion Tour
(2007)



The need to know: With a special lyrical knack for poignant cleverness and a blend of folk and punk rock, Winnipeg, Manitoba's The Weakerthans have earned a dedicated following of anecdote and sonnet lovers since forming in 1997. Spearheaded by former Propagandhi bassist John K. Samson, and featuring Broken Social Scener Jasion Tait on drums, as well as stephen Carroll and Greg Smith on guitar and bass, respectively, The Weakerthans paint scenes featuring lonely canvassers, love notes to construction equipment and endearing old hockey goalies all with a hint of Samson's own introspection and the occasional bleeding heart. They also hate Winnipeg. Just FYI.

Why it's worthy: A song sequel to Reconstruction Site's "Plea From A Cat Named Virtute", here we find the run away puddy tat out on the prowl, and, like most of us would be, sick for the comforts of home. Despite the song's subject matter, Sampson never degrades into cutsey territory.  Sure, we're hearing the thoughts of a lost cat, but it never seems laughable or cartoony, which isn't too easy a task. Add in an explosion of soaring guitars and the feline's final admission ("I can't remember the sound that you found for me") and you'll be hard pressed not to take in the next stray you come across.

Quotable lyric: "I remember the way I would wait for you/ To arrive with kibble and a box full of beer/ How I'd scratch the empties desperate to hear/ You make the sound that you found for me"

Where you've heard it: In the mews of every lost cat.

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Case File #3: "Company Calls Epilogue"

Death Cab For Cutie
"Company Calls Epilogue"
We Have The Facts And We're Voting Yes
(2000)



The need to know: The poster boys of modern-day indie rock, Ben Gibbard and co. have gone from underground darlings to near household names in just a smidge over a decade. Their melodic, lovelorn tunes have found traction all across the board due to Gibbard's wit soaked honesty and guitarist/producer Chris Walla's trademark axemanship. 

Why it's worthy: It's a song. About a dude. Who busts up a WEDDING. If that isn't worth some obsession, I'm not sure what is. I'm hereby declaring this song the anthem of anyone who's ever let the right one get away--and realized it all too late. As humorous as it is poignant and, I'll admit it, disturbing, this is Gibbard at his lyrical best--and his band ain't slackin' neither. Oh, and a happy ending: Gibbard married it girl actress (and bona fide chanteuse from She & Him) Zooey Deschanel in 2009.

Quotable lyric: "I'm dressed up for free drinks and family greetings/ On your wedding, your wedding, your wedding date/ The figures in plastic on the wedding cake/ That I took were so real"

Where you've heard it: An alternate version appeared on DCFC's Forbidden Love EP, which also appeared in 2000.

Case File #2: "Hearing Damage"

Thom Yorke
"Hearing Damage"
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
(2009)




The need to know: How the hell did New Moon end up with such a fantastic and, might I add hip, soundtrack? I would never peg most Twi-hards as the devout Radiohead faithful but I am certainly not complaining. Extra Thom Yorke? Yes, please, and I don't care where it comes from.

Why it's worthy: So everything Thom Yorke touches turns to gold. We know this. But "Hearing Damage" finds the enigmatic Brit in the midst of an impeccable electro freakout, again ditching the guitars for atmospheric beats that perfectly compliment his trademark wail. Nobobdy wails like Thom. Nobody.

Quotable lyric: "You speakers are blowing/ Your ears are wrecking/ You're hearing damage"

Where you've heard it: The song plays in what is arguably the best scene in New Moon. Wonder why that is...hmmm....

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