Lyrics and Poems is an elegant collection of John K Samson's writing, divided into sections for each of his full-length albums (4 Weakerthans and one solo) plus two additional poems to accompany every Weakerthans section. Even though I own physical copies of the records it's nice read through the collection and see Samson's progression as writer. The lyrics of"Fallow" and even "Left and Leaving" (my favorite record) vary wildly in their quality on the page. Bouncing from compelling narrative to cliched, angsty poems that don't cut it without the music. Samson's writing gets so much more consistent. His restraint and dedication to his characters grows and really culminates in one of his latest songs "Letter In Icelandic From the Ninette San." An added bonus of the collection is also a glimpse into his influences through the notes section and the epigraphs, much like on the albums themselves. The only disappointing omission from Samson's musical career is his first Slips and Tangles tape and subsequent Little Pictures EP.