Spotlight: Broken Social Scene -- Forgiveness Rock Record

“And really, watching Broken Social Scene at Ted’s Wrecking Yard was no different from hanging out with them in the living room: you never knew who was going to turn up or what was going to happen”.
-Stuart Berman (May 2008; excerpt from This Book Is Broken)

This spirit of impulsiveness and spontaneity, as perfectly expressed by Berman, truly encapsulates the magic that is the mythical Toronto grown musical collective, Broken Social Scene. I could go on to describe the band's formation and their life for the past decade, but it would not suffice to tell their tale briefly; after all, Berman did write an entire book about the band.

Although musically, BSS has created amazing experimental epic indie-pop rock, when it comes down to the band, it’s not entirely about what they produce, but rather how they make music that reigns so significant to the Canadian independent music scene. As Berman highlighted above, you just never know when it comes to BSS, and this uncertainty, this creative freedom, this go-with-the-flow approach, is why the band is Canadian indie rock aristocracy. It makes sense if you think about it; Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning are the Kings, holding their golden guitars that fuel the kingdom that is their audiences at shows, with the help of the Kings Men (Jason Collett, James Shaw and Charles Spearin, to name a few) and Ladies (Lisa Lobsinger, Leslie Fiest, Amy Millan and Emily Haines).

On the eve’s eve of the release of their first album in five years, Forgiveness Rock Record, I wanted to list why Broken Social Scene is so beloved:

1. BSS, in their live performances, welcomes the audience into their transportable and versatile living room; making you feel like an old friend.
2. Together, they make an entity that is musically more powerful and expansive than what they can achieve separately.
3. With BSS, it’s a fucking party onstage and you’re invited.
4. They don’t disappoint, just look back at last year’s Harbourfront show (2009). It was like being in a sea of magnets and the force of attraction towards the band was undeniable.
5. They’re innovative and ready to conquer challenges; obviously, individual successes have lead to constant line-up changes, and this evolution has only made the collective stronger and more resilient.
6. LOVE; they love each other; you feel it in the music and see it in their live performance. They support one another, because in the end, that is what a collective is for and that is what family is for.
7. Leslie Fiest.

Feel free to comment (below) on why you think BSS is awesome.

P.S I don’t do reviews, it’s not my thing, but I got myself a copy of Forgiveness Rock Record, and it’s truly incredible stuff (check out the tune ‘Texico Bitches’ as performed by BSS on Q last week). I’ve also snagged myself a free ticket to an intimate instore show at Criminal Records next Sunday. BSS will also be doing an instore at Soundscapes, Sonic Boom and Rotate This on the same day. For those without tickets, check their sites for details. Or, you can always purchase a ticket to the Island Show featuring BSS, Timber Timbre and Zeus, among many more on June 19th.

For more info on BSS check out their site and stay updated through their twitter feed.

Remember to purchase your copy of Forgiveness Rock Record this Tuesday May 4, 2010 via iTunes, GallerAC or your closest independent record store.

Photo Credit: Via Soundscapes.com

Rose Palmieri