10 People, Canada, Experimental Rock and a Hint of Greatness.

You Forgot it in People (Arts & Crafts)

Broken Social Scene

By John Bohannon

Ten People, Canada, Experimental Rock and a hint of greatness.

You're probably wondering how this all adds up. Well, with all the hype I was growing accustomed to, I wondered that myself. As I've been on my forever search to find a band that's not doing the same thing over and over, I've come upon a quite ambiguous artistic collaboration. I was enlightened the first time Broken Social Scene's You Forgot it in People was put to my ears. This Toronto band, formerly known as KC Accidental, has lately gained an enormous amount of recognition in the states by playing a handful of shows, including one here in town at Uncle Pleasant's. With a vast amount of street team members, including recruits from fellow Canadian bands Silver Mount Zion and Do Make Say Think, BSS has hit the road and pulled of a show comparable to the likes of The Flaming Lips and local experimental rockers The Rachel's.

Ok, so you've heard all the hype, now you're probably wondering what all this gibberish is about. The first track, "Capture the Flag," takes you flying through a rainbow pyramid on past the dark side of the moon. With a vibrant mix of horns and off-the-wall guitar sounds, this opening symphony sinks you back in your seat and prepares you for an hour of eccentric listening. "KC Accidental," cleverly named after the old moniker, will have you stomping your feet to the buoyant drums and has such a substantial guitar riff that the force and atmosphere can do nothing but leave you satisfied.

"Almost Crimes" leaves me feeling like I just watched a bi-polar personality play music while spinning around in circle. I'm completely lost, yet amazed at the end of it. Sound odd? You'll adapt to this feeling after a couple of listens; trust me. The album then turns in a complete 180 into the melodic "Looks Just Like the Sun," with beautiful acoustic/piano-driven melodies. And as good as it is, it just can't compare to the instrumental trip that lies ahead: "Pacific Theme" is possibly the most creative and uplifting song on the album. It has everything to offer - one of the most beautiful yet simple guitar riffs I've heard, a hint of Latin in the intro, drum machines, piano melodies and horns that are absolutely chilling. It makes you feel close to the ocean and leaves you musing about why they actually named it "Pacific Theme" ... interesting.

There are plenty more outstanding songs. "Anthem for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl" brings a slightly creepy vocal presence to the song and brings upon the quote "Park that car/drop that phone/sleep on the floor/dream about me," describing outlooks on, obviously, a 17-year-old girl. "Pitter Patter Goes My Heart" closes the album on an instrumental note that actually brings the album full circle, like it's a continuation of the first song on the album.

So I can ramble on about this album for hours and I'm sure just about every "Best Of" list in 2003 can too. But please do yourself one favor this month, scrounge up 12 dollars and pick this album up. I don't think you'll regret it.