Do you ever have those nights when you go to a show and feel like a band is playing the exact setlist you want? I’m not talking about Tom Petty busting out ALL of his top ten hits either. Most folks go to shows to hear their favorite songs, which is understandable. The problem comes when a band has just released a new album and needs to play most of those new songs so they can learn to rock them and make them the hits people want to see…..when the next album comes out.
Broken Social Scene‘s show at The Fonda in Los Angeles sold out in a couple days so the place was packed with fans who had been waiting quite a while to hear some new music from them. With a band like BSS you’re never quite sure who’s going to show up. The dude portion of the band seems to be pretty consistent but there’s no telling who will be singing the lady parts. A lot of people were hoping for a special appearance from BSS alums Emily Haines, Feist, or Amy Millan but that didn’t happen. Lisa Lobsinger, who’s been singing with them on tour for a bit handled the female vocals, and did a damn fine job of ’em too. The kicker with the night’s set was that it was all over the place. For the most part is was one new song, one old song. But with a B-side thrown in there and all the new material, the show never really rode the BSS wave they’re known for with their live shows. This may seem like a bad thing but it’s been almost five years since a proper BSS album (they had a couple BSS ‘presents’ albums but not a full-band album since they’re self-titled came out in 2005) so some freshness was in order. I’ve listened to the new album a dozen times by now so the songs have songs have sunk in enough to make me want to sing, and dance, to most of them.
I can’t remember the last time I went to a show and was pretty certain I danced more than anyone else there. Especially in a venue with 1000+ people. I didn’t come with dancing in mind but after a grilled cheese and couple yummy beers at the Blue Palms next door I was feeling on top of the world. For those that don’t know, there’s a brew pub next to the Fonda that you can access via a not-too-secret door near the entrance. I can’t think of a better addition to a music venue in LA in last five or ten years. The beer prices are reasonable and the selection is superb. Half the taps had changed since the last time we were there for Dr. Dog and that was only a week ago. I’m crossing my fingers the magic door will stay open to allow people to go back and forth, even if you can’t bring beers into The Fonda.
Some of the stand out tracks from the new album were “Art House Director,” “Texico Bitches,” “All to All,” and “World Sick” which kicked off the night, and also is the first track on the new record. For the hits there was “Fire Eyed Boy,” “7/4 (Shoreline),” and I think “Stars and Sons” and “Ibi Dreams of Pavement.” I was surprised “Superconnected” didn’t make it out.
When they said they weren’t going to leave the stage then come back for an encore I started to shout for “It’s All Gonna Break,” one of my favorite songs. when I saw them 5 years ago in NYC I did the same thing and it worked so I had to push my luck. They dedicated the last song to everyone in LA and sure enough, I got my wish. I pogoed up and down for most of the chorus and ended the night sweaty and exhausted.
BSS should be back in the fall so keep a look out. I’m not sure where they’ll play but if it’s the Fonda, it’s going to sell out quick. They’ll be at Sasquatch Festival at the end of this month and will also be at Lollapalooza this summer. Did anyone happen to see them there a few years ago?
