Originally Published: 2005-10-23

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE: The absence of quite a few members of this sprawling collective from their own recent CD release party wasn't too surprising. The likes of FEIST, JASON COLLETT and members of METRIC and STARS are out touring their own projects, but we did spy such key Scenesters as KEVIN DREW, BRENDAN CANNING and ANDREW WHITEMAN at the party at their favourite watering hole, The Beaconsfield. Also there was K-OS, who makes a cameo appearance on the new self-titled disc. The release of the follow-up to their internationally successful You Forgot It In People album is an occasion worthy of celebration. Rather than narrowing their multi-dimensional sound, BSS have become even more adventurous. Pretty pop melodies nestle alongside cinematic soundscapes, and the record keeps revealing itself after dozens of listens. They remain highly worthy ambassadors of Toronto's fertile scene.
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO: At the previous Alejandro Escovedo show at the El Mocambo, the Austin-based singer/songwriter wasn't even present. You see, he was recently battling a very serious illness, and fans and fellow musicians across North America showed their great respect and affection by organizing tribute concerts to cover his medical bills. It was wonderful then to see Al back on the road, checking into the club for another jaw-droppingly wonderful performance earlier this month. In a fairer world, he'd be selling out huge venues, but to see an artist of this caliber in a small club setting is a real treat. Aided by an ace six-piece band, Escovedo ripped through favourite originals from his now large body of work, as well as his trademark covers of such tunes as "All The Young Dudes," "Sex Beat" and "I Wish I Was Your Mother." His sound incorporates cello and violin, but in a full-on rock 'n roll setting, and the results are exhilarating. The full-blooded guitar playing of JON DEE GRAHAM (a bandmate of Alejandro's in THE TRUE BELIEVERS) was another bonus, as was Graham's own impressive opening set. Escovedo also premiered a few new tunes that will appear on an album to be produced by JOHN CALE, of VELVET UNDERGROUND fame. A final encore cover of NEIL YOUNG classic "Powderfinger" featured guest DANNY MICHEL, and left the crowd with beaming smiles.

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