Spirit If... [Vinyl]

Broken Social Scene, Kevin Drew | Format: Vinyl

Product Details

• Vinyl (September 18, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arts & Crafts
• ASIN: B000UZ4OWA
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,262 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Farewell to the Pressure Kids

2. TBTF

3. F--Ked Up Kid

4. Safety Bricks

5. Lucky Ones

6. Broke Me Up

7. Gang Bang Suicide

8. Frightening Lives

9. Underneath the Skin

10. Big Love

11. Backed out on the...

12. Agng Faces/Losing Places

13. Bodhi Sappy Weekend

14. When It Begins

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The cacophonic opening track to Kevin Drew's debut solo disc, Spirit If…, clashes and crashes its way through the first two minutes almost as if it has something to prove. Perhaps it is Drew's testament to the early days of the band he fronts (Broken Social Scene), or possibly he is just showing that he still loves sonic anarchy… either way, the lion's share of his solo debut is neither bombastic nor a true solo project. In fact, many different Broken members participate on this CD, including the three most indie-famous members: Feist (who shines in "Aging Faces/Losing Places"), Metric's Emily Haines, and Stars co-frontwoman Amy Millan. One thing that the CD makes crystal clear is the type of music Drew has been influenced by: tracks like "Safety Bricks" and "Lucky Ones" could just have easily come out of the mouths and minds of '90s indie rock bands Sebadoh, Pavement, or Dinosaur Jr. (especially the latter group). Smartly, Drew doesn't just resemble his idols, he includes them on this disc: Dino frontman J Mascis contributes vocals and guitars to "Backed Out on the…," while Pavement guitarist Scott Kannberg contributes noodlings on "Lucky Ones." All in all, this charming offering is less dissonant and more mellow than Broken discs, making it a sonically consistent ride that could--and should--bring more fans into the Drew fold. --Denise Sheppard --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description

Spirit If... is the first in a series of "Broken Social Scene Presents" albums. This solo effort from Kevin Drew unfolds like an emotional comic book. Drew's songwriting addresses all his favourite topics: fucking, fighting, fearing and hope. Both Drew and Brendan Canning, the two co-founders of Broken Social Scene, decided to approach making records as solo projects. In the process, the social scene community participated, playing key supporting roles, returning to the creative process that was the initial spark for BSS and giving birth to this new series. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Drew breaks away from the social scene... (sorta), March 27, 2008

By 

David New "Dave" (University Park, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew Spirit If... (Audio CD)

Like most people who may stumble across this record, it occurred completely out of my love for Broken Social Scene and their two latest sonic masterpieces, "You Forgot It In People" and the self titled follow up. My expectations were not quite so high for this record, and seeing as how the whole BSS cast played here without it actually being a BSS release, I was unsure of what to expect.

If it is that quintessential BSS sound that you are thirsting for than you will find it on this record. Much like the supergroup's other work there is always an ecletic swell of voices and instruments, consistently anchored to that pounding backbeat that propels the music forward without rushing it. This record differs however in that there is not so much variance from song song. You will find Drew singing lead on every track, and for the most part an almost hushed and restrained feel prevails throughout the disc. The melodies are not as consistently strong as on the BSS records either.

This being said however, it is a very personal and poignant album lyrically, which is given weight by the hushed intimate feel. Some truly beautiful moments can be found on tracks like "Safety Bricks", "Broke Me Up", "Aging Faces/Losing Places", and "Bodhi Sappi Weekend". "Farewell to the Pressure Kids" kicks the record off with what proves to be the most bombastic two minutes of the record, and then ending with the same melody played in the calmer style. It is as if this track serves as a transition, introducing us to the mood of the rest of the album. J Macsis makes a fun appearrance on guitar in "Backed Out In The.." which any Dinosaur Jr. fans will probably get a kick out of. The disc ends with the folksy "When It Begins", which closes things off nicely as Drew jauntily sings "Its gonna be really hard when we get to the end, but don't forget what you've found.."

All in all, not the masterpeice that the last two BSS releases were, but a great album which will only sweeten with every listen.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars super good, April 16, 2008

By 

ox cereal "Boris" (texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew Spirit If... (Audio CD)

it just does so much right...
the abstract lyrics, the transition from track to track...

a euphoric plunge into my minds eye.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best records of the year, March 8, 2008

By 

Zachary S. Bussinger "exzachtly1" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew Spirit If... (Audio CD)

Broken Social Scene has been one of my favorite bands since I discovered them about 5 years ago. This album, even though it is technically one member of the band's solo effort, still represents everything I love about them.

If you like Broken Social Scene, buy this record. It's like having another album from the full band, especially since Drew incorporates a lot of them into many of the songs as guests.