The scars were on the back


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Broken Social Scene – Sweetest Kill

As Joey Comeau laments, this world didn’t turn out anything how I imagined when I was a toddler. Almost completely the opposite.

On one hand, I never imagined I could support myself – make money, pay bills. Let’s look at some empirical evidence:

  • – Never in my life have I starved to death.
  • – Never in my life have I lived in my car for a period longer than a week.
  • – Never in my life have I sat on a street corner, cup in hand, begging for money.

On the other hand, young me never imagined happiness could be so elusive – that I might not accomplish all I set my mind to. Let’s look at some empirical evidence:

  • – Never in my life have I been in love.
  • – Never in my life have I been a senator of the United States of America.
  • – Never in my life have I been a professional soccer player.
  • – Never in my life have I been in a bar fight.
  • – Never in my life have I been able to come up with that profound last sentence I will whisper seconds before I die, something so full of badassery it sears itself into the memories of my loved ones forever, sometimes making them cry, sometimes making them laugh, sometimes making them laugh and cry all at the same time.

[Buy Forgiveness Rock Record with its slick production like a piece of hard candy on your tongue.]

11 Responses to “The scars were on the back”

  1. Oracolo says:

    Good song, partnered by a deep set of lines.

    I was puzzled by the fact you never participated in a bar fight though. Then again, you don’t go to many bars I imagine so it’s explainable. Also, forget about that final sentence. Stuff like that only happens in the cinema.

    As for the song, it sounded well but I didn’t like the pace. Went a bit slow for my liking. Makes me feel drunk, if you get what I mean.

  2. Joan says:

    I’ve never taken the time with Broken Social Scene. But this song took the time from me cathartically.

  3. Daniel says:

    Well, I feel like our conversation yesterday hinted at this written piece. Really wonderful, Zac. I’ve got my thieving hands on the record and will give it a spin.

  4. Zac says:

    FULL DISCLOSURE: I stole all these ideas from a conversation I had with Daniel the other day.

  5. Joan says:

    I find it hard to believe that you’ve never been in love.

  6. Zac says:

    And that’s why I love you.

  7. Oracolo says:

    Bromance makes the world go ’round.

  8. Sam says:

    I acquired the album a few days ago, but haven’t really given it a listen yet. Broken Social Scene have never really done it for me that much, apart from a few tracks but hopefully this album will do it. Nice article, Zac.

  9. Sam says:

    So I had a listen to the album, and I have to say it hasn’t changed my opinion of them. While I like them, they are just a bit boring. Nothing on this album is as good as the only song by them that I really like; Anthems for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl. Nonetheless, sound album I guess.

  10. Zach says:

    I’m guessing I’m the only one who has consistantly genuinely liked Broken Social Scene here? I haven’t obtained the newest album because for about the past six months I’ve just been slow with downloading music. From the sounds of this song, I’m looking forward to dipping my ears into Forgiveness Rock Album.

    The electronic effects on the vocals, for me, is inexplicably wonderful. It allows the song to keep the steady pace without being too boring. Quite the opposite actually, it’s beautiful and it’s beauty is powerful. Fantastic song.

    I suppose I must get that damned album then..

  11. Connie says:

    Their new album is a bit of a departure from their previous work but I still like it.

    I heard this song live back when it was simply titled “Untitled #2” and I had no idea he was saying “sweetest kill” so I was delighted that they decided to finally release a recorded version. There’s something about K Drew’s voice that keeps this song on repeat…

    “Sentimental X” and “Meet Me In The Basement” are a few of my favourites off their new record.

    Also, check out their upcoming movie This Movie Is Broken which is a love story based on BSS. It’s a homage to their hometown and includes promising concert footage!

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