So You Haven't Gotten the New Arcade Fire Album Yet...

What gives? Are you sick? Depressed? Have no ears? You're a shut-in? You're a lifelong cynic who refuses to believe the hype?

Maybe you just didn't know.

Arcade Fire's Neon Bible was released yesterday. There we go. Now you know that one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year is waiting patiently on the shelves of your favorite record store.

Our initial response to Neon Bible: It isn't "life-changing" like some drama student might lead you to believe. But it is great. It's timely, it's relevant, it's huge. And it is distinctly different from its predecessor, Funeral. As Pitchfork notes, where Funeral was largely about personal pain and suffering, Neon Bible aims its sights on our collective future in our unjust world and does so without sounding overly self-righteous.

So what are you waiting for? You don't like profoundly moving music? Too busy watching Scrubs re-runs? Already spent your money on Surveillance? Are you okay?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jack in Arts & Events on March 7, 2007 2:00 PM

Comments [rss]

Andy

I had never heard of them before last week. In answer to the questions, no, they are not a Seattle band. They apparently are mostly from Montreal, although at least one band member is from the USA. I would rate them as better than okay. They have a sound that is unique in today's music. I am sick to death of the omnipresent hip-hop and this band offers something quite different. Beyond that, what seems to be more unique about the band is that their concerts are a real experience, harkening back to the theatrical days of David Bowie. And I give them credit for seemingly having uninflated egos. I mean, heck, they are charging just $27 per ticket for their shows in Chicago and surely could have charged at least twice that. They are not the second coming of the Beatles or anything but they are a band that I think warrants attention.

erin

they're an okay band, but what's the big deal, are they from seattle or something?

mblind

It's really not a very good album..

Dianne

i absolutely love my copy of Neon Bible to pieces!!! i got the deluxe version yesterday and i never imagined myself to be so excited the whole day to finally be able to hear it. It is a beautifully crafted album that has a fluidity amongst the songs that make you want to just "veg" out one minute and then jump on your couch Tom Cruise style, the next. I didnt waste my time on a re-run of "scrubs" and im happy i did so...cuz now i have Neon Bible!!!! :)