Seriously just discovered these guys (and gals) and damn...
Arcade Fire - Wake Up | Coachella 2011 | Part 13 of 16 | 1080p HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts7Hzs97TEc#ws)
Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies) | Rock en Seine 2007 | Part 15 of 16 | 720p HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7GjucHCQ5Y#ws)
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Euj9f3gdyM#ws)
They put on one of my Top 5 concerts back during their Neon Bible tour and their stop at Massey Hall in Toronto. Win got the entire crowd to come on down to the front of the stage and dance the night away, which is no easy task given Massey Hall's 3 levels and it's not the best place to traverse since the venue is very old and classy (National Historic Site). Arcade Fire are a Canadian treasure (with a couple of good Califonia-Texas boys).
One of the best bands in the world. Tremendous songwriters, highly talented, and on top of that Canadian.
Quote from: Northern Neighbour on Jan 05, 2013, 10:53 AM
One of the best bands in the world. Tremendous songwriters, highly talented, and on top of that Canadian.
Mostly Canadian, but Canadian based and recognized as a Canadian band.
Quote from: Jaimoe on Jan 05, 2013, 10:24 AM
They put on one of my Top 5 concerts back during their Neon Bible tour and their stop at Massey Hall in Toronto. Win got the entire crowd to come on down to the front of the stage and dance the night away, which is no easy task given Massey Hall's 3 levels and it's not the best place to traverse since the venue is very old and classy (National Historic Site). Arcade Fire are a Canadian treasure (with a couple of good Califonia-Texas boys).
That is super awesome.
This is one of the first gigs my oldest son went to when he was around a year old, just a month or two before Arcade Fire "broke". I was jealous when I realised who alienlanes had dragged him along to see, in the backpack carrier, in a small club downtown :undecided:
Quote from: Jaimoe on Jan 05, 2013, 12:10 PM
Quote from: Northern Neighbour on Jan 05, 2013, 10:53 AM
One of the best bands in the world. Tremendous songwriters, highly talented, and on top of that Canadian.
Mostly Canadian, but Canadian based and recognized as a Canadian band.
I realize that. While the Butler brothers have roots in Texas, they unabashedly promote themselves as a band from Montreal.
Quote from: Northern Neighbour on Jan 05, 2013, 11:18 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on Jan 05, 2013, 12:10 PM
Quote from: Northern Neighbour on Jan 05, 2013, 10:53 AM
One of the best bands in the world. Tremendous songwriters, highly talented, and on top of that Canadian.
Mostly Canadian, but Canadian based and recognized as a Canadian band.
I realize that. While the Butler brothers have roots in Texas, they unabashedly promote themselves as a band from Montreal.
If the band ever splits, we'll see if the Butlers stay in Quebec. They are proud of their homeland. That being said, you'd have a hard time finding a better place to live than Montreal, although the new Quebec Premier, Pauline Marois, is a fucking c and ends with a t and will chase away tens of thousands before her reign comes to an end.
Quote from: Jaimoe on Jan 06, 2013, 09:58 AM
Quote from: Northern Neighbour on Jan 05, 2013, 11:18 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on Jan 05, 2013, 12:10 PM
Quote from: Northern Neighbour on Jan 05, 2013, 10:53 AM
One of the best bands in the world. Tremendous songwriters, highly talented, and on top of that Canadian.
Mostly Canadian, but Canadian based and recognized as a Canadian band.
I realize that. While the Butler brothers have roots in Texas, they unabashedly promote themselves as a band from Montreal.
If the band ever splits, we'll see if the Butlers stay in Quebec. They are proud of their homeland. That being said, you'd have a hard time finding a better place to live than Montreal, although the new Quebec Premier, Pauline Marois, is a fucking c and ends with a t and will chase away tens of thousands before her reign comes to an end.
Both Butlers live in Montreal. Unless Win and Regine get divorced, I think the band will be around for a while. I think what helps keep the band going is that all of them have input in the songwriting process and there's tremendous flexibility for each to do other products.
Neon Bible has become my favorite album from AF. My two favorite songs from them are probably Antichrist Television Blues and My Body Is A Cage.
Arcade Fire - (Antichrist Television Blues) | Rock en Seine 2007 | Part 7 of 16 | 720p HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz9JrdR_BI0#ws)
Arcade Fire - My Body Is A Cage | Glastonbury 2007 | HQ | Part 7 of 9 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nfYnUpFYb4#ws)
The new album is going to be wonderful!
Cool tease of Afterlife:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0fmrt1JAops (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0fmrt1JAops)
Their single on SNL:
Arcade Fire - Reflektor (Live on SNL) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Ut5B1K-14#)
A few of the new songs on their album along with a few celebrities mixed in - Normal Person (the last song on the video) if probably my favorite from the album so far:
Arcade Fire - Here Comes the Night Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fFAKrIntzY#)
they just played 2 "secret" shows in brooklyn this weekend. played a few new songs. the ArcadeFireTube Twitter page has links to some youtube videos, i think: https://twitter.com/ArcadeFiretube
"Normal Person" sounded fantastic on the Colbert report
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/429830/october-21-2013/the-reflektors----normal-person- (http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/429830/october-21-2013/the-reflektors----normal-person-)
top 5 bands on the planet... cant wait to sink into their new album.
From their official youtube page if anyone's interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBjqUEMlHTY#t=29 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBjqUEMlHTY#t=29)
Went to see them last night at one of their "secret shows" down here in Miami.
They played a neat/small outdoor venue. it was really just the courtyard of the Little Haiti Cultural Center, and it probably didn't hold more than 2,000 folks, and that could even be overestimating it.
No opening act, just them. They played a very short set...about an hour and 15 minutes, and most of the stuff was off of their new album.
Would have been nice if they played longer, or a more varied set...but considering this was their first time in Miami, I guess beggars can't be choosers.
I've never been a huge fan of theirs...always found them kinda "soft," but they're definitely talented musicians who know how to put on a good show.
Quote from: Haldon on Oct 25, 2013, 08:30 AM
Went to see them last night at one of their "secret shows" down here in Miami.
They played a neat/small outdoor venue. it was really just the courtyard of the Little Haiti Cultural Center, and it probably didn't hold more than 2,000 folks, and that could even be overestimating it.
No opening act, just them. They played a very short set...about an hour and 15 minutes, and most of the stuff was off of their new album.
Would have been nice if they played longer, or a more varied set...but considering this was their first time in Miami, I guess beggars can't be choosers.
I've never been a huge fan of theirs...always found them kinda "soft," but they're definitely talented musicians who know how to put on a good show.
I'm afraid on their new tour they will only play 1hr 30min max. They always seem to play short sets, as most bands do. I hope I'm wrong though. These guys and gals could put on a 2 hour+ show easily. I'm personally hoping to hear more Neon Bible this time around and less Suburbs.
Love Suburbs, Neon Bible, Funeral. Can't wait for the new album! In the meantime, enjoy the Montreal ensemble performing a new song with one of their heroes:
"I Dreamed A Neil Young Song" (Live) - Arcade Fire - Mtn. View, Shoreline - October 26, 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WNxsLOXHDg#)
Got my vinyl copy of Reflektor in the mail today and listened to it twice already. It's really good. Seeing them on Halloween at the Palladium in Hollywood.
It's out today folks!
Arcade Fire - Afterlife (Live on SNL) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Vy7KpPF0s#)
Can't say I like the new album, and this is coming from a fan. It feels a bit like a school project; Win's got lots of lyrical reference points with nothing to say about them. I dunno, maybe he should just stick to writing about kids. :undecided:
I give a lot of credit to Murphy for his production though. I can't imagine that the band members were particularly adept with bongos and polyrhythms coming into this, and he makes it all very listenable.
Quote from: The DARK on Oct 29, 2013, 09:23 PM
Can't say I like the new album, and this is coming from a fan. It feels a bit like a school project; Win's got lots of lyrical reference points with nothing to say about them. I dunno, maybe he should just stick to writing about kids. :undecided:
I give a lot of credit to Murphy for his production though. I can't imagine that the band members were particularly adept with bongos and polyrhythms coming into this, and he makes it all very listenable.
I feel the album is very solid so far, but with all arcade fire music, it takes time to grow on you. The only thing I don't really dig is the overuse of synthesizers throughout. Occasional synth is fine, but I've never been a huge fan of it. Either way this album is better than suburbs for me, and some of these songs will be amazing live. I think they will be a must see if they come my way. The standouts for me right now are porno, awful sound, and Orpheus.
I agree with the above comment regarding Arcade Fire albums are growers. Suburbs didn't click with me until a month after I bought it, and boy, did it click. Maybe I was hesitant because I hate suburbia :smiley:
Loving Reflektor...but arcade fire has never really had to grow on me...and on "here comes the night time vol 1" there are a couple of times where Winn sounds just like Conor Oberst(if you wanna be righteous, if you wanna be righteous, get in line)...in a good way, but as we all know I've always loved Conor's multiple projects so I may be partial
Y'all got any disco ball back there?
They're playing a few dates as the Reflektors during November in the UK. I've got a ticket to see them on the 27th. When I saw them at a festival in 2007 the crowd was jammed with noisy teens with very sharp elbows. I shall be sheltering at the back for this one.
EDIT:
Oh God. I've just seen that "formal attire" or costume is mandatory.
I guess a man can dream:
Joan of Arc
Reflektor
Flashbulb Eyes
Power Out
The Suburbs
It's Never Over
Haiti
Rebellion
Windowsill
Keep the Car Running
Normal Person
Wake Up
Antichrist Television Blues
Awful Sound
Porno
Half Light I
Tunnels
Sprawl II
-----
Ready to Start
Afterlife
Supersymmetry
My Body Is a Cage
Quote from: MarkW on Nov 01, 2013, 05:52 AM
Oh God. I've just seen that "formal attire" or costume is mandatory.
They have been annoying the shit out of me lately.
Finally got the chance to sit down and digest this album -- and I really dig it! It starts off absolutely smokin' across the first two sides. I don't think there's a weak track anywhere on the first LP actually. And "Normal Person" might already be one of my favorite Arcade Fire songs ever. Goddamn, that chorus is BANGIN!
I'm going to need some more time with this one, but on my first and second listen through, I kinda lost interest on the second LP, "Porno" excepted. I enjoyed that one right off the bat. But other than that, I found my mind wandering, whereas on the first half, I was completely enthralled by all these awesome new songs. This is an album that's definitely worth my time though, and I'll very soon be listening again to gain further... reflections.
To me the side with here comes the night 2, awful sound, and It's never over is one if the best sides of a record ever made, and I have no idea why...just beautiful music I suppose...here comes the night 2 is ok but the other two I can't get enough of and are the main basis of my statement
Y'all got any disco ball back there?
Quote from: scosby2 on Nov 05, 2013, 09:55 PM
To me the side with here comes the night 2, awful sound, and It's never over is one if the best sides of a record ever made, and I have no idea why...just beautiful music I suppose...here comes the night 2 is ok but the other two I can't get enough of and are the main basis of my statement
Y'all got any disco ball back there?
I agree that last half of the album is by far the most solid run of songs on any Arcade Fire album to date imo. Here Comes the Night Time II serves its purpose. It isn't supposed to be a full fledged song, it is a reprise. But damn Awful Sound is the best song on the album and then it is followed by the other 4 best songs on the album. It's Never Over is awesome. Porno is fucking awesome. Afterlife is awesome. Supersymmetry is awesome.
Other favorites on the album are Flashbulb Eyes, and Joan of Arc. Normal Person is a favorite of mine live, but the studio version is way lacking compared to the live version.
Flashbulb Eyes reminds me of The Clash & The English Beat...that and Here Comes the Night Time I are definitely the standouts for me.
I'm really liking refelktor more and more with each listen. Not sure where I would rank compared to others but definitely growing on me.
Question : on my vinyl copy "we exists" is fourth song/ 1st song on side 2. However on digital download it's the 2nd song. Album sleeve confirms track listing is correct. Is this the same for others? What is the correct track list. I like consistency
My digital download is the same way...I re-arranged mine to match the vinyl...but that's just bc to me vinyl rules all musical formats and therefore cannot be wrong...👍
In no way is this official but that's just me
Y'all got any disco ball back there?
Awesome album! Really like Normal Person. Hoping for a US tour next year
US tour is announced... trying to get to philly... they won't sell out the wells fargo though.
I'm wondering how this presale works. I preordered the album solely to get presale access, and have been emailed presale codes for other shows, none for this current slate tho. Hope we get some information soon!
Sucky venue for Toronto. I'm glad I caught the Neon Bible tour at Massey Hall. Top 3 shows ever!
Any idea what the price range might be for this tour?
Also, I noticed it says the opener is the Reflektors. Am I to assume it will be Arcade Fire as the Reflektors playing new stuff, and then them coming back out to play older stuff? If this is the case, any guess at how long the show might be? It starts at 7:30, so I am guessing they should play for at least 2 hours. Maybe there will be an actual opener, or maybe we will be spoiled with a 3 hour Arcade Fire show with an intermission between The Reflektors and Arcade Fire.
I'm assuming 90-minute to 2-hour show, not including the opener. Intensity and action-packed it will be, and they'll be able to maintain the momentum throughout. I hoping for no set break (they thankfully aren't a jam band).
Quote from: Jaimoe on Nov 15, 2013, 09:16 PM
I'm assuming 90-minute to 2-hour show, not including the opener. Intensity and action-packed it will be, and they'll be able to maintain the momentum throughout. I hoping for no set break (they thankfully aren't a jam band).
I think they should definitely play 2 hours. I still scratch my head at bands this big that only play 1hr. 30min. sets. Like the Black Keys... I just think dropping $60-$100 per ticket justifies the 2 hour set.
Either way, I am super stoked.
Looks like the most expensive seats are going to be $70.50 after fees. I can definitely get on board with that. I was assuming they were going to be pricier than that.
I don't mind 90-minute show, as long as they deliver. Wall-to-wall good tunes beat long concerts with lulls anytime. I've been to far too many 2:30-3hr shows that have me looking at my watch 90-minutes in.
$70 for the best seats plus $30 for the nose bleeds... I'm in.
Quote from: Jaimoe on Nov 15, 2013, 10:28 PM
I don't mind 90-minute show, as long as they deliver. Wall-to-wall good tunes beat long concerts with lulls anytime. I've been to far too many 2:30-3hr shows that have me looking at my watch 90-minutes in.
They could keep the main set down to 14ish songs, and then tack on two separate encores. This would keep the momentum of the main set strong, while adding a few more songs on at the end.
Basically, I want them to play long enough, so I have a better chance at hearing something good from Neon Bible. :grin: Antichrist Television Blues would make me freak.
Picked up some floor seats during the presale today -- pumped!
Though those preorder presale codes were complete bogus. Kept on pulling awful upper bowl seats. Snagged the GA floors using REFLEKTOR as a code instead of my personal code though, so all is well in the ticket-buying universe.
I may be in the minority but I think this dress code is hilariously awesome. You bet yer ass I'll be coming in costume! I wish more acts encouraged their fans to wear ridiculous get-ups to their shows.
Quote from: oistheone on Nov 19, 2013, 06:13 PM
Picked up some floor seats during the presale today -- pumped!
Though those preorder presale codes were complete bogus. Kept on pulling awful upper bowl seats. Snagged the GA floors using REFLEKTOR as a code instead of my personal code though, so all is well in the ticket-buying universe.
I may be in the minority but I think this dress code is hilariously awesome. You bet yer ass I'll be coming in costume! I wish more acts encouraged their fans to wear ridiculous get-ups to their shows.
I'm stoked about the dress code as well. I can't seem to use REFLEKTOR as the presale. I am trying to get tickets for the Cleveland show, but it is going through VIP Nation instead of Ticketmaster, and it appears to only offer an American Express presale thing.
Quote from: EverythingChanges on Nov 16, 2013, 12:10 PM
Quote from: Jaimoe on Nov 15, 2013, 10:28 PM
I don't mind 90-minute show, as long as they deliver. Wall-to-wall good tunes beat long concerts with lulls anytime. I've been to far too many 2:30-3hr shows that have me looking at my watch 90-minutes in.
They could keep the main set down to 14ish songs, and then tack on two separate encores. This would keep the momentum of the main set strong, while adding a few more songs on at the end.
Basically, I want them to play long enough, so I have a better chance at hearing something good from Neon Bible. :grin: Antichrist Television Blues would make me freak.
I saw them on the Suburbs tour at a festival- they had a short 75 minutes but it was only like 2 or 3 songs shorter than their stadium set that year. So unless they're really committed to this stylistic shift, I wouldn't hope for much longer than 90-100 minutes.
Pumped, just snagged floor tickets for the Philly show, can't wait. Album of the year!
I just snagged presale floors (and two 300 level) for the AF's August 29th gig in Toronto at the Molson Amphitheatre! I will sell the 300s at face, but I'm in no hurry since this show will sell out, probably by the end of the day. They are already booked for two winter shows at the Air Canada Centre in the New Year, but I passed since I hate the venue and I'll be a dad around the same time.
I URGE YOU TO GO TO THIS SITE RIGHT NOW:
http://www.thecurrent.org/listen (http://www.thecurrent.org/listen)
The Minneapolis show is being streamed LIVE in pristine quality and this band is ON FIRE, the groove sound TOO good!
I want to turn it off to preserve some surprise for when I see 'em on Thursday, but I just can't. What a fucking awesome band.
I captured all of it in Apple Lossless and tracked it - I can share in a bit! Set was mixed up a little from Louisville
Holy fucking shit. Just got back from the Toronto show and accompanying after party. Jesus Christ, what a night!!! :cheesy: :cheesy: Two hours of Arcade Fire, then a nightcap in a tiny club with Owen Pallett, Phi Slamma Jamma and DJ Win Butler!!
Win was not talking to ANYONE while DJing and SOMEHOW my girlfriend convinced him to bust some Wu-Tang. YES! Best "Protect Ya Neck" EVER!!!
Phi Slamma Jamma and Win Butler busting out a cover of "Helter Skelter" at the after show may have been the best moment of my life.
Here's Phi Slamma Jamma doing "Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjT-tMau7w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjT-tMau7w)
And Arcade Fire (with "Rob Ford") playing "Normal Person":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F59hc5Zy30A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F59hc5Zy30A)
so i saw them last night. I wasn't originally gonna go cause of the prices but found a cheap floor ticket on craigslist for $50. Pretty awesome show. First opener was DJ Koala Bear (or something like that) was ok. Dan Deacon than came on. He was pretty awesome. We had dance contests and all :thumbsup: Arcade Fire came on around 8:50 or so and played for 2 hours. Nice variety of songs. Highlight for me was when the covered "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men :grin:'
set:
Reflektor
(instrumental outro tape)
My Body Is a Cage
(stripped down snippet; just ... more)
Reflektor
Flashbulb Eyes
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
Rebellion (Lies)
Joan of Arc
Rococo
(w/ Lady Gaga's "Do What U Want" snippet)
The Suburbs
The Suburbs (Continued)
Ready to Start
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
We Exist
No Cars Go
Haïti
Afterlife
(w/ New Order's "Temptation" snippet)
It's Never Over (Oh Orpheus)
(Régine on B-stage)
Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
('Damian Taylor Remix' intro)
Encore:
The Twist
(Chubby Checker song) (Fake band on B-stage)
Normal Person
Motownphilly
(Boyz II Men cover)
Here Comes the Night Time
Wake Up
Arcade Fire- Motownphilly@ Wells Fargo Center (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbtG0vWsDTs#ws)
some pics:
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1151001_10203633635380851_645256624_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1613935_10203633636220872_1448941387_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1011048_10203633636420877_711615209_n.jpg%5Bimg%5D%3Cbr%20/%3E%5Bimg%5Dhttps://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/l/t1.0-9/10003435_10203633647061143_1939266459_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/1911664_10203633648381176_1192008142_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/1926731_10203633649141195_851192523_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10007444_10203633649861213_1760635306_n.jpg)
How is the whole "mandatory costumes" working out? Just curious since I am seeing them in a couple of weeks.
Sweet pics! Takes me right back. Love me some confetti. And giant bobbleheads.
The dress code is far from mandatory. At the show I went to last week, I'd say 80% of people around me were dressed up or in costume, but I was on the floor, so I wouldn't be shocked if people in the bowl sections were less enthused about putting an outfit together. I dressed up and had a blast!
Dress up, it is a blast!
Also, the Cleveland show kicked serious ass! They opened with Normal Person and never let up!
Just saw Arcade Fire last night. They are not one of my favorites, but I liked them. Santa Barbara Bowl. Possibly the worst show I have ever paid to see. Opened up with about 17 people on stage and was a mass of indiscernible noise. Some of it was good, but does any rock band need 13 musicians, including 3 people playing keyboards at the same time? I had a musician friend who was in the pit front row, I was a few levels up. I told him it could have been all a backing tape and I could not have been able to tell. He said he agreed and he was right there. My love for MMJ, a band you can appreciate every member as they play, has just skyrocketed, and I did not think THAT was possible.
Quote from: rincon2 on Aug 05, 2014, 10:08 AM
Just saw Arcade Fire last night. They are not one of my favorites, but I liked them. Santa Barbara Bowl. Possibly the worst show I have ever paid to see. Opened up with about 17 people on stage and was a mass of indiscernible noise. Some of it was good, but does any rock band need 13 musicians, including 3 people playing keyboards at the same time? I had a musician friend who was in the pit front row, I was a few levels up. I told him it could have been all a backing tape and I could not have been able to tell. He said he agreed and he was right there. My love for MMJ, a band you can appreciate every member as they play, has just skyrocketed, and I did not think THAT was possible.
I've seen MMJ many times in concert and Arcade Fire just once, and Arcade Fire put on a better show (and MMJ are one of the best and most consistent live bands of the past 10-plus years and I'm a bigger fan of them than AF). That being said, I'm going again to see Arcade Fire in a few weeks in Toronto and I'm not expecting them to be better than their Neon Bible show, which ranks in my Top 5 all-time concerts. One reason is that the new album is busy and experimental, which is probably why the stage needs to be fleshed-out with many musicians, although they've always had a big lineup stretching back to their McGill University days.
As for backing tapes, they probably use some to capture the experimental aspect of the new album (many bands use loops and samples, even MMJ), but they are terrific live players even when scaled down.
First off, I hope you enjoy the show. I have a strong feeling it will be very different from your past experience seeing them. Second, I never said they used tapes, I said if they did I could not tell, because the whole show could have been. It sounded like the music inside a club, half trance/half disco, with little separation of instruments. A few songs were pretty good, but Reflektor, which I like, and even liked the video, was soulless backbeat with some vocals. If you like guitar rock, even though you see a few guys holding them, don't expect to hear them much. Without being sarcastic, I would like to hear your reaction from the show you go to, even if you think my opinion is completely BS.
(90 bucks for 100 minutes of AF. Wiltern 2012 100bucks for 7.5 hours of MMJ over 3 nights)
I really really wish I could get into this band, but I am surprised to hear that someone here thinks they're better than MMJ live. I guess I should see em?
Quote from: e_wind on Aug 06, 2014, 12:43 PM
I really really wish I could get into this band, but I am surprised to hear that someone here thinks they're better than MMJ live. I guess I should see em?
Wake Up is one of the best live songs ever IMO. I saw them earlier this year; definitely one of the best shows I have seen. I still think MMJ puts on the better show though. They are more unpredictable with setlist changes etc.
Yea I'll agree. When I saw them a few years back at MSG, it was an absolutely incredible show. I'm a fan though and have loved every album
I will admit the audio in the second song is a little messed up, but this was the anticipated highlight of the show. The big hit on the new album. I'm sorry, but this is like a SNL skit about a semi-talented bunch of narcissists. With a few exceptions, notably first two songs from the Suburbs, which was great, this was how the whole friggen show was. To compare this to MMJ on their own board baffles me hard. More like Thompson Twins 2014.
http://youtu.be/mPgIf7o9Fwc?t=5s (http://youtu.be/mPgIf7o9Fwc?t=5s)
Quote from: rincon2 on Aug 05, 2014, 06:09 PM
First off, I hope you enjoy the show. I have a strong feeling it will be very different from your past experience seeing them. Second, I never said they used tapes, I said if they did I could not tell, because the whole show could have been. It sounded like the music inside a club, half trance/half disco, with little separation of instruments. A few songs were pretty good, but Reflektor, which I like, and even liked the video, was soulless backbeat with some vocals. If you like guitar rock, even though you see a few guys holding them, don't expect to hear them much. Without being sarcastic, I would like to hear your reaction from the show you go to, even if you think my opinion is completely BS.
(90 bucks for 100 minutes of AF. Wiltern 2012 100bucks for 7.5 hours of MMJ over 3 nights)
Nope, I don't find your opinion BS. I'm mulling over writing a review of the concert, but I'll let you know what I think regardless.
Also, MMJ and AF are comparable only in that both write anthemic great songs and are topnotch live bands with charasmatic leaders. Their styles are quite a bit different, sonically and conceptually, but that's ok with me.
I had no time for this, but I threw together a bloggy review thingy anyway regarding Friday's show.
Arcade Fire @ Molson Amphitheatre Toronto, August 29, 2014
Arcade Fire put on a fairly fiery show at the Molson Amphitheatre on Friday night, the Montreal arty indie rock superstar's second Toronto concert in 2014 in support of their bestselling Reflektor LP. The atmosphere in the outdoor stadium was fun and the capacity crowd was loud and clearly ready to rock. It was not as electric as the last time I saw the ensemble at Toronto's legendary Massey Hall during the Neon Bible tour; however, it was as good as a rock show can get at the sometimes cavernous venue. Fans were on their feet for the entire 100-minute gig, singing along and dancing to anthem after anthem, with many dressed up for the occasion (band leader Win Butler challenged audiences on this tour to come to concerts in disco-themed costumes or formal attire; I wore a nice black mod suit and tie). Speaking of costumes, the thousands that chose to play dress-up certainly added to the overall concert experience. Perhaps by being included in the production, fans' collectively seemed to focus their eyes mostly toward the stage instead of the constant need to chatter and text, both annoyances plague far too many concerts nowaday. On an aside, although some did on this tour, I have no issues with the theatrical nature of the concert, including giant fake heads atop would-be band members miming two songs (one by Teenage Head), costumed crowd members, or the often overcrowded stage. The frenzied madness worked.
The flow of the set list was excellent, interwoven with old and new songs, all sounding more or less inspired (I must preface that the venue's sound-system didn't do anyone any favours: it was tinny for the first few songs, but evolved, thankfully, into more punchy by the night's fifth track, a memorable "Suburbs". I asked my friends about sound quality up on the lawns, and even there it wasn't great, which it usually is. My wife also thought Win and company looked a little drained during the set's beginning numbers including Funeral hit "Rebellion (Lies)" and Reflektor standout "Joan of Arc, but this was the group's second last gig of their long tour, so it can be expected. I didn't notice any fatigue anyway.
Although I love their folkier songs such as Régine Chassagne's Reflektor showcase "Empty Room", Arcade Fire's biggest weapon is unleashing uniquely powerful, swelling anthems fuelled by vocals, lyrics, and band synergy, more than relying on the tried-and-true power-chords, jams, and stage antics (they clearly have been influenced by David Bowie; for example, check out the rock legend's slow tension-build masterpiece "Heroes"). Even their choice of a local cover song was pretty darn anthemic: Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks' rockabilly version of "Who Do You Love". Their rendition sounded early 1960s authentic, which no doubt would put a smile on The Hawk's face. [Note: Arcade Fire have been doing a cover song by a local artist from every city they happen to be performing in, and Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks are Toronto area legends, even more Hawk's backup group since his Hawks went on to become The Band].
The final tune was the truly awesome and emotional Funeral epic "Wake Up", which had fans singing along before heading home - or continuing the party via the nearby Canadian National Exhibition Fairgrounds - riding on a high.
A funny personal footnote: Am I nuts in thinking Win's band mate and brother William looks like a weird cross between Win and 80s sitcom oddball JM J Bullock from Too Close For Comfort?