#8 Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
So, I get the general feeling, both now and back in March that Arcade Fire’s second album, Neon Bible, wasn’t as “good” as their first, Funeral. Well, maybe I’m once again giving credence to the idea that deep down I know nothing about music….but count me among the few that actually like Neon Bible better than Funeral. Now, in the spirit of true honesty I will say that there’s no way I was saying this back in March after the album came out, but over the past few months, this is what I’ve come to believe. The thing about Arcade Fire (and I get a similar feeling with Radiohead) is that every song feels like an experience. Each is an epic all its own, often in my mind totally unrelated to the rest of the album. Now, this probably falls in the face of what most consider a ‘good album’, that being a cohesive group of songs sharing an overall general theme. And whereas Neon Bible may even have that I, personally, don’t get that feel when I listen to the album. What totally makes this album for me….and gives it Top Ten status as opposed to Honorable Mention or less, is the inclusion of the pipe. Evident on at least two (and not nearly enough) songs, not coincidentally my favorite songs on the album, it is the highlight of the album. It gives the album somewhat of a majestic, ‘larger-than-life’ image that not too many albums possess with me. It isn’t the only reason for my liking of the album, however, as each track is unto itself, a great song. But, I don’t listen to this album without coming away with a feeling of awe for the pipe organ. I love it. Plus, I suppose if it’s good enough for the Boss, then its good enough for me. Check out this Blair Witch-like footage.
Arcade Fire - My Body is a Cage
Arcade Fire - Intervention
RR
2 comments:
I think I'm commenting under the right section...but, I just wanted to say one or two things regarding Arcade Fire's Neon Bible:
I agree with Ryan on my reluctance to buy it at first. The reviews were sketchy and the avid Arcade Fire listeners were even sketchier. But, I was sold the first time I listened to it. "Black Mirror" is a great first song. It really hooks into you and gets you ready for the rest of the album. "Neon Bible"--the title track is one of my favorites. It's just one of those songs that are so simple, the lyrics are so poignant, and the beat is just classic. I like to go so far as to call this album the best of 2007. Yes, yes. Even better than Radiohead.
Wow, you're not kidding about the pipes. That is pretty impressive. I don't know if its really the kind of music I dig on, but I can appreciate the pipes.
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