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[ShineALight]

I'm finishing up my first listen now, I'm on "Sprawl II" and at this point it's the only song I'd consider going back to.

I'm a little embarrassed but not surprised by the fact that I liked them so much as a teen, and it's for the same reasons I find them hard to listen to now. They're so earnest, so desperate in their pursuit of sincerity, they really are a parody of themselves.

The hyperbole is pretty amazing too, a lot of people really think that this is a capital 'M' masterpiece, and I just don't hear it. It's not even one of the best albums this year. Oh well, hope the rest of you find it more to your liking.

 

[CSampson]

This album is fucking amazing. Can't believe the hate, I'm so blown away right now.

 

[rhino4evr]

I'm finishing up my first listen now, I'm on "Sprawl II" and at this point it's the only song I'd consider going back to.

I'm a little embarrassed but not surprised by the fact that I liked them so much as a teen, and it's for the same reasons I find them hard to listen to now. They're so earnest, so desperate in their pursuit of sincerity, they really are a parody of themselves.

The hyperbole is pretty amazing too, a lot of people really think that this is a capital 'M' masterpiece, and I just don't hear it. It's not even one of the best albums this year. Oh well, hope the rest of you find it more to your liking.

Just curious..what albums this year are superior? I have no idea what being a "teen" has anything to do with how good this band is. I'm over 30 and find them to be plenty relevant...especially compared to most rock music that's out there.

Maybe your tastes in music have just changed?

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

I'm finishing up my first listen now, I'm on "Sprawl II" and at this point it's the only song I'd consider going back to.

I'm a little embarrassed but not surprised by the fact that I liked them so much as a teen, and it's for the same reasons I find them hard to listen to now. They're so earnest, so desperate in their pursuit of sincerity, they really are a parody of themselves.

The hyperbole is pretty amazing too, a lot of people really think that this is a capital 'M' masterpiece, and I just don't hear it. It's not even one of the best albums this year. Oh well, hope the rest of you find it more to your liking.

I'm curious, I mean I haven't listened to the album yet as I'm transferring it to my iPhone, but which albums would you consider AOTY material so far then?

Edit :lol beaten with a bloody stick

But I agree, I don't see how age has anything to do with appreciation for the music as I find the themes in their albums to be universally relatable.

 

[jstevenson]

I'm finishing up my first listen now, I'm on "Sprawl II" and at this point it's the only song I'd consider going back to.

I'm a little embarrassed but not surprised by the fact that I liked them so much as a teen, and it's for the same reasons I find them hard to listen to now. They're so earnest, so desperate in their pursuit of sincerity, they really are a parody of themselves.

The hyperbole is pretty amazing too, a lot of people really think that this is a capital 'M' masterpiece, and I just don't hear it. It's not even one of the best albums this year. Oh well, hope the rest of you find it more to your liking.

Teen? I think it speaks heavily to those folks around 30 who are grappling with the decay of their childhood and similarly, their pressing adult lives.

As far as sound/music - it's their most sophisticated effort yet.

 

[ShineALight]

Just curious..what albums this year are superior? I have no idea what being a "teen" has anything to do with how good this band is. I'm over 30 and find them to be plenty relevant...especially compared to most rock music that's out there.

Maybe your tastes in music have just changed?

I meant that the sort of earnestness they deal in appeals very much to teenagers. Not necessarily just the themes or lyrics (but you're deaf if you haven't noticed Win loves to talk about "the kids"), but the grandiosity and obvious self-importance of the music/band.

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade or derail negative thread, I just wanted to speak for the other side, based on my first listen.

Anyway, this year Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, The National, Future Islands, Gigi and Beach House, to name a few, put out what I consider to be all-around better albums. But I'm most excited for The Walkmen's next, which should leak soon.

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

I'm finishing up my first listen now, I'm on "Sprawl II" and at this point it's the only song I'd consider going back to.

I'm a little embarrassed but not surprised by the fact that I liked them so much as a teen, and it's for the same reasons I find them hard to listen to now. They're so earnest, so desperate in their pursuit of sincerity, they really are a parody of themselves.

Heh, you're really setting the bar high if Arcade Fire is your "I can't believe I listened to this band as a teen" band. I've got Offspring albums, man. OFFSPRING.

That said, when you get even older you may not require so much irony in your diet.

 

[ShineALight]

Heh, you're really setting the bar high if Arcade Fire is your "I can't believe I listened to this band as a teen" band. I've got Offspring albums, man. OFFSPRING.

That said, when you get even older you may not require so much irony in your diet.

None of the other bands I mentioned are particularly ironic, and irony is not a requirement I hold for anything, music or otherwise. The National, for example, tackle similar themes much more ably, because their frontman happens to be a more than competent lyricist.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Eh. I think it's highly subjective as music often is. I have High Violet and Teen Dream is my favorite album released so far, and the lyrics of either album aren't particularly stunning really. In fact, I'd argue that Teen Dream is way more earnest sounding than either AF album. I should mention that I'd take earnest over pretentious any day.

 

[ShineALight]

Eh. I think it's highly subjective as music often is. I have High Violet and Teen Dream is my favorite album released so far, and the lyrics of either album aren't particularly stunning really. In fact, I'd argue that Teen Dream is way more earnest sounding than either AF album.

High Violet is lyrically a notch below The National's other stuff, but there's still some nice lines there.

True that Teen Dream might fall into the realm of the over-earnest, but the music itself is so rich and well-crafted, it didn't bother me. More than anything, I listen to music for how it sounds and Teen Dream just sounds great. As a band Beach House is about the musical statement, whereas the Arcade Fire predicate themselves much more on the thematic statement, and they're not always up to the task of tackling the themes that they choose in a compelling or insightful way. Musically, The Arcade Fire has benefited from the involvement of Owen Pallett, who does all the string arrangements, and good production, but this album is probably their most boring yet.

 

[K.Sabot]

The concept of the album itself, is mundane; therefor, it's completely understandable that people can feel a little bored by this album.

 

[Nappuccino]

The concept of the album itself, is mundane; therefor, it's completely understandable that people can feel a little bored by this album.

Just because the concept is boring doesn't mean the album or music has to be. I don't think anyone sets out to make a boring album (except maybe Kenny G.)

But yeah... like some of the others I'm not really feeling this album at all.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

High Violet is lyrically a notch below The National's other stuff, but there's still some nice lines there.

True that Teen Dream might fall into the realm of the over-earnest, but the music itself is so rich and well-crafted, it didn't bother me. More than anything, I listen to music for how it sounds and Teen Dream just sounds great. As a band Beach House is about the musical statement, whereas the Arcade Fire predicate themselves much more on the thematic statement, and they're not always up to the task of tackling the themes that they choose in a compelling or insightful way. Musically, The Arcade Fire has benefited from the involvement of Owen Pallett, who does all the string arrangements, and good production, but this album is probably their most boring yet.

Agreed on all points concerning Teen Dream. And as for The Suburbs, it's early yet. To be honest, I was rather disappointed by Neon Bible on my first listen and subsequent listens because I, like others, kept comparing it to Funeral. It just sounded dull and drab compared to the immediate vibrancy of the former record. That's just how the hype machine rolls though. You just have to tune out all the hysterical praise that accompanies an album release sometimes, because then you've gone and built up a set of expectations that most of the time, can't be fulfilled. After several months of listening on and on, I realized that I actually ended up enjoying NB as a whole, more than Funeral. So yeah, just give it some time, it'll probably end up growing on you.

 

[CSampson]

Agreed on all points concerning Teen Dream. And as for The Suburbs, it's early yet. To be honest, I was rather disappointed by Neon Bible on my first listen and subsequent listens because I, like others, kept comparing it to Funeral. It just sounded dull and drab compared to the immediate vibrancy of the former record. That's just how the hype machine rolls though. You just have to tune out all the hysterical praise that accompanies an album release sometimes, because then you've gone and built up a set of expectations that most of the time, can't be fulfilled. After several months of listening on and on, I realized that I actually ended up enjoying NB as a whole, more than Funeral. So yeah, just give it some time, it'll probably end up growing on you.

I had the exact same experience. That's why I'm surprised that I enjoyed Suburbs as much as I have so far.

 

[KilgoreTrout]

Um, I didn't really like Neon Bible. Loved Funeral.
I'm loving this stuff. I'm surprised kinda, but not really. :lol

To be truthful, I haven't really listened to them a lot in 5 years though. I'm not sure if it was the disgust I had about myself in junior high(Funeral was my favorite record), or what, but I'm over it now.

Some of it I'm kinda saying, "This is Arcade Fire?"
It's a good thing though. Some die hard fans might not like the direction, but I do.

 

[Timber]

Lyrics aren't Win Butler's strong suit, but come on, it's not like Matt Berninger doesn't have his fair share of clunkers.

 

[Cohsae]

Really liking Modern Man. Still need to give the rest of the album a proper listen, but Modern Man really grabs me for some reason.

 

[rhino4evr]

Ehh the lyrics are fine..an I think this is a little above most teenagers. I don't find the theme to be boring whatsoever, for someone who grew up and lives in the suburbs their is a definte honesty to this album.

As for album Of the year talk...I find the new National album to be a disappointment..you think this album is boring? Personally I Love the new caribou album that sounds like a dance record to the casual listener, but is really an album about heartbreak and divorce.

To each his own I guess.

 

[GhaleonQ]

I'm finishing up my first listen now, I'm on "Sprawl II" and at this point it's the only song I'd consider going back to.

I'm a little embarrassed but not surprised by the fact that I liked them so much as a teen, and it's for the same reasons I find them hard to listen to now. They're so earnest, so desperate in their pursuit of sincerity, they really are a parody of themselves.

The hyperbole is pretty amazing too, a lot of people really think that this is a capital 'M' masterpiece, and I just don't hear it. It's not even one of the best albums this year. Oh well, hope the rest of you find it more to your liking.

Indeed. I'm officially just a fan of Funeral, now. That's not to say that (like some I know) I just need big, swelling, momentum-building songs. I just think it's far better composed than the following 2.

Are they under the assumption that people listen to the band for Butler's voice? I'm certain they're mistaken, as I think it's the weakest aspect of Arcade Fire. This features it prominently throughout. I thought Neon Bible was trite, and while this is much more thoughtful, it's not great. Butler's singing isn't evocative at all; he can only sing loudly, softly, and crack his voice. The dialed-down songs are much less thoughtful than the anthemic ones, which are quite good. Oh, well. I've struggled to like them ever since I read an interview with the lead singer that made him sound really, really stupid, but I'm pretty sure I'm lukewarm on their music as a separate matter. Funeral's still stellar, though.

But I'm most excited for The Walkmen's next, which should leak soon.

Can we be best buds?

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

Never understood the hate for Neon Bible; it was a complete step in the right direction for the band in terms of songwriting, composition, and maturity compared to the self-conscious and ultimately personal nature of Funeral (something I had time connecting with, honestly). Neon Bible was much more of an album I could identify with, and barring two songs on it, I thought it was fucking incredible.

The Suburbs is definitely a good album but I just can't help but feel like it dulls everything I admired about Neon Bible–sweeping compositions and movements, one-liners that spoke to my consciousness, and perfectly timed peaks in valleys. This album is way too long, too straight-forward, and features a muted example of the sweeping movements found in Neon Bible and Funeral. It's good, and I'll listen to it for a while, but it's being lost in a sea of really fucking incredible albums of this year (Titus Andronicus, Tallest Man On Earth, Teen Dream, Fang Island, Wild Nothing, Villagers, The Radio Dept., etc.)

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

Well shit, after a few more listens, the second half of the album is phenomenal. There's just those four or five tracks in the beginning that are a snore.

 

[Vicious]

Funny, I thought the album got kind of boring in the second half.

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

boooooo

 

[Vicious]

Well, I like the whole thing, really... but the highlights for me are more towards the beginning/middle. Modern Man, Half Light I and II, Suburban War...

I like the second half, but the section of Month of May through We Used to Wait is where it was starting to lose my attention. Finishes well, though.

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

Yeah it definitely finishes well. My problems with the album stem from Ready to Start, Modern Man, and Half Light to Suburban War. Ready to Start sounds exactly like Keep the Car Running, it bothers the shit out of me.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Well shit, after a few more listens, the second half of the album is phenomenal. There's just those four or five tracks in the beginning that are a snore.

Egg. Zackly. It's still early guys. For what it's worth, I found The Monitor to be overly long and rather relentless, and its mastering wasn't doing me any favors, but hey, give stuff a chance and it grows on you.

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

The Monitor could sound like it was recorded in a septic tank, it would still be fucking incredible *bows*.

 

[CSampson]

Album starts strong and ends strong, the middle is still good, just not as strong in my opinion. Still don't hate any of the songs though, I think this album is amazing. Kinda wish it wouldn't be compared to Funeral but that's just my opinion.

 

[Dartastic]

Yeah it definitely finishes well. My problems with the album stem from Ready to Start, Modern Man, and Half Light to Suburban War. Ready to Start sounds exactly like Keep the Car Running, it bothers the shit out of me.

Huh, that's funny. I've only listened to the first half, and I love ready to start and modern man. Rts in particular is fantastic. I love the lyrics. Love them.

 

[disappeared]

Did the album release this past tuesday or are we still talking about the leak?

 

[rhino4evr]

Did the album release this past tuesday or are we still talking about the leak?

Leak.

I've heard it a few times and I think it's their best album in some aspects..And their worst in other.

It's really really good though. I mean really good.

 

[disappeared]

Leak.

I've heard it a few times and I think it's their best album in some aspects..And their worst in other.

It's really really good though. I mean really good.

Phew. Don't scare me like that you guys! I thought I'd somehow missed the release and had my shoes on already to run out the door. :lol

 

[rhino4evr]

Phew. Don't scare me like that you guys! I thought I'd somehow missed the release and had my shoes on already to run out the door. :lol

In stores the first week of august..it's worth the purchase.

 

[CSampson]

Modern Man and Rococo are really rubbing me the right way. Plus I heard Rococo live at Bluesfest last week and it's even more amazing then I remember.

 

[sphagnum]

Modern Man is alright, but it never really seems to go anywhere. Same problem that Empty Room has, although they're two different types of song.

Deep Blue caught me off guard. The first time I listened to it I wasn't really paying attention, but now that I've sat down and gave it another shot it's one of my favorites on the album.

 

[KtSlime]

Modern Man and Rococo are really rubbing me the right way. Plus I heard Rococo live at Bluesfest last week and it's even more amazing then I remember.

I love rococo, talking about how everyone knows the word but not the meaning then they move into empty room with the the strings. And then the middle of the album is a genre sampling tour of music popular in different eras. Then it comes back to we used to wait, which I understand because I'm just old enough.

The middle is great, it just takes deeper reading. And I take back what I said about the album being more broken up. It isn't it is just much more refined in its themeing.

 

[ShineALight]

Can we be best buds?

Yeah! I kind of have a rule about just keeping out of Music-GAF threads but it's cool to have one person who seems to be on the same page.

 

[rhino4evr]

I can see why people that loved Neon Bible or even Funeral may dislike this album. It's definitely straightforward compared to their previous albums..but in my opinion it's a welcome change. Their previous stuff has always come off slightly pretentious to me. As much as I enjoy both of those records at times I feel they are over extending their musical agenda. The suburbs really feels like a more mature and confident record, they don't take as many chances, but the choices they've made are solid.

 

[DeathbyVolcano]

I can see why people that loved Neon Bible or even Funeral may dislike this album. It's definitely straightforward compared to their previous albums..but in my opinion it's a welcome change. Their previous stuff has always come off slightly pretentious to me. As much as I enjoy both of those records at times I feel they are over extending their musical agenda. The suburbs really feels like a more mature and confident record, they don't take as many chances, but the choices they've made are solid.

I can understand this. Maybe it's how I've aged, I don't know. I just know that Neon Bible fucking spoke to me when it came out, whereas I just see this album as a pleasant album to put in the background during a party or some homework. Nothing really more than that.

 

[rhino4evr]

I can understand this. Maybe it's how I've aged, I don't know. I just know that Neon Bible fucking spoke to me when it came out, whereas I just see this album as a pleasant album to put in the background during a party or some homework. Nothing really more than that.

Ehh this album speaks to me much more then Neon Bible did. Feeling trapped in your own living space is a feeling I have often. Let me give you too examples..

On the track The Suburbs he mentions wanting to have a Daughter to show her everything before it's all gone. Growing up in the same town I live in as an adult the city has completey changed..those memories are now only in my head..the buildings that housed those memories have been torn down years ago.,,and that's just in my neighborhood..Now I just had a daughter, she is 6 months old..and I often think that by the time she's old enough all of my memories will be just that. This is a reoccurring theme throughout the album..

Second...on City with no Children..I live in South Florida a area where there Are more elderly people then young..this song instantly connected with me.

So as you see..thi album speaks to me much more then Neon Bible, which was more about ye hypocrisy of religion and faith..something I feel has been done to death by many many artists.

It all depends on your own experiences..but personally I feel this as emotionally relevant at Funeral was, just not as forced. It's a beautiful record, and maybe their best.. Haven't decided yet.

I typed this on my iphone..sorry for all the errors.

 

[Nander]

They were amazing in Helsinki!

But I think I will wait until the proper release, I've already heard most of the songs on Youtube. And I want to listen to it on LP, like it's supposed to be listened to, once it's released.

 

[CSampson]

Listening to what they did with Sprawl 2, can't help but imagine a full album in this direction...Loving the variety, but of course, it's no surprise.

 

[Mt Heart Attack]

Villagers

I just googled this, and fuuuck, the guy looks just like Conor Oberst, and he's called Conor too*-* Must be a folk singer thing.

And yeah, about The Suburbs. I've listened to the first four songs so far and they're all great except Ready To Start.

 

[Presco]

Teen? I think it speaks heavily to those folks around 30 who are grappling with the decay of their childhood and similarly, their pressing adult lives.

As far as sound/music - it's their most sophisticated effort yet.

I really could not agree more. Listened to it for the first time today while driving and it brought back many memories of friends / places I lost contact with years ago. Being grown up is hard. I miss the suburbs.

 

[Lafiel]

On first listen, this is a pretty good album. Second half is absolutely amazing, the first half is decent, but some forgettable tracks bring it down for me. Think this album could be better, if it was shorter. Feels a bit to long for a arcade fire album IMO.

Favorite songs - Sprawl II, Half Light 2 (no celebration), We used to wait, Modern man.

Least favorite songs - The Suburbs, Ready to start, Month of may, plus maybe two more that I'm forgetting.

Might give it a another listen soon! but so far I'd rank this below neon bible and funeral. Even the best songs on this don't stand out as much to me, as the best songs of neon bible / funeral did, apart from sprawl II.

I'm finishing up my first listen now, I'm on "Sprawl II" and at this point it's the only song I'd consider going back to.

I'm a little embarrassed but not surprised by the fact that I liked them so much as a teen, and it's for the same reasons I find them hard to listen to now. They're so earnest, so desperate in their pursuit of sincerity, they really are a parody of themselves.

The hyperbole is pretty amazing too, a lot of people really think that this is a capital 'M' masterpiece, and I just don't hear it. It's not even one of the best albums this year. Oh well, hope the rest of you find it more to your liking.

Can sorta see where you are coming from. I used to really love arcade fire when i was younger around 4-5 years ago. Nowadays? - not as much. But they're still a enjoyable band, that always excite me whenever they have a new record out.

 

[rhino4evr]

I just had a very emotional drive through my old neighborhood while listening to this album...

all I can say is that the album has broken the barrier from music to personal experience and that is something that only happens once or twice in a decade for me.

I'm awestruck at the moment.

 

[Dies Iræ]

The amazing:

We Used to Wait
The Suburbs
Rococo

The great:

Ready to Start
Deep Blue
Month of May
Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

The good:

Half Light II (No Celebration)
Suburban War
The Suburbs (continued)

The passable:

Sprawl I (Flatland)
Empty Room
Half Light I

The filler:

Modern Man
City With No Children
Wasted Hours


In my view, this album would be much tighter if the "passable" and "filler" songs were simply removed altogether. Having said that, The Surburbs has as many kick ass songs as Arcade Fire's previous releases (around 10). It simply has some fat.

 

[rhino4evr]

Ehh...modern man and city with no children are both great songs.

Actually I like Wasted Hours too.

 

[Kikujiro]

Amazing album, to me there are no fillers, all the tracks just feel good together, more than Neon Bible.

 

[ili0926]

I think I'm going to restrain myself from listening to the leak, though I'm glad the reception has been largely positive. Actually got the chance to hear some of the new stuff at the secret shows in Toronto.

Here are a couple pictures:

Such a fun night. I got such chills when they played Tunnels...