New Arcade Fire

Arcade_Tryer · 23-01-2017 11:20pm #1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6jma9VQEls

When Arcade Fire start sounding like The Black Keys you know things are bad. The warning signs were there with Relfektor to be fair. New album coming out in a few months time.

Amazing band. Hopefully they can rediscover that something special which separated them from virtually every other band in the 00s

UrbanSprawl · 25-01-2017 2:28am

http://pitchfork.com/news/71018-arcade-fires-win-butler-discusses-new-song-in-new-interview-listen/?mbid=social_twitter

In a new interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1, Win Butler has discussed Arcade Fire’s recent return with the song “I Give You Power,” featuring Mavis Staples. “Mavis Staples is one of my favorite people on Earth and I’ve been fortunate enough to sing with her a couple times, and we just have a really beautiful relationship with her as a band,” Butler said. “We're just really honored to sing with her.”

Good for you Win ,we just wanna hear some indie anthems .luckily there are tons of other great bands around ...anyway I still have faith they might redeem themselves ..we shall see..

seachto7 · 25-01-2017 11:03am

UrbanSprawl wrote: »

http://pitchfork.com/news/71018-arcade-fires-win-butler-discusses-new-song-in-new-interview-listen/?mbid=social_twitter

Good for you Win ,we just wanna hear some indie anthems .luckily there are tons of other great bands around ...

The sense of entitlement. Jeez...

:D

Mickeroo · 25-01-2017 11:08am

I thought Reflektor was great....

Arcade_Tryer · 25-01-2017 1:51pm

Mickeroo wrote: »

I thought Reflektor was great....

I thought disc 2 was close to being great....possibly a more divisive album than the previous three?

UrbanSprawl · 25-01-2017 3:03pm

Mickeroo wrote: »

I thought Reflektor was great....

Being honest I didn't listen to it apart from the lead single which was dreadful..whats the standout track might give it play?

Arcade_Tryer · 25-01-2017 3:07pm

UrbanSprawl wrote: »

Being honest I didn't listen to it apart from the lead single which was dreadful..whats the standout track might give it play?

Probably 'We Exist'.

Though I think 'Afterlife' is the closest to an indie anthem.

Mickeroo · 25-01-2017 3:35pm

Afterlife would probably be my favourite. I listened to it more than I did Neon Bible, reckon Suburbs and Funeral were a step above though.

UrbanSprawl · 25-01-2017 8:25pm

Listened to the two tracks as recommended and they seem incredibly poor, afterlife being the best .Lyrically very basic refrains 'till we work it out' dont help matters but there is no complexity or richness in the music either.
They have deviated away from the winning formula that encompassed various string instruments and organs and god knows what else ..i mean take intervention for example one of their best tracks,lyrics are there,their distinctive sound is there,sounds menacing and you wanna know wtf is going on! So whats happened over the past few years that we go from the majesty of a songs like intervention to a throw away track like reflecktor or the above mentioned tracks? I do rate the suburbs highly as well,its just this reflecktor album that i find poor.

S.M.B. · 25-01-2017 9:23pm

I'm no massive fan of their newer stuff and have enjoyed each new album they release less than it's predecessor but I don't buy that 'Intervention is a more musically complex and richer song than something like We Exist' which you are suggesting above. Tonally they are completely different are very different. I think you could also make an argument that the latter is probably 'richer and more complex' out of the two. Very different to the 'sound and energy' that made them so unique when they broke out.

Calling these songs throwaway tracks after only one/a few listens is a bit harsh too.

UrbanSprawl · 25-01-2017 9:52pm

S.M.B. wrote: »

I'm no massive fan of their newer stuff and have enjoyed each new album they release less than it's predecessor but I don't buy that 'Intervention is a more musically complex and richer song than something like We Exist' which you are suggesting above. Tonally they are completely different are very different. I think you could also make an argument that the latter is probably 'richer and more complex' out of the two. Very different to the 'sound and energy' that made them so unique when they broke out.

Calling these songs throwaway tracks after only one/a few listens is a bit harsh too.

Points taken,but I don't have time to listen repeatedly to something I don't like after a listen,there is too much other music out there.I appreciate the band themselves want to break out and try different styles and more power to them but unless they 'get back on track' I wont be buying listening for free to it. Lets see what the lead single is like and take it from there..

S.M.B. · 25-01-2017 10:13pm

Fair enough, I can't imagine it's going to be a sudden u-turn though.

I'm interested to see this DVD that is released next week. I was at one of the Earls Court shows and thought it was one of the most underwhelming gigs I'd ever been to. Keen to see how it comes across on screen.

Flint Fredstone · 25-01-2017 10:17pm

Reflektor is a grower. I wasn't impressed with it at first, it actually took me many listens to really appreciate it but I still listen to it regularly now.

Hey Orpheus and Porno are the standout tracks for me.

Ormus · 27-01-2017 2:30pm

UrbanSprawl wrote: »

Points taken,but I don't have time to listen repeatedly to something I don't like after a listen,there is too much other music out there.I appreciate the band themselves want to break out and try different styles and more power to them but unless they 'get back on track' I wont be buying listening for free to it. Lets see what the lead single is like and take it from there..

It's totally up to yourself, but a lot of great music can't be fully appreciated on the first listen, and often the songs that are instantly catchy are also instantly forgettable. Also, the lead single from an album is usually the most commercial song, but not the best.

If you want Arcade Fire to keep making the same music as they did, you're asking for them to stop being creative musicians. Being creative is hit n miss, especially the longer a band exists, but it's better than doing the same thing over and over again. For me anyway.

fluke · 30-01-2017 3:44pm

For me Reflektor was the sound of a band that had lost the run of itself. Creating a double album was a mistake. Disc 1 is almost unlistenable yet disc 2 retains a pretty high standard.

I still revisit it from time to time but while it is good at times, it is derivative at other moments.

UrbanSprawl · 30-01-2017 9:21pm

Ormus wrote: »

It's totally up to yourself, but a lot of great music can't be fully appreciated on the first listen, and often the songs that are instantly catchy are also instantly forgettable. Also, the lead single from an album is usually the most commercial song, but not the best.

If you want Arcade Fire to keep making the same music as they did, you're asking for them to stop being creative musicians. Being creative is hit n miss, especially the longer a band exists, but it's better than doing the same thing over and over again. For me anyway.

I honestly don't think I have ever gone from ah that's total rubbish to oh its actually amazing on the tenth listen in relation to any music but I am not going to indulge this album with a first nor a second listen so I will never appreciate its greatness .I base my impression of the album on the few songs I heard that don't resonate with me and also various reviews of it that I read.
As for the song/Video in the OP I really don't like this one,luckily its not a lead single from any forthcoming album but as SMB said an abrupt u turn in style and themes is probably not on the cards.They may gain them more new fans that old fans they lose thus increasing their popularity time will tell.

fluke · 13-02-2017 10:56am

Dublin & Belfast confirmed

http://nialler9.com/arcade-fire-to-play-malahide-castle-gig/

ShaneU · 01-06-2017 8:59pm

Love this, two weeks til the Dublin gig. Album isn't released until the end of July.

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo · 02-06-2017 9:34am

UrbanSprawl wrote: »

I honestly don't think I have ever gone from ah that's total rubbish to oh its actually amazing on the tenth listen in relation to any music but I am not going to indulge this album with a first nor a second listen so I will never appreciate its greatness .I base my impression of the album on the few songs I heard that don't resonate with me and also various reviews of it that I read.
As for the song/Video in the OP I really don't like this one,luckily its not a lead single from any forthcoming album but as SMB said an abrupt u turn in style and themes is probably not on the cards.They may gain them more new fans that old fans they lose thus increasing their popularity time will tell.

Ah hear, this is a great song. If you can't appreciate the song that's on you. It stands up just fine in relation to their other music.

Looking forward to their new album.

UsedToWait · 02-06-2017 9:39am

ShaneU wrote: »

Love this, two weeks til the Dublin gig. Album isn't released until the end of July.

Creature comfort, the other song that's broke (albeit recorded on someone's phone) is a serious tune

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uLVRoIrTt0o

mosstin · 03-06-2017 3:56pm

ShaneU wrote: »

Love this, two weeks til the Dublin gig. Album isn't released until the end of July.

Really enjoyed that but here's the thing with Arcade Fire these days - does it have to be almost 6 minutes long? Three and a half minute version of that and it's bloody glorious.

UrbanSprawl · 05-06-2017 7:30pm

^Now that is a good tune Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo I will never like reflectkor ..or the mavis staples single ..I understand they experiment and thats grand but I appreciate lyrics and many of AF songs have great lyrics but sometimes they miss the mark..

I thought, I found a way to enter
It's just a reflektor (It's just a reflektor)
I thought, I found the connector

UsedToWait · 08-06-2017 11:00pm

Another new one that sounds like it's going to be great live - can't wait for Malahide!

lordgoat · 11-06-2017 1:25pm

The new U2.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed their shows at Primavera. They are a big stadium band now and that's the sound they are going for. Very enjoyable. Sprawl

Arcade_Tryer · 14-06-2017 5:36pm

UrbanSprawl wrote: »

^Now that is a good tune Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo I will never like reflectkor ..or the mavis staples single ..I understand they experiment and thats grand but I appreciate lyrics and many of AF songs have great lyrics but sometimes they miss the mark..

I thought, I found a way to enter
It's just a reflektor (It's just a reflektor)
I thought, I found the connector

Reflektor is pretty terrible. A lot of the praise for it comes from the fanaticism aspect of modern life, and the fact that the first three albums were all of a consistently high level, ground-breaking even. Kind of similar to Radiohead in that a lot of what they release is total rubbish, yet is hailed as amazing by their fans, and everyone else kind of just shrugs and says ok.

fluke · 15-06-2017 11:22am

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

Reflektor is pretty terrible. A lot of the praise for it comes from the fanaticism aspect of modern life, and the fact that the first three albums were all of a consistently high level, ground-breaking even. Kind of similar to Radiohead in that a lot of what they release is total rubbish, yet is hailed as amazing by their fans, and everyone else kind of just shrugs and says ok.

I think there's a good EP in there, or at least a 8/9 track album.

Two words that always make me shudder when a band I love is releasing new music - double album.

OhHiMark · 15-06-2017 5:34pm

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

Reflektor is pretty terrible. A lot of the praise for it comes from the fanaticism aspect of modern life, and the fact that the first three albums were all of a consistently high level, ground-breaking even. Kind of similar to Radiohead in that a lot of what they release is total rubbish, yet is hailed as amazing by their fans, and everyone else kind of just shrugs and says ok.

"Nobody understand music like I understand music."

Achasanai · 15-06-2017 5:45pm

The last few (maybe three) songs on the first side of Reflektor could easily have been left off and made a pretty good album. No reason for that to be a double album. It was as if they started with the idea of making a double album, and then made sure it would be. But I agree with what somebody said previously: every album is a case of diminishing returns (except I preferred The Suburbs to Neon Bible).

Arcade_Tryer · 15-06-2017 8:36pm

OhHiMark wrote: »

"Nobody understand music like I understand music."

"Nobody understands discussion forums".

fluke · 15-06-2017 11:17pm

Achasanai wrote: »

The last few (maybe three) songs on the first side of Reflektor could easily have been left off and made a pretty good album. No reason for that to be a double album. It was as if they started with the idea of making a double album, and then made sure it would be. But I agree with what somebody said previously: every album is a case of diminishing returns (except I preferred The Suburbs to Neon Bible).

I don't even thinkk lengthwise that it exceeds or is at 80 minutes.

Achasanai · 16-06-2017 7:35pm

fluke wrote: »

I don't even thinkk lengthwise that it exceeds or is at 80 minutes.

Just looked at Wiki, and it just about does. Of course this includes the hidden track at the end (not sure about the one at the beginning) which reminds me that these are more tracks that could've been cut.

10 track (single) album without the hidden cr*p and without Normal Person, You Already Know, and Joan of Arc would've been a pretty good album.

UrbanSprawl · 01-07-2017 11:43am

Latest from AF ..poor,very poor from an indie\alt point of view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dx4IAD1NLo

OhHiMark · 25-07-2017 3:50pm

This new album isn't doing much for me. The first half is pretty bad. It's improving a bit as it goes on, some decent songs but nothing that I'd say that I love.

OhHiMark · 25-07-2017 3:56pm

Actually I do like Put Your Money On Me. It seems to strangely veer into ABBA for a second or two a few times.

OhHiMark · 25-07-2017 4:04pm

You know, it does actually get a lot better as it goes on. I wonder if the first half of the album is a joke.

mosstin · 25-07-2017 5:59pm

OhHiMark wrote: »

You know, it does actually get a lot better as it goes on. I wonder if the first half of the album is a joke.

Shur you might let us all know what you think after a week, maybe?

OhHiMark · 25-07-2017 6:01pm

Who knows?

fluke · 28-07-2017 9:40am

To anyone that's listened to it in full - Is this better than Reflektor, and at least in the same ballpark as Funeral, Neon Bible and The Suburbs?

H8GHOTI · 28-07-2017 12:23pm

OhHiMark wrote: »

You know, it does actually get a lot better as it goes on. I wonder if the first half of the album is a joke.

I think first half is much better. Everything Now, Creature Comfort & Signs of Life are the best songs on the album.

H8GHOTI · 28-07-2017 12:35pm

fluke wrote: »

To anyone that's listened to it in full - Is this better than Reflektor, and at least in the same ballpark as Funeral, Neon Bible and The Suburbs?

It's different to Reflektor but sounds more like that than the previous albums. There is some ****e on Reflektor but I actually like 6 or 7 songs on it.
Don't know if I'd say this is better? Less filler for sure.

I'd say the 4 songs released in advance of the album are better than anything else on it.

deadybai · 28-07-2017 1:19pm

Really like the new album. Its definitely different and without doubt you can hear the daft punk vibes on it. Really like put your money on me

tok9 · 28-07-2017 1:21pm

I need to listen to it a few times but right now but of songs I'm only hearing now, I like "Put Your Money On Me" and "We Don't Deserve Love"

OhHiMark · 28-07-2017 1:48pm

H8GHOTI wrote: »

I think first half is much better. Everything Now, Creature Comfort & Signs of Life are the best songs on the album.

They're grand but Put Your Money On Me and We Don't Deserve Love are the best in my opinion. And Chemistry is by far the worst song they've ever done.

UsedToWait · 28-07-2017 1:55pm

OhHiMark wrote: »

They're grand but Put Your Money On Me and We Don't Deserve Love are the best in my opinion. And Chemistry is by far the worst song they've ever done.

I think every album has had a skippable song or two, but for some, that seems to sour their assessment of the album as a whole..

I'm reserving judgement till I get home and crank up the big speakers, but initial reactions, I'd put it on a par with Reflektor, which to me was on a par with their other albums, contrary to what seems to be the prevailing view.

If you didn't like Reflektor, I can't see you loving this.
Definite disco sheen from Bangalter, which James Murphy also provided in his inimitable way to Reflektor..

Battleflag · 28-07-2017 1:58pm

OhHiMark wrote: »

They're grand but Put Your Money On Me and We Don't Deserve Love are the best in my opinion. And Chemistry is by far the worst song they've ever done.

I'm in the same boat but I think it's because I overplayed the singles. Creature comfort is a decent tune. Signs of Life was awesome live but not a fan of the recorded version

OhHiMark · 28-07-2017 2:36pm

UsedToWait wrote: »

I think every album has had a skippable song or two, but for some, that seems to sour their assessment of the album as a whole..

I'm reserving judgement till I get home and crank up the big speakers, but initial reactions, I'd put it on a par with Reflektor, which to me was on a par with their other albums, contrary to what seems to be the prevailing view.

If you didn't like Reflektor, I can't see you loving this.
Definite disco sheen from Bangalter, which James Murphy also provided in his inimitable way to Reflektor..

Nah I agree. On a second listen I like it. Just the couple of dodgy songs towards the start gave me a bad impression on the first listen.

UsedToWait · 28-07-2017 3:59pm

OhHiMark wrote: »

Nah I agree. On a second listen I like it. Just the couple of dodgy songs towards the start gave me a bad impression on the first listen.

Neon Bible took me months, if not longer, to rise towards the top of my favourite AF albums..

I'm glad they have albums for every mood and occasion.
5 x Funeral would be boring, even though it's a glorious album..

UrbanSprawl · 28-07-2017 10:26pm

Scores on metacritic usually a pretty good indicator of popular bands albums and it shows its their lowest scoring album to date .
I had a listen to a couple tracks and infinite content was the only song I thought was interesting ,not for the lyrics but the music sounded a bit no cars go-ish .
They have made a massive mistake with this album I think and whilst there are some good moments it totally ruined by the addition of tracks like peter pan.chemistry and many others that I found silly to be honest with somewhat childish lyrics ..they are not innovating they think but bringing already established beats and sounds to their music and it sounds standard not adding anything to the music .Good God dam is another dirge.I seen someone comment they should get butch vig to produce their next album and thats not a bad idea ,,having said all that still a great band live and these songs might work live but not on this record for me..
Crtitics Score----User scores

69 Everything Now Jul 28, 2017 Primary Artist 5.6
80 Reflektor Oct 29, 2013 Primary Artist 8.7
87 The Suburbs Aug 3, 2010 Primary Artist 8.9
87 Neon Bible Mar 6, 2007 Primary Artist 8.7
90 Funeral Sep 14, 2004 Primary Artist 9.1

johnpatrick81 · 28-07-2017 10:53pm

I actually enjoyed my first two listens! Will give it a few weeks to see how it develops.

UsedToWait · 28-07-2017 11:33pm

I certainly don't think it will age well in their canon.
That's not to say I don't love it, same as I loved (and still do) , say Zooropa.

It seems to me an anti record company record, rushed to meet a target.
There are great songs on it though.

fluke · 29-07-2017 12:05am

UsedToWait wrote: »

I certainly don't think it will age well in their canon.
That's not to say I don't love it, same as I loved (and still do) , say Zooropa.

It seems to me an anti record company record, rushed to meet a target.
There are great songs on it though.

How many more albums do they have to release through Columbia?

New Arcade Fire

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