What do you do when a good sliver of the almighty Internet lights up with news of a beloved band’s album release date? Go off and re-listen to all their albums of course. Possibly make a playlist that includes most of their released songs (top 35 anyone?). James Murphy, former frontman of LCD Soundsystem, is at the helm as producer of the “really f** epic” album. The result of where Arcade Fire will probably be on more best-of lists before the year is over. Here’s hoping the band’s newly inducted member vis-à-vis husband-and-wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, picks up the theremin by the time the band’s fifth studio album comes out. In the meantime, a compilation of Arcade Fire’s 10 finest (alphabetically) as we wait for October 29th:
“Crown of Love” [Funeral]
Having heard a cover prior to the actual song, both versions cemented a spot on the obligatory ballad playlist. The original is by far superior, obviously, and the concluding explosive burst is a classic throwback to Styx’s, “Come Sail Away.”
“Intervention” [Neon Bible]
The baroque pop influence that stood out so much on Arcade Fire’s debut, Funeral, culminates in “Intervention” with the greatest opening use of church organs. The not-so-subtle religious appraisal pervasive in the lyrics is another thing entirely, what you think of that is up to you.
“Neighborhood #2 (Laika)” [Funeral]
Fervent energy bursts from this second track off their debut LP, setting off the underlying tone throughout the album–a theme of wanting something more.
“Ocean of Noise” [Neon Bible]
As one of Arcade Fire’s most underrated songs, it’s also one of their best. Like many of their other tracks, it goes from gloom and doom (can a thunderstorm sound effect intro go any other way?) to a brass-filled crescendo of an ultimately positive outlook.
“Ready to Start” [The Suburbs]
With a pulsating melody and force, “Ready to Start” works just like the title says it does.
“Rebellion (Lies)” [Funeral]
Combine pounding piano keys and consistent percussion, an echoing violin string, along with an “Every time you close your eyes” chant, and you get a sleep-resisting anthem of huge proportions.
“Suburban War” [The Suburbs]
60’s sounding guitar chords open up the track only to propel towards a crushing climax, one that only Arcade Fire can pull off. Win Butler’s picturesque singing contrasts memorably with the desolate-themed lyrics.
“The Suburbs” [The Suburbs]
This opening track off the band’s third studio album captures Arcade Fire’s ongoing obsession for childhood nostalgia perfectly. Violent crashing rhythms are absent here, “The Suburbs” is a riding wave of a song with just the right amount of melodrama that stays with you.
“Wake Up” [Funeral]
The crazy tempo changes in this song match the pace of a child’s mind, a prevailing theme once again, with this track included. Plus, U2 approves.
“We Used to Wait” [The Suburbs]
The lyrics in “We Used to Wait” aren’t as quietly introspective when compared with some of the band’s other tracks, but isn’t any less resonant. The shifting tempos coupled with the singular piano key repetition get the song to stick with you long after it’s over.
What’s on your list?
**Bonus Track: Mr. Little Jean’s electrifying cover of “The Suburbs” has held a permanent spot on my “Top 25 Most Played” since 2011, with no plans of leaving anytime soon.
Playlist by Sandy Chung. Follow her on Twitter at @sndychng.
