I am angry at hype. ‘Cool’ people gobble up what is truly unique or original and then co-opt it, stripping it of its authenticity and rendering it common. Alas, this was my mentality going into the Arcade Fire show last evening (1/12), knowing that the band was responsible for one of my favorite new albums, and that the ‘indie’ world has already chistened them the saviors of 2005. Let the hipster buzz begin!
Then the show started, and from note one they transcended all the hype and other bullshit, and simply put, were extraordinary. They are a collective of musicians from Montreal (8 in all), all of whom are young (early 20’s), and each of whom plays a variety of instruments. For what it is worth, this is the best band I have seen live since Radiohead (or Wilco). They are young, rough, energetic and less refined by age, but absolutely brilliantѠtight, unique, melodic, nutty, and wild. Their set was powerful and inspiring. Its so uplifting to see the real thing, and I am thankful for the reminder as to what live music is capable of.
Posted by drr219 as indie at 12:14 PM PST
