Albums of the 2000s – Neon Bible
I love The Arcade Fire. I really do. In this decade they have released two of the best albums that indie rock has had to offer. Their first was Funeral, released in 2005 in the UK. Despite its bleak themes it had a sense of urgency and energy that was refreshing to listen to. Many consider that their best album. I disagree. Whilst Funeral was a landmark moment this decade for indie, their 2007 follow up, Neon Bible, exceeded all expectations that I had and sounded bigger, bolder and better, whilst lyrically it was less introverted and more socially aware. It’s not an easy thing to say, especially when the margin between them is so little, but Neon Bible is their best work.
As I mentioned, the lyrics are more political and perhaps dreaming of an apocalyptic vision (“Mirror, mirror on the wall/show me where them bombs will fall” – Black Mirror) but they are just as good as anything on Funeral and showcases Win Butler to be a truly exciting songwriter. And then there’s the songs themselves. Keep The Car Running is a jaunty acoustic rock out, whilst Intervention is an incredibly powerful song. For old fans there was a treat in the form of a new version of No Cars Go, a song which originally featured on their self-titled EP. It’s a nod to the past that is truly epic and without a shadow of a doubt the best song they’ve ever put to tape.
There are just so many moments that make the heart melt. The string-laden finale of Ocean Of Noise, the explosive church organ as album closer My Body Is A Cage escalates further and further towards its climax, the choir singing in Windowsill, the quiet beauty of the title track…so many beautiful, awe-inspiring moments. I guess what I’m trying to say here is that there is no moment here that sounds disappointing, re-worked or tired. It’s all brilliant. There is no filler material on this album whatsoever. From Black Mirror all the way to My Body Is A Cage, and conveying a wide variety of emotions, this is their true magnum opus…so far.
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Posted on March 4th, 2009 by Max
Filed under: Albums, Albums Of The 2000s
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