Guest Post: That Neon Glow...

Guest Post: More Brilliant than Neon

Alyson Saunders - Contributor

Think back to the last time you experienced perfection; an ice cold Heineken, a cloudless hot summer day, a fresh fall of snow on the eve of the first ski day of the season, a hidden $20 bill discovered in the bottom of a coat pocket. It’s obvious that perfection isn’t something that frequents most people’s lives, but when it visits, its unexpected appearance is even more pleasurable. Such is the case with the new album by Arcade Fire, "Neon Bible." Yes, there was an incredible amount of hype before this album was even released. But it goes well beyond the hype, introducing listeners to an entirely new and much needed sound, all the while throwing the disgraceful top 40 bands to the curb. Not only is the album perfect in itself, but the true perfection comes from the way this album emphasizes the lack of talent and creativity that exists in ninety percent of the bands today.

The title track of the album, “Black Mirror” tricks the listener into thinking that this song has set the overall tone of the album. While the track is one of the more darker songs on the album, all of the 11 songs flow smoothly from one to the other, blending a mix of upbeat rock with dark, melancholy notes. “Intervention” is a moving track, filled with deep organ chords, awakening the listener to a somewhat religious, euphoric melody where one is almost motivated (but not quite committed) to attend the upcoming Sunday service. Besides the unique harmonies that the band is so expertly capable of creating for each one of the songs on the album, the eloquent lyrics are really what wake up the listener, allowing you to embark on a profound journey, making you question your own thoughts each step of the way. Maybe Bush should consider quoting some of the band’s proverbs in his next speech and then at least we could be guaranteed a somewhat more intellectual dialogue.

Although the songs describe a variety of mixed tones, it’s clear that Win Butler is using this album as a forum for his discontent with worldly issues, particularly with the American government. In “Windowsill,” he blatantly expresses his opinion of the USA with his lyric, “... and I don’t want to live in America no more...” He goes even further with his comment when speaking of the state of music and its promotion with the lines, “MTV what have you done to me? Save my soul, set me free. Set me free, what have you done to me...” emphasizing the celebrity-obsessed and self-destructive culture in which we live.

Personally, I haven’t come across an album as solid and creative as this one in a very long time and it should be an essential component in any true music devotee’s collection. The band’s line from “Interventions” perfectly describes the instability that exists among us all - “Singing Halleluiah with the fear in your heart.” Not only does this album press the listener to face the exceptionally strong anxiety that exists in today’s society, but it pushes you further, forcing you to actually feel and experience it. More bands need to understand the essence behind Arcade Fire - their belief that music is meant to hurt, uplift, inspire ,and intrigue. And with “Neon Bible,” this exceptional Canadian band does it perfectly.