The Suburbs Arcade Fire. 100 Posts!

Represent Canada!

For my 100th post I have the pleasure to review a classic album from Arcade Fire.
Arcade Fire is a band I wish I listen to more often. I have always heard them here and there but nothing compares to hearing them at ACL a few years ago. This album has won album of the year at the 2011 Grammy Awards, Best International Album at the 2011 BRIT Awards, Album of the Year at the 2011 Juno Awards, and the 2011 Polaris Music Prize for best Canadian album. Needless to say this record is one everyone should listen to. According to Wikipedia the album is inspired by Win and William Butler's upbringing in The Woodlands, Texas, a suburb of Houston. This is just another example of how awesome Texas is. It is hard to not be pulled into the emotion of the album with such lyrics as:

"But I would rather be alone
Than pretend to be alright. ...
If I was scared, I would
And if I was pure, you know I would
And if I was yours, but I'm not..."

"Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm movin' past the feeling
Sometimes I can't believe it
I'm movin' past the feeling and into the night
 So can you understand?
Why I want a daughter while I'm still young
I wanna hold her hand
And show her some beauty
 Before all this damage is done
 But if it's too much to ask, it's too much to ask
Then send me a son "

These lyrics come from the first couple of songs and are strong through out the album.

The vinyl is especially nice. The album sleeves have the handwritten lyrics on them and the album cover/inside is beautiful to look at. The whole production of this record inspired http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/ a Chrome project that pulls you even more into the spirit of the music. Give it try!

Come visit the Arcade Fire's Suburbs.

"I know we are the chosen few
But we waste it
And that's why we're still waiting
In line for a number but you don't understand
Like a modern man...
If it's alright
Then how come you can't sleep at night? "

How it was consumed: Vinyl

Rating: 9/10 On my favorites list.

Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons

It is hard to pass up a deal for a vinyl album when the cost of the music is a dollar per song. I have heard these songs constantly on the radio and have since always appreciated Mumford & Sons. I mean how can you compete against a banjo. I believe "The Cave" , the first single I heard from them, is amazing in everyday  It is the perfect break up song. Some people have their break up songs, Gotye , Tom Petty's "You Got Lucky", and so many others but the lyrics are so poetic. The chorus goes

"
But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck
 And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again
"

Just the last line is so refreshing, to know your name when it is called again.

I don't need to spend a lot of time selling you on this band. In fact I am sure you are probably tired of hearing them on the radio but if you haven't listen to this whole album... what are you waiting for?

How it was consumed: Amazon purchased vinyl on my Technics SL-Q300

Rating: 8/10 Great. A breath of fresh air if you haven't heard it before. 

Indian Wells Whiskey Barrel Amber

The packaging for this brew reminds one of beer from medieval times with wax sealing the top of the beer. Sadly this is a pain to open. I used an average knife, a wine opener, and 5 minutes to finally get rid of that wicked wax sealing.

I personally think you can't go wrong with an amber beer. At the very least you can enjoy the sweet taste of an amber beer. When you add the fact that it was aged in whiskey barrels you have a decent combo. Personally I was looking for Fort Worth's Winter Warmer but I still delighted in the taste of this whiskey beer.


How it was consumed: Via my German stein.

Rating: 7/10 Good. 

The Wild Hunt - The Tallest Man on Earth

The Tallest Man on Earth is Kristian Matsson a singer-songwriter from Dalarna, Sweden. With such great songs like The Wild Hunt and King of Spain starting each side of the vinyl it is hard not to like this album. His voice is a distinct as Bob Dylan and I would say there style is similar as well. This one man show will entertain you more than some 4 piece bands I have seen. You owe it to yourself the opportunity to listen to this almost folk music. It will stay with you like a scar but unlike some scars you will brag about this experience or at least be content with the time you spent with it.Sadly I received a scratchy record. It isn't terrible but I would say pops and hisses happen more than 30% of the record.

How it was consumed: Technics SL-Q300

Rating: 8/10 Great. 

Another Music Monday