Opinion
Canadian band demonstrates master talent with its album 'The Suburbs'
February 10, 2011
Yes, that’s right, Canada! Believe it or not, over the last decade or so Canada has been exporting a great deal of modern musicians who are really taking the music industry by storm (not to mention Rock N’ Roll great Neil Young years ago).
The Arcade Fire, one of the biggest groups in the indie music genre hails directly from our northern neighbor and sits atop the charts with nearly every new album release. That said, throughout their musical career The Arcade Fire has consistently put out solid album after solid album, and has seemingly been building on each prior album with every new release. Most recently, they released a monumental work of art with an album known as “The Suburbs.” Almost every great band or musician has that one album which makes them skyrocket to “headliner” status, and for The Arcade Fire this is it.
They say the sky is the limit, but despite a relatively short time on the scene, The Arcade Fire has reached and even surpassed it. The sheer amount of musical talent found within the group is mind boggling for any modern band, where most everyone in the band openly switches instruments throughout live shows, and surprisingly leaves nothing left to be desired, sounding absolutely stellar.
A band like this is capable of revitalizing the music industry and inspiring new talent, new listeners, and giving that “spark” of life needed lately within modern indie music. All it takes is just one listen to “The Suburbs” and I’m guessing you will find yourself speechless and blown away, left eager to hear more of the album.
As expected, as the album begins, it starts off rocking with what most certainly is a single in the “The Suburbs.” As the album progresses it just seems to get better song by song. Most albums aren’t capable of this, having only a few good songs worthy of listening to again and again. Yet it almost feels with “The Suburbs” you’re not doing it justice without listening to every track several times through.
Even with that said, I do have some favorite tracks on this album. As mentioned before, “The Suburbs” is quite a fun and lively way to start off an album. A few tracks later, “Modern Man” also helps to reel in the music listener, and offers quite a powerful track awaiting its own radio prowess. Finally, my absolute favorite track on the album is known as “Sprawll II (Mountains beyond Mountains),” which seems to me a great final statement on the album. This song should really help to clarify any remaining doubts within the listener about the album; or the band for that matter, and help to leave them completely satisfied.
Through and through, “The Suburbs” is truly a work of art and should be appealing to listeners’ of all musical tastes. Give it a listen and see what you think, I would bet you won’t be disappointed.
Ryen Kleiser is a laid back biology student at UW-River Falls. He is hoping to become a well-known marine biologist and teacher.