Rebellion (Lies) by The Arcade Fire
November 19, 2004 | 
11 Comments
The Artist: The Arcade Fire
The Song: Rebellion (Lies)
The Album: Funeral
Released 2004
It started a few weeks back with Jason suggesting I give The Arcade Fire a look. I didn’t. Then my brother told me I needed to give them a listen. I didn’t get around to it. Finally Jason pretty much forced me to give them a listen.
I’m very glad he did. Now I’m telling ya’ll to check out The Arcade Fire. You can start with this week’s song “Rebellion (Lies)” from their latest album Funeral. It’s one of the best of 2004 and it’s well worth picking up.
“Rebellion (Lies)” is a true gem, one of the more accessible songs on the album yet very representative of what might be one of the most uniquely original albums of the year. It took me a few tries to really get into it, but with each listen it grew on me more and more. Don’t let your first tour through Funeral scare you off if you don’t quite “get it” right away.
You will.
It’s hard to describe The Arcade Fire’s sound. It’s a bit awkward and schizophrenic, but in a real appealing way. It’s folksy and poppy and epic and depressing all at the same time. At times it’s sort of “dancy” and fun and at others it’s slow and somber, but through it all it also kind of sounds the same. And I don’t mean that in a bad way.
If I were to try and compare them to other artists, I’d say they were kind of like Modest Mouse meets Echo & The Bunnymen.
I’ve heard many other comparisons, mostly to 80ish indie bands, and it’s somewhat true that their influences really shine through in their work. They do have a bit of a throwback feel, but it’s not as well pronounced as say Franz Ferdinand or The Stills.
Regardless, it’s great music and well worth giving a shot.
Recommended if you like: Echo & The Bunnymen, Modest Mouse, Built To Spill, Interpol, The Pixies
Filed under: Song of The Week
Comments
1. Charles G said:
You see, I actually did take Jason up on the offer of giving them a listen. At first I wasn’t so impressed but I decided to go ahead and buy the album off of itunes, throw it on my iPod and see where it takes me. This album has grown on me like a fungus, I can’t stop listening to it in the car. I’m so glad I gave it a chance. I also picked up Amore Del Tropico by Black Heart Procession while I was at it, and although it’s not in as heavy rotation as the Arcade Fire it was definitely worth it.
Posted on November 19, 2004 04:28 PM | #
2. flufftronix ! said:
I used “In the Back Seat” as the song of the week on my blog a little while ago! Arcade Fire are phenomenal.
Posted on November 23, 2004 08:07 AM | #
3. Azeem Azeez said:
They are an awesome band. I actually got to see em last sunday, when the performed here in Champaign, Illinois along with the Blackouts
Posted on November 24, 2004 11:58 AM | #
4. angiebang said:
Yeah- I saw them live for the first time last Wednesday in Milwaukee. They put on a great live show. Very entertaining. If you have the chance, see them live!
Posted on November 29, 2004 05:07 AM | #
5. Renaud D'André said:
A year ago, a friend of mine told me about this little concert at café la casa del popolo in Montreal. When I got there, It was full. But I waited outside and listened to the sound in the blistering cold of montreal. The music was so appeling and intense. That I bought the cd imediatly, its a limited edition of 500 copies its called “Us Kids Know”. It’s a little bit LO-Fier than funeral, but it gives joy and intensity to your life! All they do is amazing!
Give the arcade a fire
Posted on December 3, 2004 12:23 PM | #
6. Kris said:
Long time listener, first time caller. Saw Arcade Fire in Portland last night. I sure hope you have tix for the Seattle show tonight … make sure to drink exactly 2.5 beers (preferabley dark) before they go on.
Posted on December 11, 2004 02:30 PM | #
7. Paul Hayward said:
Arcade Fire fans: There are some photos of the Arcade Fire show at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on 12-8-04 on my website, www.paulhayward.com. I hope you enjoy them, and Happy New Year! Paul
Posted on January 4, 2005 05:41 PM | #
8. Matt Burris said:
Absolutely best album of 2004. Good choice of a song too.
Posted on January 6, 2005 06:48 PM | #
9. Beverly said:
i saw the arcade fire on monday night at the house of blues in new orleans. they were with final fantisy. he is just one guy and his violin. but he was awesome. the arcade fire’s performance was WOW! if you ever have a chance to see them, please DO! you will be amazed. it was so much fun! everyone danced! i so want to see them again. laika was my first favorite song, now it’s rebellion (lies) i love the way regine sings. she looks really cute when she sings too.
Posted on January 26, 2005 08:28 AM | #
10. Michael Rosenberg said:
Arcade Fire rocks, but they may have been short a few bucks for the recording. The guitar didn’t sound as smooth as it could have. It was a little bit squeeky specifically the cord shifting. For a first album it is excellent. Nobody expects somebody’s first album to be perfect, but the talent is definitely there. They have a unique sound but can clean it up a bit to take away the bad sound. It needs a little MSG.
Posted on June 27, 2005 03:42 PM | #
11. Lefteris said:
Great song, the best on the album I think.
Posted on August 29, 2005 07:03 AM | #
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