The way you can hold on to a memory for so long that you wonder whether you’ve invented more of it than you experienced, or if it even happened at all. Does it really even matter?
At it's core that’s what The Suburbs is all about. Remembering something the way you choose to - warts and all - with a fondness and sincerity. And coincidentally it also parallels my heartfelt reunion with Arcade Fire after a lengthy disagreement (granted Arcade Fire may have no notion we were fighting).
Let me back track.
After such a strong debut (Funeral), I thought 2007’s Neon Bible was the sort of pretentious art project that so many big bands seem to indulge in. It was bloated, and angry and devoid of fun. Had all the members been dancing around in French Revolution garb the douchery would have been too epic too even consider!
Moving along....Fast forward some 4 years later and Arcade Fire has not only proven they can return from that dark place but with the kind of gusto and class that has forced people to take notice.
From its ragtime-piano intro, The Suburbs unfurls the story of a summer spent wasting time as a teenager in the burbs. Learning to drive, going to the mall, listening to music, but at the same time dealing with notion that maybe you’re outgrowing all of it. As a kid raised in the 'burbs a lot of this feels and sounds as familiar as my own memories.
There’s an amazing story that may or may not be based in fact (Butler cited his days growing up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas), and according to Spike Jonze may or may not include some kind of pseudo-apocalyptic suburban war (Suburban War, City With No Children). But all of it aside, the album stands on its own - narrative or not.
There’s an embarrassment of riches to go through. Song after song of that uniquely crafted Arcade Fire sound, that ebbs and flows at just the right times - like the best mixtapes (when we made mixtapes).
There's a little punk (Month of May), a little folk (Wasted Hours), a little menace (Rococo). Something for everyone.
But more than just great writing, the band creates symphonies out of every song. Layering the usual collection of guitars, drums and keyboards and elevating them into a tower of immense sound, destroying the simple notion of quiet/loud dynamics.
They were ambitious sure, but hit the mark with integrity and without pandering, something a few other bands should take note of. Arcade Fire almost never come across as pretentious or overreaching (anymore), and rarely miss a beat. The few missteps are too minuscule to really mention.
Listening to this album for the first time it was evident that I would have to eat massive amounts of crow for all the pot-shots and smarmy remarks I’d made at their expense.
Luckily with time I’ve come around and can appreciate Arcade Fire for the very impressive musical talents they are and fondly remember all the great times we’ve had.
Standout Tracks: Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains), Suburban War, Ready To Start.
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