 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Suburbs
- By Arcade Fire
- Genre: Indie Rock
Common Sense Media says
Indie-rock is all about being yourself; OK for older kids.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Suburbs is like a lot of albums by young indie rockers: it includes many somewhat cryptic lyrics about growing up and discovering your identity. While the messages here may be indirect, they are almost entirely free of adult content, lacking graphic language or adult references beyond a kiss or two. In the end, the record is a good option for older tweens and teens.
What's the story?
THE SUBURBS is the Grammy-nominated third album by indie darlings Arcade Fire. The collection of 16 songs holds true to the indie formula: not a ton of swearing, sex, substance use, or violence, but some melancholic and brooding messages about trying to figure out one's place in the world. Still, the CD deviates from the indie pack in its somewhat more hopeful, positive overall outlook. For instance, "They heard me singing and they told me to stop
/ Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
/ These days my life I feel it has no purpose
/ But late at night the feelings swim towards the surface
/ 'Cause on the surface the city lights shine
/ They're calling at me, 'Come and find your kind.'" This generally more optimistic overtone makes the album an acceptable choice for older tweens and teens.
Is it any good?
Musically, The Suburbs mirrors its lyrical approach -- lots of infectious guitar-based arrangements that sound at once haunting and upbeat ("Deep Blue" and "Empty Room" are good examples"). Husband and wife members Win Butler and Régine Chassagne share lead vocals to good effect, keeping the interest level high throughout the record's evolution.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about indie rock. What makes a song or record "indie"?
Is indie-rock cooler than mainstream pop? Why or why not?This album has been critically acclaimed; what makes it so special and worthy of accolades?
Talk about the messages these songs contain about
keeping it real. In "Rococo" the band sings, "Let's go
downtown and talk to the modern kids...using great big words that they
don't understand...they say 'rococo.'" How can a person stay down to
earth in a world where everyone is trying to impress each other?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Great song, sounds even better when you're watching the video, gives it the whole effect.
Just to let the reader know early on, I'm not just rating the "The Suburbs" I'm also rating the video for it that you can watch on YouTube. Nothing in the song is bad, but the video is a little violent at times. Teens around 15 or 16 shoot what look to me like paintball or pellet guns (I'm no gun expert so don't give me crap). A relationship between 2 of the teens is also shown at different points (nothing nasty), and different forms of law enforcement are shown searching people's homes and taking some people away. I believe this was meant to show an aspect of what it's like to live in a war zone. Great song, but the video may be a little iffy depending on how you view it.
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AGE
For any other indie band, this would be a "good" album. But this is Arcade Fire. Fortunately, there are some original ideas and positive messages still found on this album, and it is probably the safest cd for the young ones as far as this band. Win basically spends the album mourning the state of his tired, stereotyped suburban parent self (unfortunately, he doesn't do that great a job capturing the character, he is after all a rock star) and has keen observations about the fake idols of a life tied to getting by. The music is good and sometimes great (the far superior songs are Sprawl II, Empty Room, Suburban War, and both Half-Light songs) with a basic rock sound that shines brightest the more it wanders into other genres. However, if you're reading this, and you don't have a thing by the Arcade Fire, drop everything and get Funeral, perhaps the most beautiful album I personally have heard. Trust me, you won't regret your decision.
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AGE
Not their best, but still good.
Neon Bible is the best, but this one is still good. However, this one doesn't have the same power and intensity that made me like the band. The album doesn't really grab my attention as much, but it's still good music. Very lyrical.
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AGE
Great Album by an Amazing Band
First off, let me just say that The Arcade Fire is one of my favorite bands ever, and that if you're reading this review, then you're probably considering buying this album. If the answer to that statement is yes, then by all means, do yourself a favor and go get a copy. (As well as The Arcade Fire's other two CDs, which are also brilliant.) If you're not entirely sure, well, just know that the songs are beautifully lyrical and very unique. Also, The Suburbs won Best Album at the 2010 Grammy Awards. Sounds promising, right? You bet it is. There isn't any profanity or sexual references, but the reason I rated it on for 8 is because there some of the meanings of the songs might go over the heads of little kids or confuse them. But still, this is a must have for Arcade Fire fans, indie rockers, music lovers, or people who are tired of all the annoying, auto-tuned, bubblegum music that's been on the radio for the past few years.
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| Artist: | Arcade Fire |
| Release date: | August 3, 2010 |
| Label: | Merge Records |
| Genre: | Indie Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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