The Suburbs

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.

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.