The build up to the release of The Suburbs, Arcade Fire’s third and mightily anticipated album, was untrue. I seemed to be the only person who cared not for the title track that was released prior to the album. For this reason was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the album as much as I’d like. Furthering the apprehensive behaviour was when I found out about how the album would have 16 tracks. I kept thinking back to The Decemberists’ The Hazards Of Love, which failed...

Another killer album by one of the most forward thinking bands around, "The Suburbs" is a departure of sorts from Arcade Fire's past efforts.  No.  They have not lost their ability to craft intense moments of building catharsis.  No. Win Butler has not misplaced his wit and memorable melodic turns.  Everything about the band is familiar: the beating snares, the hand-claps and chants, the whizzing strings and haunting accordion; and yet there is a modesty to this...