Arcade Fire lived up to their reputation as a passionate, creative, and entertaining group of 7 musically gifted and versatile individuals (Win Butler, Regine Chassagne, Richard Reed Parry, Will Butler, Tim Kingsbury, Sarah Neufeld, and Jeremy Gara). There was also an 8th performer on stage, but admittedly, I'm not enough of an expert or insider to know who that was. All I know is that they were magnificent; and they were preceded by another great act: opening for them was Local Natives http://youtu.be/yfSZspQwuws.
For the main event, Arcade Fire started out with the endearingly punk sound of "Month of May" from the latest album, The Suburbs (not to mention the Spike Jonze/Arcade Fire short film). Check it out!
They then led into "Rebellion (Lies)" from 2004's Funeral album. Win Butler also integrated into their performance an announcement that they were actively raising money with donations and part of their tour proceeds going to help those in need, and devastatingly affected by the earthquake in Haiti. It's wonderful to know that not only does Arcade Fire bestow upon us some of the most beautiful, anthemic songs among our generation and tastes; but they also give hope to people in dire need of help and humanity in our world.
By the time the piano intro for "We Used to Wait" (The Suburbs, 2010) began, the crowd was hyped, smiling, and feeling the good Arcade Fire vibes. The band members were continuously displaying their versatility by changing their singing parts, positions and instruments throughout the set.
The band played over 12 songs before they psyched the crowd into thinking that "Wake Up" (Funeral, 2004) was their last song. After a short, dark break, they emerged for an encore of a couple more songs, including the hot-right-now hit, "Ready to Start" (The Suburbs, 2010).
If you've ever seen the video for Arcade Fire's latest anthem, "Ready to Start," you'll recall how the black and white, vaudeville theater setting of the video conjures up feelings of nostalgia and timelessness. Personally, it brings me back to many a memory that most of us can relate to: the gratifying feeling of seeing one of your favorite bands live in concert! Whether I was down near the stage or hovering in the back during Arcade Fire's set, I felt like I was in the "Ready to Start" video, having a great time; singing and dancing around like a happy child.
I wasn't able to attend Coachella this year (where they are headlining tonight, April 16, 2011), but I'm so glad I got to catch this marvelous act live in my own hometown of Las Vegas-- the city that glitters like Regine Chassagne's shirt the night they performed at The Joint! Hooray for Arcade Fire!!
~Meow~
Pennies
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