Arcade Fire was on SNL this weekend. I remember buying their first album in 2004. It was $6.99 at Circuit City. Remember those stores? I remember listening to Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) on repeat. It didn't sound like anything I had ever heard before. For some reason, it reminded me of Louis Lowry's book, The Giver (which still has never been adapted properly in a movie or mini-series). Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) was one of the first songs that I remember feeling like it had come from another place. As if some ancient truth was buried inside the chords and lyrics – more of a spirit than a song. Like the song, the band has a beautifully chaotic and unpolished sound to them. Even after 20 years, Grammy awards and fame, the band still has a sound that feels very authentic. It still feels like they believe in the music they are making.
As a new Dad, I about cried when Win Butler said, "Eddie, I love you" before performing Unconditional I (Lookout Kid) – see video above. They also played Lightning I, II.