this is an amazing idea!

i predict these tickets will sell out in less than 1 minute...

what could the capacity even be for this church?

This can't be. I'll be out of town. Fuck.

fucking amazing. i can't decide which one of five would be best to see.

re: Capacity

Excerpt from http://www.judson.org/start.html (a page on the church's Web site):

stART [see the Web page for more about stART] kicked off on April 3, 2003 with WAR CULTURE, featuring 26 artists from all disciplines and a standing-room-only crowd of over 400 people.

The picture from that event on the page shows a whole lot of seated people, though.

Someone leak the album!

Good luck getting tickets. The five Montreal shows sold out in under 10 minutes!

cant wait to hear the live pipes!
will be a religious experience for sure....

cant wait to hear the live pipes!
will be a religious experience for sure....

Wow! This is great news. Hopefully I'll be able to snag a pair though.

such a forgettable band.

"Someone leak the album!"

it was just finished this past week, so good luck with that.

sam is such a loser.

will butler is the fucking man.

Wow. This band sucks. You're playing a church? What's the matter, can't sell out Webster Hall like a real band?
I bet Jars of Clay are opening. Or Sufjan.
What pussies. Nobody should try to get tickets for this.

Yeah, Bill, you're right. You just convinced me and thousands of other fans with your priceless opinion.

'can't sell out Webster Hall like a real band?'

arcade fire could probably sell out Madison Square Garden

Listen, fans. Either Clipse is the new Arcade Fire (playing, and sure to sell out, Webster Hall January 24th) or The Knife is (sold out Webster Hall in November). Arcade Fire is the new Silver Jews (a band no one should care about and who has to cancel their Webster Hall dates due to lack of sales).
On January 4th, at around noon you should all have a leisurely lunch, or should be selling cocaine to purchase Clipse tickets.
My point is, this isn't 2004. Are you guys working on Kerry '08 campaigns too? Did you get your significant others Ugg boots for the holidays? I think not.

Stereogum commenters are the worst. commenters. ever.

GOT A QUESTION:

online only......ticketweb or ticketmaster? or something else that i dont know about? might get fired from work for shuffling off obligations to get tix. might only take me 3 min though if it sells out in that time!

ok hope someone answers me!!!!

the Joos are cancelling the show????

"online only......ticketweb or ticketmaster?"

This is Bowery Presents, so most likely Ticketweb, though all Ticketweb shows are also now on Ticketmaster I think.

Since I am running out the clock and there is a dearth of quality reading material today (I expected more from you, Men's Health!) I will be happy to field your queries.
A) Tickets will be available at tickets.com (though they are not listed yet) and will easily be available up until the day of show. Take your time buying them, you don't want to risk your job over The Bore-cade Fire.
B) Yes, sadly The Jews have cancelled their 12/30 date at Webster. Bowery Presents A LiveNation Production are thinking about getting someone more "blog-worthy" in the slot. Perhaps Fall Out Boy. They fucking rock the 'Hall. A worthy prelude to the annual New Years Eve Webster Blowout (tickets still available--for now).

are we all forgetting that arcade fire did sell out webster hall???

i rarely participate in the comment section, but bill - youre a fucking ass.

Yeah, two years ago. And still it wasn't long before they played Union Square's Subway entrance like a bunch of peasants. And now churches? Psst.
I'm only an ass if that is an acronym for A Secret Source. I'm an industry insider (we do frequent these blogs, you know) who is killing time before my flight later today. I know why they aren't playing Webster Hall--lack of demand, but welcome to the comments. I don't post much myself; usually too busy, you know, counting the dollars that ensure your pathetic eardrums are properly massaged (in a hip and fashionable way). You're welcome.

Anyone know when Neon Bible comes out??

1st off..playing in a venue that is not made for rock music is way cooler. Plus, the reason probally being the acoustics are better for the material they are playing.

Let's not forget, BJORK and David Bowie also playing churches in short run installments for NYC shows.

I agree with Bill that there is NO way they could sell out Webster Hall at this point. If you think they could, you're seriously fooling yourselves. They can't even play a real venue in Montreal -- the city where they are from, which most of you probably don't even know. And whoever said they could sell out MSG is insane. Not even Yo La Tengo could sell out MSG and they've been playing twenty years. Even RADIOHEAD barely sold out the theater and MSG. At this point, Arcade Fire probably couldn't sell out a weeknight show at Bowery. It's sad, but it's true.

Joe -- In case you haven't noticed, Bowie and Bjork are not exactly at the top of their careers...

What about some LA dates? Grrrr.

Radiohead barely sold out the Theatre at MSG?!!??!?!?!?! Are you an idiot?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Nothing else needs to be said.

Radiohead sold 2 MSG Theater shows in 30 seconds, and tickets were scalped for 3 times face, which was $65.

Arcade Fire sold out their shows in Montreal in a minute, which is how fast they'd sell out their NYC shows if it wasn't for the fact ticketweb will inevitably breakdown.

If you don't think Arcade Fire wouldn't sell out 3 nights at Webster or whole week at Bowery you are kidding yourself. They'd sell out the Theater @ MSG -- no doubt.

Judson is a historic venue. It's not just "a church." It is probably more important to modern art than MOMA. It is a fantastic idea to have some shows there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judson_Memorial_Church

ass - a secret source...gotta give it to you - you're good w the acronyms.

but an industry insider? come on man, who are you kidding? if you knew anything about the industry, it's all about small venues, these days. it's all about blowing it up on the charts, selling out larger venues, and then taking a step back to the smaller to keep the vibe/hype ridiculously strong. it's a win-win for everyone. 1. the music has different texture, 2. it gives the fans something to talk about/look forward to, 2a. it's a great marketing ploy, 3. and the band probably eats it up.

so u want to talk about the biz and venues, fine...youre wrong. beck, radiohead, bowie and the rest have all played theatres and churches, and they're quite an amazing experience.

you want to talk about music, fine - you're wrong - arcade fire is quality, my man. if you work in the industry, the real big biz music industry...tell your boss what you're telling everyone else on this site...i bet he'll take good care of you at the close of the year.

and rb - i hate to say it...but you too can go fck yourself, as well. radiohead having trouble selling out a venue? are you kidding me?

btw - im the same guy that called you an ass earlier. so, ass, no one cares what you're doing right now, where youre flying to, etc. and ass#2, rb, id be willing to bet my year-end bonus, two-fold of your 2006 gross income (u too, ass#1), that you're wrong and arcade fire will sell out their next 'larger' performance - whether it be hammerstein, webster, whatever dude. im not one to flash my wallet, but when someone says somethin like "im too busy counting dollars," it makes me want to throw up.

Being able to sell out a show in Montreal really has no bearing on whether or not they could sell out a show in New York. When Sleater-Kinney was playing their final few shows tickets for Webster Hall were selling for over $100 on newyork's craigslist. Meanwhile, through Seattle and Portland Craigslist I was able to get 4 tickets at face-value for their final show in their hometown. The New York metropolitan area is quite possibly the largest concert-going population in the world and often draws more of a crowd than band's hometowns. London is probably the only city that can be compared to NYC... and AF sold out five shows there as quickly as possible.

I saw Andrew Bird play a church last month. Dude whistled along with the two amplifiers for his violin... without a microphone. There's something to be said for acoustics and an intimate environment.

I am definitely impressed with how much money anonymous made. Props on the year-end bonus, too. You are a high-roller. And don't be modest about 'flashing your pocketbook.' There's nothing wrong with doing so, especially in this very appropriate forum. It's classy. End of story.

Also, for whoever said that Radiohead didn't barely sell out the Theatre at MSG, here is the definition of "barely":

"scarcely; by a slight margin; He had barely enough money to pay for the car."

So really, I was too generous: Radiohead did worse than "barely sell out MSG," since as far as I know, they didn't sell more than the alloted number of tickets.

Bill is the only person on this site with any sense.

wow, most of you with the negative comments really have no idea what you are talking about. after these "special" shows, that they are doing specifically to give their fans a chance to see them in an intimate setting, Arcade Fire will most likely play Hammerstein or the Theatre @ MSG and it will sell out.

Radiohead sold out those 2 nights at the Theatre @ MSG in seconds (i was at both) and always sell out the entire MSG in minutes.

ok, after reading through this once more...I have to ask...are you people idiots? or just make shit up and post it as fact?

Let me break this down for you...
Arcade Fire have a new record coming out. Before it comes out they are playing some intimate shows as a special treat for their fans, and a nice way to debut the new material. 5 shows in London, 5 in Canada, 5 in NYC. Ok, now after the record is out they will do what is called a full tour. This is when they will most likely play Hammerstein or the Theatre @ MSG, and it will sell out.(Possibly even 2 nights.)

As for Radiohead barely selling out the Theatre, well, that's just false...

"False. Adjective. 1. not true or correct; erroneous: a false statement."

They didn't barely sell out the Theatre @ MSG, they completely sold it out and in a matter of seconds. And they will do the same for the entire MSG when they come back to tour for their new album.

ps- get a clue.

Wow, this is insane. Thought I'd weigh in, since I've been going to NYC shows for 30 years (I'm not bragging...it's actually pathetic...). I think that Arcade Fire could definitely sell out the Bowery Ballroom, but probably for only one or two nights (if it was a weekend). Also, I was at the second Radiohead show at MSG, and the place was probably 2/3 full. Scalpers outside were selling them for $25 each...

"Barely" actually means doing something by a slight margin. If you can 'barely' pay for a TV, which costs $500, you might have $500.02. If you MSG holds 4,500 and it 'barely' sells out, that means they sold 4,502 tickets or something like that. They didn't sell more than 4,500 tickets. Saying 'barely' is actually TOO generous. Radiohead couldn't even barely sell out MSG. They're a great band, but that's a fact!

Jenn-
I'm sorry sweetheart but you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. I was at the second radiohead show at the theatre at MSG. The place was packed to the brim. People slept outside the venue for two days just for the opportunity to buy a ticket. There were no tickets being sold for $25 dollars. I don't know what you are trying to prove but you are making yourself sound like a fool.

radiohead's played msg many times, and has sold it every time.

that is a fact.

and the arcade fire can sell out hammerstein and roseland, probably within minutes. they're the most popular "indie" band out right now. how soon we all forget how high scalped tickets were for their central park show.

rb - you're right. poor taste to talk $$, as it usually is, and as i disclaimed. but the 'too busy counting dollars' bit just killed me.

I try not to get involved in these ridiculous arguments but as someone who also has the displeasure of working "in the industry," I have to say this:

Bill: you're a total prat who obviously knows absolutely nothing, which to me, proves you probably are working within the industry. Furthermore, anyone who would even use the phrase "industry insider" is total shite.

Since I am actually working today, I won't refute every ridiculous and attention begging comment you made. But, referring to the Silver Jews as a blog band is a silly claim since their most beloved records (by ya know, fans) came out long before the internet was popular.

Furthermore, just because the Silver Jews come from a similar 'scene' (in the broadest sense, the 'indie' scene) doesn't mean you can just compare them to any other 'indie' band. It should also be noted, Mr. Industry Insider, that the Silver Jews played two sold out shows at Webster Hall on two different tours, both for this record, which more realistically explains why tickets to that show might not have moved as quickly.

Your argument pretty much follows like this: Silver Jews show got cancelled. Thus Arcade Fire, who have no ties, similarities or association with the Silver Jews can't sell out Webster Hall. And then you name drop Fall Out Boy, predictably to get a rise. Although if you really do consider them a blog band, you must be browsing over to www.punknews.org or some other rudimentary sophomoric skate punk blog, and if that is the case, kudos to you.

And finally, to think that the anticipation for the Arcade Fire has wained or diluted is not only ridiculous but completely unsubtantiated. This is a band that toured with U2 and appeared on TV with David Bowie and whose last appearance in New York (roughly a year ago) was in central park. Also, that was their FOURTH appearance in NY since Funeral was released. Maybe you don't think touring with a band like U2 (who do, in fact suck, but are admittedly huge) doesn't help. But you'd be wrong there too. Your lack of knowledge shows that you are fucking daft, on your best day.

You can't voice your opinion, claim to be an industry insider and think that opinion is now factual. God knows where in the industry you work, although I am sure you will be sure to mention it in your irrelevant, uneducated and misguided post back to me.

This has got to be the most pathetic comment exchange I've seen in 2006. And I've seen some pretty bad ones. Arcade Fire quickly sold out Irving and Webster the last time they were here, before they even "blew up" - then later completely sold out Summerstage. They would easily sell out Hammerstein [their likely next venue, as pointed out by a few smart ones above].

Bill is trying to bring the hate - but clearly has his own motive, which is of course try to deter folks from getting online on Jan 5th so he can score tickets for all of the shows. Trust me.

Awwww, Thom. Poor baby.

: (

Those of you doubting AF's ability to sell out large theaters are delusional. Their album is has sold more copies than any other in Merge's history, topping Neutral Milk Hotel (bear in mind that NMH was before downloading making the feat even more impressive). As time passes this band has acquired more and more fans. You people should check your facts. The band sold out Webster and Irving in seconds two years ago. That wasn't due to buzz, anyone who's seen the band live knows that there is little argument that they are the best live band in the world right now. Seriously do any of you know anyone who hasn't heard of the Arcade Fire?

Hey,

Went to both Radiohead show. The first was PACKED and the second had a TON of space available. I personally thought the shows were great, but more than one person told me that they had tickets for both nights, and after being underwhelmed the first night, either ate their tickets or sold them outside. That explains why Jenn saw the scalpers trying to move them for $25.

Uh, Neutral Milk Hotel couldn't sell out the upstairs at the Middle East Club (200 capacity) on their final tour...

i agree with everything Thom and recent Anonymous bring - except the fact that this is the most pathetic comment exchange...i find it rather amusing, especially on a slow Friday before the holiday weekend. this is the last time i weigh in on this one. happy holidays all, and safe travels - even to you bill and rb.

if neutral milk hotel reunited, and was the only act playing coachella this year, the festival would still likely sell out.

I LIKE BANANAS!!!

BUT NOT ONLY TO EAT THEM... FOR I LIKE TO SAY AND TYPE THE WORD BANANAS AS WELL...

WHAT ABOUT YOU!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?

:):):)

Wow. Could it be any more obvious that Ryne and Thom are the same person? Pathetic.

So what if I post under two names. Sue me.

So obvious that it's not true?

Provocative!

I bet they are playing in a church because of the organ...

ever thought that some of these guys leaving comments are just "kidding" so that ones who are naive enough to believe them will actually not buy tickets when they are available?

that's how i read them. it's just way too far fetched for anyone who reads this fine blog to think otherwise.

Also, at least one member of the band is mormon. They would have liked to have held a show in a church of latter day saints, but felt that would have been too controversial. One of the band members was quoted as saying this is the next best thing.

Also, at least one member of the band is mormon. They would have liked to have held a show in a church of latter day saints, but felt that would have been too controversial. One of the band members was quoted as saying this is the next best thing.

Yes, it is hard to believe that someone could be that ignorant and still act like they have a clue, but seriously could these people think that spreading this disinformation could possibly have an effect on ticket availability?

who is arcade fire? are they good?

When is Radiohead playing MSG? Their website only has the Philly and DC 2007 dates on it...

what the hell are you talking about?

I agree with bill. Arcade Fire would have serious trouble selling tickets to Webster Hall.

*watches all the suckers in the room take the bait*

*ah HAH! caught another one!*

*too small, throws back in lake*

Can someone please tell me why people post comments just to show how clever they are? or how much hatred lives inside them. I live in Australia and i would give my right arm to see Arcade Fire play in a church in New York, for crying out loud. Of course they will sell out these shows in an instant and when they play bigger venues after the record is released they will sell those out too. Anyway since when does not selling out a show indicate a band's greatness. I have been to plenty of shows that aren't sold out and it isn't an indication of the quality of the show.

If the previous posts were a deliberate ruse, then I have severely overestimated the maturity of those who traffic this site.

I have to agree with one of the comments above. This is clearly the most ridiculous comment trail I've seen all year. So, while I rarely comment on this site, let me add to the ridiculousness.

Arcade Fire Neon Bible is going to be one of the most anticipated new releases of 2007, and not just by the Pitchfork reading indie kids. They've opened up to an even wider community, ever since "Cold Wind" was on the Six Feet Under soundtrack album. And now, "Rebellion (Lies)" is being used on Project (Red) ads. With all this going on their mainstream audience only will grow.

Oh, and let's not forget they've opened for U2 in arenas. And that most of the blogs that have buzzed about them before the first album came out in 2004 now have a daily readership in the 100's of thousands, all of which also happen to be NYC-based. And that means, by the current publishing dynamics, the mainstream mags will need to pick up the story (specifically RS and Spin--that is, if Spin lasts out the next six months). So you're now talking at least one magazine with a rate base in the 1.4 million range (US alone) hyping the band. That alone should tell you that the band has a potential for mainstream success.

I mean, let's look at other quote-unquote indie bands and think about this. Modest Mouse's last album sold over a million units. The YYY's had major MTV play, and went from Williamsburg hipsters to major stars. Even a shitty indie-band like OK Go! had been in the top five of album downloads on iTunes. You've even got the Decemberists on a major label now (and not only that but also the focus of the Colbert Report for an entire 1/2 hour). So love it or hate it, indie-rock is the new mainstream. And none of these bands has the live show, appeal or musical quality of Arcade Fire.

So, if you honestly think Arcade Fire can't sell out Webster Hall for three nights, a venue which has less capacity than Summerstage (another venue which, um, Arcade Fire sold out), or any other under 2000 seat venue in NYC, and even without the hype the new album is sure to get, then you're a bit out of touch.

In fact--and we can all see if this comes true a few years down the road--if this band doesn't become known as this generation's Nirvana/Radiohead/whatever, I would be surprised.

there are Vegans in Brooklyn? who knew??

I hope there actually is a fire at this show so all of you die horrible deaths

I saw RadioHead at CB's for 5 bucks....

i have extremely reliable info that arcade fire will be playing radio city in late spring... another great venue with a phenomenal organ.

I saw arcade fire at gabes oasis for $6.

i saw arcade fire at summertage with david bowie for $55 (incl fees)+ cab ride downtown after the show.

Yeah, The Arcade Fire played a sold out show at the 18,000 capacity Hollywood Bowl last year. Yes, it was a KCRW-supporter event, and they were really supporting David Byrne, but at least 1/3rd of them didn't stay around for him.

well said jackson, it would appear that people who post anonymously have nothing better to do then spout nonsense or hatred, or their attempts at humour are just incredibly juvenile. why bother?

"Anyone know when Neon Bible comes out??"

March or April.

"...they were really supporting David Byrne, but at least 1/3rd of them didn't stay around for him. "

How idiotic is that? I'm sure those posers had much better things to do than stick around for a legend...

radio city would be awesome. that's my favorite larger venue and perfect for them. i really hope that's true since i don't like my odds of getting tix for these shows.

radio city would be wack yo

Ahh the anonymity of the internet it's great isn't it. It gives people who have no credibility or accountability the spotlight on a messageboard. Here's the formula
1) Claim that your a vip (executive, someone working in the industry). How that makes you better than everyone else is beyond me.
2) Make a very controversial statement (arcade fire couldn't sell out playing in my bedroom, etc).
3) Now here's the important part, defend it religiously ignoring logic and common sense.
4) Sit back and watch the chaos ensue responding occasionally to defend your point.

The Arcade Fire's record will probably debut in the top 10...I'm not even a big Radiohead fan but in the last 7 years they pretty much sell out every show they play everywhere...
The Arcade Fire sold out Summerstage (5500 people) & I think they did it in about a week or so....no band gets LESS popular after a debut like A F's unless the record is awful & every critic hates it (which is doubtful) & even that would take awhile... Oh & by the way Neutral Milk Hotel sold out downstairs at Middle East their last our 500 ? capacity ? I was there & they sold out Bowery too..I think that was 1998..way before they really sold the bulk of their records You dont have to have accurate info to make comments but being in the ballpark would be good... That guy Bill hasnt even approached the exit to the ballpark....

i poop licorice.

The only reason they're playing all these church shows is obviously so they can have a venue to support the chruch organs for the new material. A pretty large instrument if you aren't aware.

Jackson, indie rock is NOT the new mainstream. People who read and post on this blog live in an insular world not entirely connected to reality. Don't take it as an insult - I live in that same world and wouldn't have it any other way.

Arcade Fire are an enormously popular INDIE band with a chance to get more exposure because of tours with U2 and other big acts, commercials, soundtracks, etc. However, they are not the type of band that will write a huge, mainstream, Top 5-type hit song. It's just not part of their DNA. Unfortunately, a hit song is what you need to be a mainstream success.

Let's face it, My Chemical Romance, The Fray and other ridiculously crappy "rock" bands are the new mainstream, along with pop, hip hop, Reggaeton, and James Blunt-ish singer/songwriters. The Arcade Fire will most likely be very succesful for an indie band - for which they should be applauded and supported - but not much more than that.

holy shit people get lives

"by the way Neutral Milk Hotel sold out downstairs at Middle East their last our 500 ? capacity"

and also, by the way, selling out a boston 500 venue is much more impressive than selling out a ny 500 venue. I was in boston on business last month and went to 3 boston shows which would have drawn 5-10 times the crowd in ny; radio 4 and bravery, which were playing a sold-out Webster show the following night, played to around 200 at the Roxy in beantown. Keep that in mind as well.

"Jackson, indie rock is NOT the new mainstream. People who read and post on this blog live in an insular world not entirely connected to reality. Don't take it as an insult - I live in that same world and wouldn't have it any other way."

Sorry Kevin, but Jackson is correct. Indie is the new mainstream see Chris Ott excellent article (http://shallowrewards.blogspot.com/2006/07/radiohead-2003-special-sampler-cd.html).

When you have songs being played on TV shows (The Stars, Mogwai, Pipettes), in commercials (The Go Team) and on the radio (Modest Mouse) then it's part of the mainstream. Personally I would not be suprised if Arcade Fire was played on the rock stations that are currently playing My Chemical Romance, etc. when their newest album is released.

"However, they are not the type of band that will write a huge, mainstream, Top 5-type hit song. It's just not part of their DNA. Unfortunately, a hit song is what you need to be a mainstream success."

Yes your right Nirvana wasn't a band that had it in their DNA to write a top 5 type hit song either. Teen Spirit sounds exactly like what was popular at the time, Poison, C& C Music Factory etc.

Joe - check the record sales. Indie rock is NOT the new mainstream by any stretch of the imagination. It occupies a vital and healthy segment of the music industry, but it doesn't sell in any meaningful way.

Having your songs played in TV shows and commercials doesn't equal mainstream success. Much better (and more indie) bands than the ones you listed have been in the background of TV shows for years, simply because the people who create those shows have good taste. It doesn't mean viewers who weren't paying attention to said bands previously are going to seek them out. It's just background music to those folks.

Also, you write: "Yes your right Nirvana wasn't a band that had it in their DNA to write a top 5 type hit song either. Teen Spirit sounds exactly like what was popular at the time, Poison, C& C Music Factory etc."

You're way off base there. Kurt Cobain ABSOLUTELY had it in his DNA to write hit songs, because he had incredible pop instincts. He proved it, too. And I hate to break it to you, but his pop instincts were a hell of a lot better than Win Butler's.

Also, Nirvana was a hard rock band, thus giving them a fighting chance at crossing over to capture the "mook" market who liked metal, which they most decidely DID. Arcade Fire are too soft and esoteric, and don't have the hooks to reach a wide, mainstream audience.

Kevin, I think you're making a valid point. It can be argued as to whether or not Indie is the new mainstream. And you also have a point when you suggest that the mainstream is currently bands such as My Chemical Romance. At the same time, MCR started on an indie-label, Eyeball, and I believe were actually at one-point managed by someone in the insular blog world, Ultragrrrl.

As for Nirvana, Kurt Cobain is indeed a pop writing genius. To me his singular genius in terms of the industry was not simply that they were a hard rock band, because at the time, the charts were not dominated by hard rock (I'll give you Metallica though on that one). What Kurt did was take the Pixies "indie" sound, smash it together with Sabbath and then write melodies that were much more influenced by the Beatles and the Beach Boys than hard rock (funny though that Ozzy has always said his favorite artist was Lennon). That aside the musical landscape was very different at that time, and A&R dictated the trends and reacted to the economy of the industry more than anything, and MTV was the force that broke the band. Things have indeed changed. And frankly, Kurt, from what I understand, hated the mainstream gloss put on the first album (Butch Vig, right?), which probably did help to draw in the "mook audience" that he derailed in so many song lyrics.

As for Arcade Fire being too esoteric, I'm not so sure if I agree. Most writing about the band references one of four acts, Talking Heads, Springsteen, Bowie or U2. None of these artists were esoteric. Well, let me take that back. All of them at one point were esoteric. The Heads were a weird bunch of RISD students who could hardly play their instruments when they first crept onto the CB's stage. Springsteen was discovered playing Asbury Park bars. Bowie had a number of small bands before he became Ziggy. And U2 started in small Irish towns. If you look at the music that was popular at each of these times, theirs was certainly in discourse with the past (Heads/Velvet Underground, Springsteen/Dylan, Bowie/Anthony Newley, U2/The Clash), but they did something totally new with it. And the time was ripe for it.

You see, and this again is just my opinion, there are cultural moments when the formerly esoteric, through the force of brilliant innovation, can break through and change the landscape. That's how culture works, at least according to the social science structuralists (and I'm down with them). I think Arcade Fire, at a cultural moment when distribution models are radically changing, and when people are experimenting with new genres, or hybrid genres (as I believe their music is), at a moment when people are iPod jacking on trains, and even Microsoft came out with (an albeit crappy) product all about social networking of music, we're poised for that moment. And personally, I think Arcade Fire is the band that will claim it as their own. They are in discourse with the past, and at the same time, they've got their eye on the future.

Actually, I think I might have too much time on my hands, considering the length of this post.

Kevin is spot on with Nirvana. What made Cobain special was amongst all that angst and dark chords were some classic pop melodies. Just listen to Blech and wait for the Beatles influences in the melodies to start rolling in.

DID I MENTION I LIKE BANANAS!?!?!

TRY FRYING THEM!!! IT'S GREAT!!!!

OH AND TRY STICKING THEM IN PEANUTBUTTER FOR A SURE GOOD TIME TO BE HAD BY ALL!!!

THESE TIPS R 4 FREE!!!!

TEH 1 TEH ONLYZ BERNARDZ!

fwiw, Bill, you're a fucking idiot

the band will be doing a proper US tour in May & June, which will include multiple nights in NYC at a pretty damn large venue.

Why has no one mentioned the Lynchian mystery surrounding the Neon Bible website!?!?! Call it people!

Or why has no one mentioned why the album is named after a so/so book (great considering it was written when the author was 16, just mediocre in the grand sceme of things)?

I only want to see un-talented bands that look and dress like they're English and have "classical overtones". Uh Oh, nailed these guys on the head I'm afraid. Next....

Dear Vegan,

I think you should ditch the comments section, as per the ridiculous exchanges above. It's pointless.

Fuck you, sewster. If you don't like the comments posted here or on any other of BV's items, just stop reading comments. Don't take them away from anyone who doesn't mind reading them.

Absolutely the worst fucking ticketing system. Even worse than Ticketweb in these situations. Death to tickets.com.

anyone get tickets?

FUCK ONLINE TICKETS. Fuck 'em. Refreshed since 8:50, to no avail.

FUCK ONLINE TICKETS. Fuck 'em. Refreshed since 8:50, to no avail. Also, FUCK virtual waiting rooms.

I got tickets and so did most of my friends. Not trying torub it in but IMO this was much easier than using ticketweb.

Dear "danfun"

I hope that I see you at one of the shows so I can personally beat the fucking shit out of you. Also, I would like to beat the shit out of your friends too.

Love,
DEATHTODANFUN

usually when someone makes a point of saying they're not trying to rub it in, they are trying to rub it in.

got tix for the 14th. woohoo! trying for another date too but looks like theyre all gone now. i like this ticket system. at least it didnt lie to me ticketweb style, like when you have tickets in your cart and put all your info in and then theyre gone.

tickets.com = reeeetarded

definitely the WORST. why werent they prepared? and the online virtual waiting room screwed everyone. why not have a queue system?! grrr. i actually got tickets but NONE of my friends did. aaaand they officially opened tickets at 8:57am based on time.gov. what losers. tickets.com can go to hell. boo.

I was also refreshing in multiple tabs on this bullshit ticketing system. Fuck tickets.com. Oh, and that's lovely for you danfun; NONE of my friends were able to get through either.

danfun,

I'm so happy for you and your friends.

sincerly,
sarcastic

ps. fuck you

http://www.arcadefire.com/yope.html
listen to black mirror in win's scrapbook!!!

I confess although I'm a musician and a music fan, I always wondered what the fuss was about Arcade Fire. Heck, this morning my co-worker categorized AF as "baroque pop." Christ, the descriptions and reviews for this band have become more interesting than the music itself.

Well, I was lucky enough to win the lottery for SNL tickets this past weekend. I was looking forward to witnessing in person the band's highly regarded live performances. I sat through AF's two live perfomances as well 3 additional songs they performed after the cameras went off. As much as I wanted to like them, I was not impressed. They had 5 songs to convert me and just didn't get it. In fact, I though the guitar destroying act in their first performance was a bit pretentious.

It's sad we've come to a point where self-proclaimed rock critics with no formal training in music or music criticism are the arbiters of what is great music. Just because one has a Comparative Lit degree from Brown doesn't make one a rock critic. I actually came across an article that reflects exactly how I feel. It's from 2005, but is nonetheless relevant.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/special/artcover070805.html

Let's get real folks, Arcade Fire has sold what 170,000 maybe 200,000 units over the last two years? A phenomenal feat for an indie band. But band like Nickelback has "quietly," meaning without any support from rock critics, sold over 3.7 million units. And it didn't happen over night. These guys sell a couple of tens of thousands of units ever week based on word-of-mouth, live shows and radio (terrestrial, satellite, Internet, etc).

I'm not a Nickelback fan either, but show me a middle ground where there's enjoyable music with some critical acclaim.

The most enjoyable live show I've seen hands down over the last few years is Ozomatli. Do yourself a favor and check out one of their reasonably priced shows. The make Arcade Fire look like a high school band.