I wish I went to such a school...

It's been already weeks (months?) the internet is buzzing around the new Arcade Fire album. Some songs were leaked one by one, sometimes successfully removed from blogs by the band, but obviously it was just temporary, and bloggers, despite how much they love the band, can't be trusted! So the big news today is that Neon Bible is leaked.

I dont know yet if I'm going to listen to it. I've already been a bit disappointed by much expected albums I found leaked weeks before the official date of release, so we'll see... I'll probably wait and start listening to it a few days before the offical relase date, because I want it to be fresh when I see them live in Brixton. But not right now. It's way too early.

Anyway, the other interesting thing I found about them is that Youtube video from Pitchfork. Arcade Fire plays this great song, Intervention, at Canterbury High School, Ottawa. But apart from the song, what struck me most is the end of the video, when the camera is filming kids running around in the room... Crazy... I wish I had such bands coming to my school! I mean, I just wish I had bands coming to my school!

Plus:
Arcade Fire live recording from the blog I guess I'm floating: Live @ St. Michael's, Montreal, 1/21/2007

I'm on top but you're tryin' to stop me now...

...This week's kicks...

The Sunshine Underground
'Put You In Your Place' from the album Raise the Alarm.
A massive dancefloor hit... My favourite track this week. As punchy as a Vodka-Red Bull...
=> Myspace, Official

Of Montreal
'Gronlandic Edit' from Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? and 'Du Og Meg' from Icons, Abstract Thee?
Well, I don't know if Kevin Barnes is a genius, but what he writes and composes definitely is.
'Gronlandic Edit' is from the last album Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? Basically about someone (Kevin Barnes himself? very likely..) who is depressed, confused and tries to find a way to get out of this messed-up state of mind. His sees the world and the people surrounding him in a very apathetic, blasé way. I guess he wishes things would mean and be valued what they're really worth. Is everyone faking?
A lot lighter than Gronalndic Edit and from the new EP "Icons, Abstract thee?", "Du Og Meg" has a more straightforward meaning (and composition as well). Once again, I don't know if it is autobiographic but it seems like it. But in that case, it would be him looking back in the past about his love story with a Norwegian girl. From what I know, they recently divorced and what resulted from it are the troubled lyrics of the new album.. Anyway, that song could have easily fitted in "Satanic Panic At The Attic".
=> Myspace, Official

Rock Plaza Central
Anthem for the already defeated, from Are We Not Horses?
It proves that you don't need more than two chords to write a great song. Chris Eaton's voice gives quite a startling intensity to the song, and I love the mandolin, the violin and this piano that makes you feel you are in a Western Saloon, in a kind of burlesque atmosphere...
=> Myspace, Official

Sean Lennon
Tomorrow, from Friendly Fire
I don't really know what to think of Sean Lennon. The fact that it is most of the time a bit too Beatles-esque (for me!) does not help his case. But I must definitely admit that there is a bunch of good, I mean, great songs in this album. 'Tomorrow' is one of my favourite. The chorus reminds me of the early 1960's Beatles, which is not bas at all though. But the jazzy feeling of the verses is delightful. This is light, sweet, cozy like these everlasting Gershwin standards. Like them, the lyrics are a bit naive but as I love them, flirting but never crossing the "cheesy-ness" line. Sean Lennon sings in an airy but charming way. A must-listen.
=> Myspace, Official

Easy All Stars
Let Down, from Radiodread
I remember reading about this album a few months ago, but it then escaped my mind. A few days ago, a DJ played 'Let Down' at a gig and I thought I should give it a go. The album is actually a complete Reggae and Dub rendition of Radiohead's OK Computer (wtih the benediction of the band!). In my opinion, the album isn't that great, but is still quite an impressive piece of work. However, although I like reggae music and its relatives (ska, dancehall,...), I am not too much into dub. So, I guess dub-lovers should appreciate it more. Anyway, there are some pretty good covers ('Paranoid Android'), the best probably being 'Let Down' by Toot & the Maytals.
=> Myspace, Official

Cold War Kids
'We used to vacation' and 'God Make Up Your Mind' from 'Robbers and Cowards'
I haven't had time to properly listen to the album but I love these two songs. I have actually first heard them on the Daytrotter session. You can also see them performing on the Inrocks website.
=> Myspace, Official

Jamie T
'Sheila' and 'Calm Down Dearest' from Panic Prevention
Jamie T sings with a strong London accent, sometimes a bit forced (?), but just for the sake of style! And it's pretty cool. Will probably remind you of the Streets...
=> Myspace, Official