Arcade Fires Neon Bible is a fitting follow up to the brilliant and densly layered "funeral". Sadly, I lacked faith and had prepared myself to be disapointed, since so many second albums fall painfully short. At times slower, more spaceous and open, bouncing dreamily back and forth between a blend of the Bowie, Pixies, Cake and Bruce Springsteen. With mid-song tempo changes that remind me of the beatles "middle eight", this recording firmly builds the house for an artistic dynasty whose foundation was laid on "Funeral". From the opening strains of"Black Mirror to the immense organ of "My body is a cage" this record delights.
The deluxe edition features fold over case, plastic slipcase, cd booklet and two 32 page flip books. It seems to me that Arcade Fire feel the listening experience shouldn't be limited just to the listening and I agree. I enjoy special packaging. It makes simple listening an event, something more than just the music. Don't get me wrong, the music is more than capable of standing on its own, but I appreciate a chance at deeper immersion into the idea they are presenting. The inclusion of an updated "no cars go" from the 2003 ep was a pleasant suprise.
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