Arcade Fire

Description

Originally self-released by Arcade Fire in 2003 long before the world had heard of "Funeral" or Canada, this self-titled EP shows the spark that led the Fire to international acclaim during the past year. "Us Kids Know" this EP is a must have, with upgraded packaging from the original and available for the first time in many stores, the fans who pushed scans of Funeral over 150,000 will be lining up to get this formerly hard-to-find gem!Arcade Fire fans are an enthusiastic bunch, and they ve been hungry for more music from their favorite group. But be forewarned, this EP was actually recorded and released by the band independently in 2003. The EP is an interesting view into the development of these musicians; decidedly less experienced at that point, the band didn t have quite as much oomph as they do now. When you compare these tracks with their first single, "Rebellion (Lies)" from Funeral, you can immediately feel a difference in confidence, from vocals on through to orchestration. That said, there is still plenty for fans to enjoy on this EP; for starters, none of these seven songs show up on their full-length, so that gives Fire fans an extra half hour of music to enjoy. Secondly, husband and wife team Win Butler and Régine Chassagne s vocals and songwriting still shine, most especially on the standout "No Cars Go" and the beautifully fragile "Headlights Look Like Diamonds." Funeral remains the best introduction to Arcade Fire, but this CD is still a great glimpse of a band with a bright future ahead. --Denise Sheppard