Soundgarden or Arcade Fire?

13

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  • chimpatchimpat Posts: 590
    For the Arcade Fire fans, here's some pics and a couple videos I took at MSG last week (including "Wake Up"):

    http://thetremagazine.blogspot.com/2010 ... -8410.html
    "This is about as perfect a crowd as you can get. I hate to placate, I ain't placating...." - EV, 9/29/96


  • boroff89boroff89 Posts: 786
    Wow. We must have didn't standards for what constitutes hitting a note. I just listened to Hunger Strike again, just to make sure. He didn't even hit the low notes. The high notes very absolutely painful. It sounded like a drunk at karaoke night. And I love Cornell. His voice, prior to chain smoking it away, was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. But if I had to choose between Cornell butchering Soundgarden songs or the best live band on the planet, I'd probably go with the best live band on the planet. The Billboard review said much the same.
    It makes much more sense to live in the present tense.
  • facepollutionfacepollution Posts: 6,834
    boroff89 wrote:
    Wow. We must have didn't standards for what constitutes hitting a note. I just listened to Hunger Strike again, just to make sure. He didn't even hit the low notes. The high notes very absolutely painful. It sounded like a drunk at karaoke night. And I love Cornell. His voice, prior to chain smoking it away, was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. But if I had to choose between Cornell butchering Soundgarden songs or the best live band on the planet, I'd probably go with the best live band on the planet. The Billboard review said much the same.

    The high notes in that performance are the same notes he's hitting on the record, whether that sounds painful to you is your issue I guess - also funny how everyone else was impressed by it. Just to check you are watching the video from La and not Santa Barbara, right?! As in this one:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXwvfObJxHA

    Did you watch the Beyond The Wheel video? Everyone was raving about that performance - his voice has come on a lot since he gave up smoking a few years back. I'm not saying that Chris Cornell is the best live singer around, but then neither is Win Butler, there was me thinking it was all about the passion a performer puts in to their performance.
  • Agree with facepollution. There's no denying Chris had some serious vocal issues with Audioslave and through a few shows of his Carry On tour (some of the AS shows were downright painful to watch)...but damn give him a break man, he's frigin 45 years old, USED to smoke like a chimney and did his fair share of drinking (both horribly bad for the pipes). Over the past 2 years he's really sounded incredible, especially this year.

    I honestly never thought I'd hear him belt out songs like Hunger Strike and Beyond the Wheel so strongly. Is it the same as when he was in his late 20s? Of course not, but it's damn close and quite impressive, IMO. Who can honestly sustain their voice for that long anyway, through natural aging there are bound to be changes. I'm far from an expert though, but just thought I'd chime in. Not trying to argue, dude, you're just the first person I've heard say that those performances were "horrid" haha. ;)
  • intodeepintodeep Posts: 7,240
    No disrespect to soundgarden... cause i love em

    but....
    If their show is better then the arcade fire show last night i better get on a plane because that is the best live band out there right now.

    I love me some live pearl jam, my morning jacket, and wilco but when Arcade Fire trot out the big guns (powerout, rebelion, wake up) it is a religious experience. Synergy at it's best.
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  • mwachsmanmwachsman Posts: 474
    I was at last nights show too. Agreed, absolutely amazing.
    "So, you must really love Led Zeppelin. That’s the oldest shirt I’ve ever seen on someone who wasn’t a bum."
    "Hey, if God didn’t want me to wear it so much, he wouldn’t have made them rock so hard."
  • mca47mca47 Posts: 13,303
    I have really tried to get into Arcade Fire. I respect them as great musicians, but I just cannot get into them no matter how hard I try.
    They were on the Daily Show last night, and I'm just thinking "What the hell is that?!?!"
  • Kilgore_TroutKilgore_Trout Posts: 7,334
    mca47 wrote:
    I have really tried to get into Arcade Fire. I respect them as great musicians, but I just cannot get into them no matter how hard I try.
    They were on the Daily Show last night, and I'm just thinking "What the hell is that?!?!"
    is it the hair? its the hair isnt it? :lol:

    i LOVE that the daily show did a 2 song set... regardless of how you felt about the songs themselves... they need to be given a full hour to work with so they can have music every night... fuck the late night shows and SNL... daily show is the future :D
    "Senza speme vivemo in disio"

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  • JaneNYJaneNY Posts: 4,438
    mca47 wrote:
    I have really tried to get into Arcade Fire. I respect them as great musicians, but I just cannot get into them no matter how hard I try.
    They were on the Daily Show last night, and I'm just thinking "What the hell is that?!?!"

    I decided to approach with open mind. I have posted before in this thread, but with all the buzz about The Suburbs, I picked it up off Amazon (deal - $7.99) and have given it several listens. I like it - it is good, and I will probably listen to it some more - they are clearly good at what they do, but after hearing it, I am still glad I chose Soundgarden last weekend. I just prefer that heavier sound.
    R.i.p. Rigoberto Alpizar.
    R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
    R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
  • mca47mca47 Posts: 13,303
    mca47 wrote:
    I have really tried to get into Arcade Fire. I respect them as great musicians, but I just cannot get into them no matter how hard I try.
    They were on the Daily Show last night, and I'm just thinking "What the hell is that?!?!"
    is it the hair? its the hair isnt it? :lol:

    :lol:

    To me, it's mostly been a terrible vocalist(s) with well below average lyrics. They do have good musicians, but c'mon...!
    I get the indie thing, but two drummers that can be played by one...really? Why?
    Springsteen has a huge ensemble...but these guys? Really?

    I'm trying, I really am.
    For those AF fans out there, where do you suggest I start (albums, etc)? I guess I've been going at this wrong...
  • boroff89boroff89 Posts: 786
    mca47 wrote:
    mca47 wrote:
    I have really tried to get into Arcade Fire. I respect them as great musicians, but I just cannot get into them no matter how hard I try.
    They were on the Daily Show last night, and I'm just thinking "What the hell is that?!?!"
    is it the hair? its the hair isnt it? :lol:

    :lol:

    To me, it's mostly been a terrible vocalist(s) with well below average lyrics. They do have good musicians, but c'mon...!
    I get the indie thing, but two drummers that can be played by one...really? Why?
    Springsteen has a huge ensemble...but these guys? Really?

    I'm trying, I really am.
    For those AF fans out there, where do you suggest I start (albums, etc)? I guess I've been going at this wrong...

    Wow. I am a lyrics guy, and I think Arcade Fire has some of the best lyrics I've ever heard. The two drummers bit is just on some of the new songs. Normally, Regine is playing other instruments.

    As for where to start, they only have three albums. Neon Bible remains my favorite, but I know I am in the minority on that. It is probably the most easily accessible. . .
    It makes much more sense to live in the present tense.
  • rriversrrivers Posts: 3,698
    Not one ounce of me understands the love that Arcade Fire receives. I simply do not find their music appealing at all.

    So, that considered, Soundgarden for me is a no brainer.

    Thank you! I was waiting for someone to say this! I like "Intervention" but the other songs I've heard have bored me.

    My vote would be Soundgarden as well.
    "We're fixed good, lamp-wise."
  • rriversrrivers Posts: 3,698
    JimNastics wrote:
    Just watched some Arcade Fire videos to find out what I've been missing out on all this time. Turns out I've been missing out on some mediocre indie rock...

    Ha! That's what I think too.
    "We're fixed good, lamp-wise."
  • PJStatTrackerPJStatTracker Posts: 2,400
    mca47 wrote:
    For those AF fans out there, where do you suggest I start (albums, etc)? I guess I've been going at this wrong...

    start with their first album, Funeral. It might be my pick for best debut album of any band (no offense, Ten).

    I haven't seen the Daily Show performance, but I'm always hesitant to judge any band based on those kinds of performances. I almost always think PJ comes across as boring now on SNL, etc. and we all know how much they kill it at their shows.

    There is a ton of hype with AF, but, at the end of the day, if you don't like it much that's all there is to it. I haven't heard many people say they dislike them, but I've heard plenty say "meh."
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  • Brisk.Brisk. Posts: 11,567
    okay I just listened to all 3 of their albums in a row and I dont get how they are playing stadiums, yeah it sounded okay but REALLY REALLY nothing to shout about... To even mention them in the same breath as Soundgarden is a little lunatic.
  • facepollutionfacepollution Posts: 6,834
    Brisk. wrote:
    okay I just listened to all 3 of their albums in a row and I dont get how they are playing stadiums, yeah it sounded okay but REALLY REALLY nothing to shout about... To even mention them in the same breath as Soundgarden is a little lunatic.

    I think the sheer spectacle of their live shows is what makes them arena worthy. I don't think you can deny a performance like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaheKj-MX-o is pretty moving - it certainly moved the 50 odd thousand people watching, me included :D

    This whole Soundgarden/Arcade Fire argument seems absolutely crazy to me, they're such different bands.
  • Brisk.Brisk. Posts: 11,567
    Brisk. wrote:
    okay I just listened to all 3 of their albums in a row and I dont get how they are playing stadiums, yeah it sounded okay but REALLY REALLY nothing to shout about... To even mention them in the same breath as Soundgarden is a little lunatic.

    I think the sheer spectacle of their live shows is what makes them arena worthy. I don't think you can deny a performance like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaheKj-MX-o is pretty moving - it certainly moved the 50 odd thousand people watching, me included :D

    This whole Soundgarden/Arcade Fire argument seems absolutely crazy to me, they're such different bands.

    Hmm i dunno...
  • JaneNYJaneNY Posts: 4,438

    This whole Soundgarden/Arcade Fire argument seems absolutely crazy to me, they're such different bands.

    Well it's Perry's fault for scheduling them opposite each other but it has generated some spirited discussion. I do not regret my choice if Soundgarden at Lolla since I never
    got to see them and I *have* seen Arcade Fire when they opened for U2 and I saw Win Butler onstage with Springsteen in Ottawa (and that was pretty cool)
    R.i.p. Rigoberto Alpizar.
    R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
    R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
  • rriversrrivers Posts: 3,698
    Brisk. wrote:
    Brisk. wrote:
    okay I just listened to all 3 of their albums in a row and I dont get how they are playing stadiums, yeah it sounded okay but REALLY REALLY nothing to shout about... To even mention them in the same breath as Soundgarden is a little lunatic.

    I think the sheer spectacle of their live shows is what makes them arena worthy. I don't think you can deny a performance like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaheKj-MX-o is pretty moving - it certainly moved the 50 odd thousand people watching, me included :D

    This whole Soundgarden/Arcade Fire argument seems absolutely crazy to me, they're such different bands.

    Hmm i dunno...

    Yeah it didn't do much for me either. They seem passionate but the song just ok. Something I would skip on my ipod more often than not.
    "We're fixed good, lamp-wise."
  • PJStatTrackerPJStatTracker Posts: 2,400
    Brisk. wrote:
    To even mention them in the same breath as Soundgarden is a little lunatic.

    Well, I definitely agree with you on this, just in the opposite direction. Their live show is the best I've ever seen, but you do have to like their songs, hahaha. If you don't like it, you don't like it.
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  • Brisk.Brisk. Posts: 11,567
    It's a nice sound they are trying to create etc but I just don't think it's that good, nothing really too much going on. Don't believe they are worthy of playing an audience that size.
  • grunge is great. seattle and grunge and all those bands will always have a spot in my heart because of how attached i was to the music and how it was the first music scene i really latched onto.

    that said, grunge ended long ago. modern rock is dead. indie music is the most vibrant and important scene in music right now. arcade fire is the biggest band in the world. soundgarden had a hell of a run, and ruled the world for years. its now arcade fire's world.

    arcade fire write fairy tales for the modern era. their music is stunning. funeral, one of the most important albums of the last 20 years, came about because a bunch of the band members family died. instead of writing an album full of sad, downer music, they created a musical masterpiece that makes one want to dance, to sing, to live life to the fullest.

    Arcade Fire are the flagship indie band and I couldnt be happier for them. The number one selling band in the world
  • facepollutionfacepollution Posts: 6,834
    Brisk. wrote:
    It's a nice sound they are trying to create etc but I just don't think it's that good, nothing really too much going on. Don't believe they are worthy of playing an audience that size.

    Not worthy because YOU don't deem them worthy?! Millions of people around the world would disagree Ed.......this is music, there is no right or wrong. You know I can't stand Nickelback, but are they worthy of playing stadiums? Yeah, they sell millions of records, that's kind of how it works. You write records, you tour relentlessly, you pay your dues, and if you're lucky you get rewarded with big audiences and record sales.
  • Brisk.Brisk. Posts: 11,567
    Brisk. wrote:
    It's a nice sound they are trying to create etc but I just don't think it's that good, nothing really too much going on. Don't believe they are worthy of playing an audience that size.

    Not worthy because YOU don't deem them worthy?! Millions of people around the world would disagree Ed.......this is music, there is no right or wrong. You know I can't stand Nickelback, but are they worthy of playing stadiums? Yeah, they sell millions of records, that's kind of how it works. You write records, you tour relentlessly, you pay your dues, and if you're lucky you get rewarded with big audiences and record sales.

    I feel people with more talent OR people doing something more than that should be having the headline slot lets say. I'm glad they don't suck so someone shit isn't there and that a popular band now isn't bad.

    No Nickelback don't deserve it.
  • facepollutionfacepollution Posts: 6,834
    Brisk. wrote:
    I feel people with more talent OR people doing something more than that should be having the headline slot lets say. I'm glad they don't suck so someone shit isn't there and that a popular band now isn't bad.

    No Nickelback don't deserve it.

    Yeah but taste in music is all subjective. As much as it pains me to say it, just because I think Nickelback are the worst mainstream rock band on the planet, doesn;t mean they are.

    P.S, Chili Peppers had the headline slot, playing after Arcade Fire from that Reading '07 video I posted, and they were rubbish, Arcade Fire absolutely blew them away, and at the time I wasn't expecting that at all.
  • Brisk.Brisk. Posts: 11,567
    Brisk. wrote:
    I feel people with more talent OR people doing something more than that should be having the headline slot lets say. I'm glad they don't suck so someone shit isn't there and that a popular band now isn't bad.

    No Nickelback don't deserve it.

    Yeah but taste in music is all subjective. As much as it pains me to say it, just because I think Nickelback are the worst mainstream rock band on the planet, doesn;t mean they are.

    P.S, Chili Peppers had the headline slot, playing after Arcade Fire from that Reading '07 video I posted, and they were rubbish, Arcade Fire absolutely blew them away, and at the time I wasn't expecting that at all.

    I see, well i maybe too poor to go see them at the 02 but i'll try.
  • facepollutionfacepollution Posts: 6,834
    Brisk. wrote:
    I see, well i maybe too poor to go see them at the 02 but i'll try.

    well it's not really about me trying to convince you to like them, maybe they will click with you one some day, maybe not. That said, I would definitely recommend seeing them if you do get the chance - like a lot of bands, they pack more of a punch live.
  • keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    It takes a while to 'get' them, but once you do, holy shit.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • It takes a while to 'get' them, but once you do, holy shit.

    Absolutely! I never really gave them a fair chance until that show in Ottawa last month (turned out to be quite the festival this year!)...and what a "holy shit" moment that was. I've been playing all three albums pretty heavily since then. I can't believe I've been missing out all these years.
    2003: Toronto
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    2006: Toronto 1 & 2
    2008: Hartford/EV Toronto 1 & 2
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    2016: Toronto 1 & 2
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  • South of SeattleSouth of Seattle West Seattle Posts: 10,724
    mca47 wrote:
    mca47 wrote:
    I have really tried to get into Arcade Fire. I respect them as great musicians, but I just cannot get into them no matter how hard I try.
    They were on the Daily Show last night, and I'm just thinking "What the hell is that?!?!"
    is it the hair? its the hair isnt it? :lol:

    :lol:

    To me, it's mostly been a terrible vocalist(s) with well below average lyrics. They do have good musicians, but c'mon...!
    I get the indie thing, but two drummers that can be played by one...really? Why?
    Springsteen has a huge ensemble...but these guys? Really?

    I'm trying, I really am.
    For those AF fans out there, where do you suggest I start (albums, etc)? I guess I've been going at this wrong...

    I've been trying for a while to "get" them too, I don't.

    I've listened to every album and I've only ever liked one song. Rebellion(Lies) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQvZ4N1RfS8&feature=av2n

    And that was because I heard a mixtape where it was mixed with Gang Starr or something. :lol::lol:
    NERDS!
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