Review 17 of 32

progolfer1981 writes:

5of 5 Stars

I agree that Rolling Stone magazine has once again let me down with their review. This is a classic album. I am really starting to lose faith in getting fair and accurate reviews from RS. This album has captivated me more than any in recent memory. It has a different feel than "Funeral". "Funeral" was written during somewhat of a grieving stage for the band. Several of the members has lost close friends and family during the writing and recording of the album. Many of the songs on "Funeral" were about hope and trying to feel at peace with their circumstances. With beautiful lyrics such as:

"You change all the lead,
sleepin' in my head to gold,
as the day grows dim,
I hear you sing a golden hymn,
the song I've been trying to say.
Purify the colors, purify my mind.
Purify the colors, purify my mind,
and spread the ashes of the colors
over this heart of mine!"

"Neon Bible" is darker:

"Working for the church while your family dies.
You take what they give you and you keep it inside.
Every spark of friendship and love,
will die without a home.
Hear the soldier groan, "We'll go at it alone."

It is very evident that some of the hope on their first release has turned to anger on their new album. I can't say one is better or worse. I love them both for many reasons.

Mar 19, 2007 10:53:50

Review 18 of 32

thosewholeft writes:

5of 5 Stars

three and a half stars equals out to a 70%, which is basically on the edge of a D+. and you call yourself a music magazine, you should be ashamed of your reviews.

Mar 15, 2007 09:16:21

Review 19 of 32

jwell writes:

4of 5 Stars

seriously, screw you rolling stone. That 1/2 star less realy pisses me off. Looking at your ratings, this album is the same achievment as fallout boys latest. wow. if you guys have different reviewers for "indy" rock and "pop" rock, you guys should still get on the same freakin page. this grading scale in it's "overallness" is weak...leaning towards pathetic. and i wish i had the ability to add a 1/2 star to the my rating.

Mar 10, 2007 02:33:47

Review 20 of 32

trigganometry30 writes:

5of 5 Stars

Arcade Fire returns with Neon Bible. Neon Bible might be the best sophmore album from any band in the past 25 years. The things that are so beautiful about this album are the lyrics. With a central point on faith and the lack-their-of in American cities and on our televisions, it makes for a wonderful concept. The album is more focused than the stellar debut Funeral. The songs seem so big, that the album almost doesnt hold them in and all together...but I say almost. The album especially dazzles in the first 5 tracks. Neon Bible and Intervention are honestly two of the best songs ever written. This maybe the album we are still talking about at the end of the year, and then again in 20. So far, it is definately the album of the year, and probably will be at the end. Its nice when a band sings with a purpose, and Arcade Fire does just that on Neon Bible.

Mar 8, 2007 06:15:11

Review 21 of 32

jimboxer writes:

4of 5 Stars

Isn't the inability to understand a song's lyrics a badge of honor in rock music? David Frike reviews this album like my grandpa would. "ENUNCIATE, DAMN KIDS!" This is a fantastic album. I think "Intervention" is one of the most gorgeous pop songs I've ever heard; the main instrument in that song is a freakin' church pipe organ and the song STILL rocks. Brilliant!

Mar 7, 2007 15:56:35

Review 22 of 32

ChrisM writes:

5of 5 Stars

I feel the reviewer here has really blindly skipped over a great album. To dock one and a half stars because he felt the voices weren't clear is ridiculous. Neon bible should be seen for what it really is, an instant classic. The Arcade Fire has created a layered album that is both uplifting and intriguing. I have not heard an album that has been as daring and emotional as Neon Bible in ages. And in all honesty, I hear his voice just fine. Rolling Stones is giving epic albums 3.5 while awarding Chemical Romance 4. Bands like White Stripes and My Chemical Romance, which have been adored by this magazine, have never been able to give honest emotion with their creativity. Whereas Arcade Fire has managed to bellow out moving lyrics and sincere passion that made early U2, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead iconic. Just because there has been great expectations for this album, doesn't mean we should have a feild day searching for mistakes, just sit back and really let the album sink in. Let's stop punishing great bands for putting their balls out there, and starting aiming our judgement at those that lack that daring edge.

Mar 6, 2007 17:10:10

Review 23 of 32

redballooon writes:

4of 5 Stars

"This second album of theirs projects a downtrodden, overcast portrayal of the present political climate. They take the anthem approach, but juxtapose uplifting melodies with self-doubt, sadness and frustration. Their message is one of mobility - an argument against conservatism."

"Neon Bible may illustrate a dreary perspective, but its messages are back lit by gleaming sounds and intricate musical arrangements. So, I suppose Neon Bible is sort of like bate - the pretty songs reel you in...only to remind you how ugly the world is. C'est la vie."

Check out my full review on culturecloud:

http://www.culturecloud.com/Articles/00002132/Arcade_Fire_-_Neon_B.aspx

Mar 6, 2007 16:18:37

Review 24 of 32

Jason904 writes:

5of 5 Stars

Already the best Album of the year, so far. This album is beautiful and emotional from beginning to end.To much reverb? Fuck David Fricke.That is exactly why "RollinStone" is going DOWN the shitter. How fucking dare you give this 3 and a half stars and give Cocksuck out boy the same rating. If you give Asshole in boy three in a half then any person with half a brain should give Neon Bible 5 STARS. Every song is perfect although I perfer some sover others. Even the weaker songs are fantastic. Black Mirror great, Neon Bible great, Intervention great, Antichrist Telivision Blues great,Ocean of Noise great,My Body is a Cage great and how can I forget Widowsill. They may be the best band in the world. Before I decide that, I will need to hear a third album. If there next album is anywhere near the same quality, they will officialy become labeled "BEST BAND IN THE GALAXY". One more thing if "RollingStone" pulls this bullshit again with a review of a great band and a boy bitch band I think anyone who agree's with me, should join me in a nationwide boycott of "Rolling I suck Pete's Cock Stone".

Mar 6, 2007 15:25:15