I quit smoking 6 years, 9 months and 7 days ago and what keeps me off the nic is putting that money into music instead.  Now I know conservatives are supposed to do the country music thing, but I am not drawn there.

I picked up Arcade Fire’s second release ‘Neon Bible’ earlier this week.  I really, really liked their last album ‘Funeral’, and this piece of work is equally stunning.  It is an album you have to play a number of times before it ‘sticks’.  There are no ‘hits’ or instantly catchy tunes.  It grows on you over time in a quirky kind of way.

All I know is they are Canadian and there are about 8 people in the band.  They use real violas and violins as opposed to using RealTools for recording effects. 

It is kind of like the Feelies where they increase the tempo throughout the song.  Kind of like the Decemberists with a big genuine sound.  Kind of Matt Johnson of The The where it is very moody and dark and best listened to very loud, very dark, and very alone.

This is not for everyone, I understand.  If you are sick of your current collection and want to try something different, this may just be the ticket you are looking for.  Get your hands on both albums if you can.