EchoBooming in Birmingham

The Arcade Fire is proof that the best thing to happen to the independent music industry is the Internet. This band went from nothing to on the cover of the Canadian Time Magazine in less than 2 years with no help from a “record deal”.

Their debut full length album “Funeral” was released in late 2004 by Merge Records (an idie label out of Durham, NC). The band is one of those indescribable bands. Lead male vocals a-la the Frank Black of the Pixies, and a myriad of instruments from which they create their sound. From their wikipedia article:

The band employs a vast array of instruments—mainly guitar, drums, and bass guitar—but also piano, violin, viola, cello, xylophone, keyboard, accordion, and harp. With several able musicians, the Arcade Fire takes most of its instrumental diversity on tour, with band members switching instrumental duties between songs.

I stumbled across this band at the Nick one night (2005/06/11) after getting dragged in there to watch a friends local band (they were on the opening bill). I remember sitting outside talking with my friends after their set and thinking… “Wow, those guys are really freaking good.” After seeing them perform one song, I was amazed. They weren’t just good, they were awesome; talent incarnate, in my opinion.

Anyway, they got a nod for “Best Alternative Music Album” along with Beck, Death Cab For Cutie, Franz Ferdinand, and The White Stripes. Not bad company to be in IMO.

Here’s a link to a live performance that was broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio (yes those same great folks that bring us “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me”, and “A Prairie Home Companion”): Link (it’s actually two songs and a funny botched intro)