arcade fire/lcd soundystem

Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem were on the lips of every in the know music lover in Louisville for the past month. The perplexity of their union, the fact they were making a stop in Louisville, and most importantly, the ticket price was over $40. "They're not even that big," shouted all of the naysayers. Why $41 you ask? Aside from the portion of ticket prices going to a charity, the reason was unimportant after their joyous show last Wednesday at the Waterfront, where the money was worth it to see two of the most intelligent and exciting bands that defy contemporary "rock" music but are too dorky and "so three years ago" to be considered cool enough for "indie rock." Louisville rarely brings such acts in town and for all concertgoers who go out of town to see bands like this if the tickets were less expensive the transportation costs to get there and back would probably would be even greater than $41. Arcade Fire's dense anthemic sound matched with LCD Soundsystem's furious love of all things dancey and New York coalesced into an evening of earnest musicianship and convincing pop pleasure.

Unfortunately, I arrived at the tail end of LCD Soundsystem's set, but what I saw I liked. The thumping tome of "Someone Great" and the virtual insanity of "Yeah" stood out most. James Murphy's curiosity of music, people, and the world around him show shades of genius and once again, proves it with his live act. His ease as a performer is fun to watch and it's only matched by his smart and personal lyrics. He's had a very influential hand in dance music of the past decade and you would never know it by his slight paunch, beard, and cheeky t-shirt collection. I've seen LCD Soundsystem before but it was in a smaller club and at times I thought if someone wanted a true LCD Soundsystem experience that is the best way to see them. The boxed in feeling of walls and the immediacy of seeing them up close is more conducive to bodies writhing around each other than an outdoor venue caught between a river and a major expressway. I couldn't blame them, although there was a tiny part of me that wished I could see them again in that context.

Arcade Fire's ascension to pop rock notoriety and prestige has happened very quickly, more so than most of their contemporaries. David Bowie has duetted with them on national TV, their second album, "Neon Bible", debuted in the top three on the Billboard charts, and they have relentlessly toured to sold out venues all over their world. "Neon Bible" is much more emotional and epic than their first album, "Funeral", but it's grandiose sound is backed with lyrics about relationships, what it means to be living in the world right now, and of course, the disappointing farce that is our president. It's a political and powerful album teetering on the verge of concept album territory. Church and orchestral instruments, voices dying to say something urgent and relevant, and all kinds of aural textures fill the album making it quite a visceral experience to listen to, but after seeing them live it's clear they are no slouch on their presentation either. The show opened with hum of an organ that begins "Neon Bible" and from there on out a clear mood was set. Their musical athleticism is beyond impressive with most members of the ten piece band playing multiple instruments and sprinting to and fro through a single song to allow the sound of the album to breathe in a live setting. The stage was starkly lit with panels of light, laser beams framing the stage, and globes projecting images of bible toting evangelists. It's almost a sensory overload to see that many people on stage, the lights, and their almost Amish looking attire. However, it was all done with a contagious glee. The gloom and doom mood of their album is performed with such a genuine optimism that in the face all the shit that keeps the world going there can be a feeling of possibility and positivity. Call it what you will but I liked it and it continued through out "Black Mirror", "Keep the Car Running", "Rebellion (Lies)", and "Neighborhood # 2 (Laika)". The sound was full and ready for a stadium but there was a minor mishap with Win Butler's guitar during "Neighborhood # 3 (Power Out)" that distracted for a brief moment but Butler recovered quickly after stopping the song and apologizing with a laugh. My personal favorite "No Cars Go", which is arguably one of the best songs of the year, made an exuberant appearance but it was palpable that the encore of "Wake Up" touched something in everyone.

When the dust settled and the lights came up I was proud of both bands, but more importantly my little city for putting on such an audacious show that may have seemed costly and a pain, but can hopefully establish Louisville as somewhat of a reliable place for touring bands that exceed the parameters of Kid Rock and what other mindless acts this city typically attracts. Wilco played the other week, Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello are coming this month, Peter Bjorn & John play the weekend after Thanksgiving, and now Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem have made quite the impression. Let's hope the city can continue to fully realize its live music self before it slips back into having to being that city that hosts one great show a year and when that happens, who cares if it's $41?