Listenings - Arcade Fire

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire (2010) There are very few albums that are as lengthy as this one (around 63 minutes) that I'm not tempted to skip any songs or hope that a particular song ends.This is definitely the best album that I've listened to this year. It's got all that makes Arcade Fire the band to pay attention to: great arrangements, lyrics that are as meaningful as we want them to be and some experiments in terms of genre (Sprawl II comes to mind - Blondie-Abba?) Lyrically, its in my opinion about the alienation that comes from living in an ascepticised planned out suburbs and at the same time it questions our modern day living. As with any work of art everyone will find its place in this album be it a place that you feel nostalgic about or that you never want to live in, this album will hopefully speak to a lot of people. "Sometimes I can't believe it. I'm moving past the feeling." 9.5/10 more info video (Ready to Start live at MSG directed by Terry Gilliam)

Blood Like Lemonade by Morcheeba (2010) First album I hear from them (which is sad since it's their 8th). When listening to this I instantly thought of Massive Attack. Electronic trip-hop rock soul-ish sang with a beautiful sensual voice by Skye Edwards. Sounds like too many styles in one but that's what it really is. It's a delight to listen to on a rainy day, wanting to relax and not worrying about anything. When done listening to the album you're left with a bittersweet feeling. Musically interesting and sang with such feeling that we feel that we came out grown up, but there's a sense of melancholy and dread that permeates the air when all is said and done. 8.5/10 more info video (Even Though)