Arcade Fire: Neon Bible LP

Neon Bible, the eagerly anticipated second album from Montreal's Arcade Fire, exceeded all its lofty expectations when it debuted at No. 2 on the US and UK charts in 2007. The follow-up to 2004's breakout Funeral, Neon Bible is built on rich storytelling dramatics and evocative mood inducing backdrops. It was written, produced, arranged, and performed by the Arcade Fire and recorded throughout 2006 in Quebec, New York, Budapest, and London with recording and engineering help from Markus Dravs (Bjork, Brian Eno) and Scott Colburn (Animal Collective, Sun City Girls). With string and orchestral arrangements by the band's own Owen Pallet and Regine Chassagne, Neon Bible is full of both punk-rock inertia and meticulously orchestrated woodwinds; processed strings and mandolin; and waxing and waning dynamics. It all adds up to a stellar reflection on modern times and the challenges, joys, and circumstances we all face. It was nominated for Best Alternative Album at the 50th Grammy Awards and was ranked in the Top 5 Albums of the Year by the likes of NME, Rolling Stone, and more.