I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It

Tomorrow Girlfriend and I will be venturing in to the White City to enjoy the musical stylings of Bell Orchestre, Wolf Parade and the Arcade Fire. Needless to say, I am desperately counting the hours until I am in pure auditory bliss. Most people will remember that Funeral was my album of the year for 2004 (it was also Pitchfork's1), and at least one person will vouch for me that Apologies to the Queen Mary - Wolf Parade's debut - is in the running for my 2005 top spot. Futhermore, the Arcade Fire show I saw at Lollapalooza this summer was the best live performance I have ever witnessed2. Those things being said, Wednesday's show should be off the hook, as they say.

However, the purpose of this post is to celebrate the official release of Apologies to the Queen Mary3. It is an amazing record throughout. Very reminiscent of both the Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse. Of course, that fact will be mentioned in every single one of the glowing reviews that are popping up all over the internets4. And here are three of those glowing reviews, along with one for their excellent EP:

• Pitchfork
• Stylus Magazine
• Tiny Mix Tapes
• EP: Pitchfork

They seem to be a rowdy bunch on record so I'm hoping for the same live. If they can reproduce the energy that they captured on record, the show should be amazing because Arcade Fire will undoubtedly bring the goods5.

1. Though Pitchfork reviews do not influence my thoughts on music (and are typically pretentious), it is nice to know that someone else agrees with your thoughts.
2. The second picture of this concert review explains everything you need to know about an Arcade Fire show.
3. I have had the pleasure of enjoying this album for about a month and a half thanks to a charitable donation by my boo.
4. Of note: Wolf Parade has opened for the Arcade Fire and sometimes shares members with the band. Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock produced much of Apologies to the Queen Mary. You will find those facts in all of the above reviews.
5. Supposedly, Bell Orchestre (an Arcade Fire offshoot) is pretty good too. Here is yet another review to enjoy.