This week's album: Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"

Thanks to blog blather, it’s hard not to think this album should be better. But blather aside, the Montreal band made a great second record full of early Talking Heads, Velvet Underground, Waterboys and Echo & the Bunnymen sonic homages. Contrarians who hate bands that make second albums (NME, Pitchfork, et al.) will likely say it’s too flamboyant in its big, gothy production, but they’re just looking for something to hate. Fans second albums unite. It is our time. For the Pogues reference alone, listen to “Antichrist Television Blues.”