Not everyone has the desire to see a band perform two nights in a row. Many concert goers are satisfied after seeing a great performance. They might have wished the band played one or two more songs, but not often will customers purchase tickets to see the same act the following night. This norm did not apply to myself when I flew up to NYC for Arcade Fire weekend. After one of the best shows in a long time, (reviewed here) I was even more excited to return to Barclays Center for round 2 on Saturday 8/23.
But how could Arcade Fire possibly top their concert from just one night prior? Wouldn't it just be the same performance? Same setlist? Same introductions, buildups and solos?! The short answer - NO.
Arcade Fire managed to up their game and put together my favorite show of the year so far. After the same opening acts (The Unicorns and Dan Deacon) from just one night earlier, I found myself only about 6 people deep from the stage, in the middle of a huge arena just ready for a rock show.
Rather than the "Reflektor" opener from Friday, the group opted for fellow Reflektor single "Normal Person" to start. I enjoyed this choice better, as it's a more energetic tune to get the crowd jumping early and setting the tone for the night.
The expected songs followed this with "Rebellion" and "Joan of Ark" coming early in the set. After once again highlighting some tunes off of The Suburbs, lead singer Win Butler sat down at the piano and told the crowd he was going to play a song he rarely performs live anymore. Through the many cheers of the crowd came the opening piano cords to "Crown of Love."
"Crown of Love" is a haunting love song that sits in the middle of Arcade Fire's debut album, Funeral. Although never receiving radio play, it has always been regarded as a fan favorite and one of the strongest songs throughout the bands career. They have only performed it 6 times during their 2014 world tour, so hearing it in person was quite the treat.
If that wasn't enough, things got even better when the group followed up "Crown of Love" with fellow powerful track "Intervention." Placing those tunes back to back after Funeral opener "Tunnels" seemed like the perfect tribute to fans that have been with the band since before 2007. It was outstanding.
The remainder of the set followed a similar outline to the show from the previous night. One of the coolest moments of the night was during the encore, when Arcade Fire brought up the only surviving member of The Ramones - Marky Ramone. The drummer took his spot behind the kit and jammed out for covers of "I Don't Wanna Go to the Basement" and "I Wanna Be Sedated."
After Ramone left the stage, the "Reflektor's" finished things up strongly with "Here Comes the Night Time," "Power Out" and "Wake Up." Once again, it's difficult to even describe the energy and volume of hearing "Wake Up" live. It left everyone walking out of the venue chanting the elongated yelling chorus that Arcade Fire is so well known for.
So how was this show better? Better setlist, better song additions, more energy on a Saturday night, closer location to the stage, better special guest and cover performed, and most importantly - because you couldn't even tell that Arcade Fire played a show the previous night. The effort and approach they put into their work makes it feel like they're performing as if everyone is seeing them for the first time live. They're unpredictable and inspiring.
I also must give credit to band member Will Butler. Will is Win's brother and plays a number of instruments, but mainly stays at the keyboards. Will's energy on stage is second to none. He sings, jams and moves his entire body along with the music. He was addicting to watch and I admire his effort.
There's no guarantee where Arcade Fire will go from here. They obviously have the fan base to do whatever they'd like after selling out 3 consecutive nights in one of NYC's largest arenas. I really hope to see them headlining a festival next year. Until then, I only have memories from what very well could end up being concert of the year.
CONCERT RATING: 5 STARS
SETLIST:
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(w/ '(Antichrist Television Blues)' outro)
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(Régine on B-Stage)
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('Damian Taylor Remix' intro)
- Encore:
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(Talking Heads song) (Fake band on B-stage)
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(Ramones cover) (with Marky Ramone)
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(Ramones cover) (with Marky Ramone)
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