Playlist 02.08.10

I know exactly where I was when I first heard the Arcade Fire. It was the San Diego Sports Arena, and the date was March 28, 2005. It was the first night of U2's 'Vertigo' tour and just moments before the show, the PA system thundered into existence with 'Wake Up'. These days, the tune is a standard rouser for sports events and TV playbacks, but then it was unknown and I guess I remember that Arcade moment more than the actual gig that followed. I recall looking around me for clues and there was Gavin Friday on the riser for the sound desk, beaming proudly. His call, I reckon.

I bought 'Funeral' the next day at Amoeba Records on Sunset Boulevard, and it has served me well since. Likewise with 'Neon Bible', which lacked a bit of that royal splutter but was still impressive. And so to yesterday's release from the Arcade Fire, 'The Suburbs'. It's not easily digestible, but you can immediately witness the vast choruses, the clamour, the strangeness and the pure human focus. That's plenty to be starting with.

STUART BAILIE

BBC Radio Ulster, 92-95 FM

Online: www.bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Mondays, ten - midnight

Playlist 02.08.10

The Undertones -Under The Boardwalk (Sire)

The Arcade Fire - City With No Children (Mercury)

The Coral - More Than A Lover (Deltasonic)

The Gaslight Anthem - Old Haunts (Side One Dummy)

Serge Gainsbourg - profile featuring:

Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin - Je T'Aime

France Gall - Laisses Tomber Les Filles

Serge Gainsbourg- Intoxicated Man

Serge Gainsbourg - La Horse

Erland and The Carnival - The Derby Ram (Full Time Hobby)

Paul Weller - Andromeda (Island)

The Coral - Sandhills (Deltasonic)

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffitti - Beverly Kills (4ad)

Randy Newman - We Belong Together (Disney)

Deer Tick - Twenty Miles (Fargo)

Vampire Weekend - White Sky (XL)

Beach House - Silver Soul (Bella Union)

Echo and The Bunnymen - Silver (Warner)

The Arcade Fire - Rococo (Mercury)

The Coral - Two Faces (Deltasonic)

Justin Hines - Rub Up, Push Up (Island)

Rox - Rocksteady (Rough Trade)

The Congos - Solid Foundation (Blood And Fire)

Minus The Bear - My Time (V2)

Morrissey - I Am Hated For Loving (Parlophone)

Rachel Austin - All That I Lose (white)

Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mercury)

Solomon Burke - Everything About You (One World)

Burns Unit - Trouble (Proper)

Caribou - Sun (City Slang)