Soundcheck is typically the weekly feature where we give you a rundown on new singles, albums, videos and news from Canadian bands we think you should know about. This week we’re straying from that format slightly to focus on the biggest news from the week, a new song from Arcade Fire. Here is a rundown on what you need to know.
1. The new single is called “Reflektor” from the double album of the same name. The single leaked Sunday, a day before the scheduled 9/9/9 release (September 9, 9 local time). The leak excited the internet and kept the legal guardians of the internet busy removing early links to the song.
2. There are two music videos for the song. The first one is another mind-blowing, interactive video that you can use your smartphone/tablet or mouse along with your webcam to manipulate what happens in the video. It’s pretty cool.
3. The second video follows the more traditional music video idea, following a storyline that may give you nightmares. Dutch photographer/videographer Anton Corbijn directed the video.
4. The “Reflecktor” 12″ single is available for purchase through the band’s website and Merge. The full album out October 28 can be pre-ordered now as well, giving fans access to pre-sale tickets for the tour whenever that happens.
5. Yes, David Bowie is on the new single. It was also produced by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem.
“We can confirm that David Bowie has supplied a brief backing vocal on the James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) produced track (no saxophone though), which is being issued under the alias of The Reflektors in the reflekting sleeve pictured here.” (Via Facebook)
6. Montreal DJ Kid Koala recorded “a little glitch/skip manipulation” used on the single. (Via Twitter)
7. People keep comparing the cover for the new album to the cover of Jay Z’s latest album. Speaking of Jay Z, Halifax music blog and Mixtape contributor Sealegs Collective, has posted a video of Jim Bryson covering “Holy Grail” from Hova’s latest album.
8. The album artwork features Orpheus and Eurydice by Auguste Rodin.
9. The band have been playing a bunch of tiny gigs in Montreal under the name “The Reflektors”. Some people are upset they couldn’t get in because their costumes weren’t cool enough, including a journalist who wasn’t even there. The National Post has an article explaining what’s been happening in Montreal.
