One of the members of Arcade Fire was kind enough to put me on the guest list for Salsatheque last night. Excited does not begin to describe my state of mind yesterday! I've seen them play at least half a dozen times since 2004, in every kind of venue, (including a pre-show in St. Michael's church basement before the release of Neon Bible), and I have never, ever been disappointed.
9/9 9 p.m.
Waiting in line with the special wristband
Inside, everyone had conformed to the mandatory dress code of "formal wear or a costume," so it was a little bit like walking into that masquerade party in Eyes Wide Shut...but way less creepy. Everyone looked cool and weird and fabulous. The bobble-head versions of the band from the Corbijn video were mingling with the crowd, too, which added to the surreal vibe.
The venue, a downtown salsa club, started to make sense when I saw the reflective ceiling and walls around the dance floor.
Two minutes before 9 p.m....waiting for the show to start.
The band played for around an hour, all new stuff, and it sounded amazing. They started with "Reflektor." A lot of the music was danceable in the way that Arcade Fire songs always have been, but it did not all (or even mostly) sound like the single. There was plenty of guitar. I loved a lot of the songs and I can't wait to hear them again. In one of the ones I really liked, Win sang (I think) "Am I cruel enough to be normal?" (A line that definitely resonates with me.)
Here's a more detailed recap of the set, via Stereogum.
Here's a more detailed recap of the set, via Stereogum.
For part of the night, Win was wearing a mask.
Depending where you were standing, it was easier
to watch them on the ceiling. A reflection of a reflection...
After the band was done playing, there was a super fun dance party for a couple of hours.
Dancing with Win Butler (I swear)
After awhile, an iPhone-shaped pinata appeared on the dance floor, and Win took turns putting his mask on people and getting them to smack it. (I scored a pack of Popeye cigarettes and a Tootsie roll once it broke open...yesssss.)
Then we just kept dancing the night away. Thanks to Arcade Fire for an incredible evening!
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