Haven't heard this yet, but is it just me or are other people out there getting tired of hearing about how great these guys are? Yeesh...

i thought you loved their first album?

Don't really want to slag them, but I don't think this is not a remarkable record in any way. And it's not because it's derivative - though I think the Springsteen vs. indie rock comparison that everyone's throwing around finally pans out - but because they're not hungry and volatile, which is specifically why they succeeded with "Funeral".

I like the record, there are more songs I like vs. ones I don't like. That being said, Funeral is a better record...better songs, better lyrical themes, better arrangements, etc...

I listened to it about three times this weekend, and I think the songs styles vary alot more than Funeral, but it doesn't necessarily make it a good thing. It could be like Return to Cookie Mountain for me and continue to grow on me. I do respect them immensely for changing it up on this album somewhat, rather than pulling a Clinic.

well... i finally started to like it
its good
not amazing or different
but i agree with it being on par with funeral

except funeral blew me away on first listen...
unfortunately, i can't reset my ears

i'd like to find some idiot that hasn't heard either album
play them neon bible followed by funeral
and hear what they say about them

Man this is confusing to read, does this mean you like it or dislike it?

patiently waiting for it on emusic (and have the copy just in case it doesn't)

Whoops. You're right that was convoluted, and there was a double negative that I've fixed. I was basically talking around that I think it's not very good at all.

I couldn't disagree more: this is the sound of a band that wants to go from playing large halls to arenas or even stadiums. in the same way that Funeral caught everyone by surprise, this record just goes about pursuing that very rock and roll ideal in a way that folks weren't/aren't expecting. i wish that more albums were as "hungry" as this. and i won't be surprised in the slightest if they pull it off...

That's what I figured. 8)

I couldn't disagree more: this sounds like a band that struck it big, knew they were bound to, but isn't quite sure what to do with their success: rerecord and aggrandize a song that sounded great enough the first time? wash out an otherwise charming pop song with overzealous three-chord power organ? Believe me, I was the band's most vocal supporter here for a long time. I want to see them get THAT big, but I don't think it should be with this record. I find that there's just very little to grasp of it. It's at least not as immediately memorable.

i think they knew/know exactly what is they want to do; while Neon Bible is covering a fair amount of new turf for them, it does keep a consistent narrative focus, not unlike their first record, and is perhaps even more focused than Funeral. did you notice how the record is dominated by Wyn's songs? not that he wasn't before, but he's really running the show now. the man has a vision and he's going for it.


i know what your speaking of but i never listened to that old ep, so like many others, this song is new to me and feels fresh in ways it probably won't to you.


i felt exactly the same way for the first week or two i had the single, and the dumbest thing happened to me: i've come to really like that organ, even though i was annoyed by it initially.


It's not likely that any sophomore release is going to be as "immediately memorable" as a stellar debut; at that point we've already heard and loved the band, it can't be as new. as for your perceived lack of substance, i admit that i feel a little weird analyzing it this early, when i've really only been listening to it for about a week. but so far, so great to me. i think it's got some weight behind it.


I don't mean to challenge your fealty to the band, so far we just hear the record very differently. i too hope that they manage to cross over into mainstream consciousness; will this record do it? maybe. if it does i won't be sad about it. the record is still growing on me, perhaps it will do the same for you.

Maybe, dude. Let us hug!

No joke, though, I actually think the Springsteen comparison holds up. Win sounds quite a bit like him. Regine's voice has been curtailed a bit, fortunately, but I still think she's very evident throughout. Her sensibility matches Win's whatever for me.

Ha!
I'm totally down with the Springsteen comparison, it's evident not just in his delivery but also his lyrics this time around. Like I said, they're shooting for stadiums but they're not going to get there sounding like or emulating U2. Considering what the band seems to be about, the Springsteen route seems more than appropriate.

I know a lot of folks that really, really prefer Regine's voice (and songs) to Wyn's, and I don't know if they'll be able to find solace on this record. But I've always been more partial to Wyn, and he brought his game up another notch.

It begs the question, why didn't they rerecord "Headlights" from the EP? That is arguably one of their best songs still, but terribly recorded, specifically because of her voice. She said at the time that she wanted to redo that song. This would've been the perfect opportunity.

it could still happen. they do have their own studio now, and they do like to record in their freetime. speaking of which, i love their cover of brazil. in fact, the cold wind 7" with brazil on the back is my favorite musical purchase in quite some time.

I hear a lot of Springstein in this.


First Sam's Town, now this...? When did Bruce become everybody's muse?

there's a 2 page article on them in the new yorker this week. while that doesn't make them lame, it sure means i will be steering clear of their shows from now on.

mr. mister you are right on about this album
its hungry... demanding ... arena

a few days of listening to it.. and im hooked... possibly as hooked as i was with the first album

as far as springstein thing though
i think constantines do springstein better

word.

It's O.K.

No Funeral, though. And it has an even more stupid album name.

No Cars Go is good

the rest is mediocre so far

Are these Springstein comparisons compliments? I know he's really respected and all but I've never been that into Bruce. I generally like this folkier stuff like "Ghost of Tom Joad" and don't care much for the bigger sound like "Born in the U.S.A." That said, I loved Funeral and like what I've heard of the new one so far.