so last week i decided on a whim to wait for 6 1/2 hours outside of L'Oblique in -15c to get a ticket for friday night's Arcade Fire show. this is the closest i've ever come to having a spiritual journey - it was like some kind of test of will or mental fortitude. anyway, i can say that it was totally worth it and depsite not being a very big Arcade Fire fan up until now, after hearing their new album and experiencing their live show, i am convinced that in a  month or two this band will become THE BIGGEST BAND ON THE PLANET.  they're representing montreal and being so cool to their fans it's like the biggest breath of fresh air.