"Don't Fall For That Christ Bait, It's About As Passe As Rock Star Arrogance"

Well, now that we've got that 2006 stuff out of our collective system, we can finally look ahead towards a new year of indie rock. There are a shocking amount of new releases from already established as Godlike artists coming towards us in 2007. I've already heard a few (New Shins is pretty great, same goes for the new DoMakeSayThink.)

And, what's better, I awoke this morning to find new tracks from two indie superstars waiting for me to download, engulf, and critique. And now, lucky you, can do the same!

First up is a new song from The Arcade Fire. Now, a really sketcy version of "Intervention," the single from their new album "Neon Bible" has been floating around for a few weeks, and is sort of decent, if not a little bit too U2-sounding. And so, when iTunes added the track "Intervention" to their Music Library last night, I assumed that Christmas had brought a decent copy of the same track. But oh, dear friends, you do know what happens when one assumes, correct? (Answer at bottom of post.) Anyway, it turns out, iTunes fudged up, and accidently posted a completely new song. So, don't be fooled, even though the file is labelled as "Intervention," it is most certainly Not that song.

The Arcade Fire - New Song (Not Intervention)

Next up is a new studio song from Mr. New Bob Dylan himself Conor Oberst. Conor, since his mass critical acclaim for 2005's one-two punch of "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning" and "Digital Ash In A Digital Urn," has seemed to grow a bit more arrogant. In recent interviews, Oberst has openly mocked the musical value of his old albums, telling reporters, in reference to old band members, that he would no longer be using a "high school orchestra" to back him. Oh Conor, you're so crazy.

But, fortunately, it would appear once again that he's got the material to justify his arrogance, as "Endless Entertainment" is another self-aware and solid track from Oberst. Though one does sort of wish, upon first listen, that he'd let it all hang out once again, like he did back in the old days of the early 2000s. An EP, entitled "Four Winds" is out this March, followed by a new album in April.

Bright Eyes - Endless Entertainment


ANSWER: You make an ass out of you and me.