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Arcade Fire Thump their ‘Neon Bible,’ LCD Soundsystem Offer Up Some North American Fun

Revelers traveled by boat, bus and other forms of publictransportation to see the Randall’s Island stop of the Arcade Fire andLCD Soundsystem tour Saturday afternoon (Oct. 6). Les Savy Favopened the indie rock juggernaut event and frontman Tim Harringtonstripped and shrieked through their impassioned set. The bearded singerhad a series of costume changes, ranging from a gray muscle tee to anude body stocking to nearly no clothes at all.

Blonde Redheadfollowed, launching into their seductive brand of ethereal rock. Theart-school trio played a series of songs off of their recent disc, 23,including “Heroine” and the album’s trippy title track. Songstress KazuMakino writhed along to the music in a white dress and slouchy boots asshe delivered her cooing vocals. Meanwhile Simone and Amedeo Pacebacked her up with rattling drums and haunting guitars, respectively.

James Murphy kicked off LCD Soundsystem‘sset with a throbbing dance beat and a wave to the audience. “We’rehome,” the scruffy-faced singer announced, “I get to sleep in my bedtonight!” Several members of the Arcade Fire joined the Brooklyncollective during their performance, which marked their last show ofthe tour. After dazzling the crowd with a giant disco ball, theylaunched into a series of electronic dance hits, including “NorthAmerican Scum” and “All My Friends.” The group closed the set with thesoulful number “New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down.”

Aftershowing video clips of televangelists, Arcade Fire rose to their pulpitand unleashed a passionate rendition of “Black Mirror.” The Canadianensemble delivered a performance that was both moving and majestic. Theband focused on the tracks from their latest, Neon Bible, but the crowd threw their hands up for many of their Funeralfavorites, including “Wake Up,” “Haiti,” and “Rebellion (Lies).” SingerWin Butler sent birthday wishes to his brother Will, who had scaled theside of the stage by the end of the night. The rapturous response fromthe audience was met with equal appreciation from the group: “This is apretty magical night for us,” Win said appreciatively. “It’s like ourfucking dream to be playing with these bands.”

We asked: Which band are you most excited to see today and why?