With that said, there is a lot to digest on The Suburbs. It is a sprawling 16 song collection that clocks in over an hour. And while ideas within these songs tend to jump around, there is a consistency to their reflective nature and a theme surrounding the inspiration of youth. "City With No Children" witnesses frontman Win Butler reflecting upon his childhood growing up in Texas, while "Suburban War" is more of a lament about childhood friends. Win Butler offers a more current critique on adolescence in the playfully titled "Rococco," where Butler sings "They built it up just to burn it back down/the wind is blowing all the ashes around/oh my dear god what is that horrible song they're singing..."

The Montreal based band is inspired on their new album. Musically they harness the spirit of Neil Young on songs like "Month of May" and the title-track "The Suburbs." There's no lack of depth or standouts on The Suburbs, and this latest effort solidifies The Arcade Fire as the latest indie-rock band to graduate to star status.

CD of the Month for September 2010 - CD of the Month Club

Every month, the station's soothsayers and tastemakers select what they consider to be the best of the new. As a CDOM Club member, you'll receive all twelve of the CD of the Month selections during the year along with all of our special XPN releases -- including Live at the World Cafe CDs and XPN New Music Samplers. That's at least 16 CDs total! Join Now.

CD of the Month for September, 2010!