Radiohead 2012 vs Arcade Fire 2011

[xuclarockerx]

Honestly, how did they compare? I was super bummed about missing AF last year after loving their performance in 2007. Loved The Suburbs too. Watching the ball drop via webcast I kinda died a little inside. I really enjoyed Radiohead's set, moreso than the last (first) time I saw them - I was way in the back and having a blast thanks to the rows of speakers that keep things loud. For those that saw both, how did they compare? Be honest yo.

[mikey1313666]

I feel like Radiohead's performance felt a bit more seasoned and was better music quality as far as the showmanship, but Arcade Fire last year had far more energy than Radiohead's this year. Overall, I think I have to go with Arcade Fire

[david.sound]

Arcade Fire was better. Radiohead was good but I wouldn't see them again. It's nothing special live. The light show was great but that's about it. The sound sucked ass. Arcade Fire had a lot of heart and soul. I really like them. They are humble and play perfectly with their instruments.

[laurenleialoha]

I wasn't there for AF last year, but I watched the entire set live online and was absolutely enamored even just watching it on my computer. I cried at the end during Wake Up with the balloons! Honestly, that was the performance that pushed me to finally go to Coachella this year. I'd never seen Radiohead live and I thought they were incredible and sounded awesome, surpassing any expectations I may have had, BUT I'm still more emotionally connected to the AF performance, despite being less familiar with their music than Radiohead's. This is coming from someone who enjoys both bands, but isn't a superfan.

[CrimesceneCookie]

apples and oranges, but I left AF early. I wouldn't have dreamed of leaving that RH set early.
I'm not a superfan of either band.

[ET MB 90266]

Arcade Fire was much much better. The crowd was more into it and they had a lot more energy. Radiohead was great but it does not compare to Arcade Fire.

[captncrzy]

Oh, look...a completely pointless comparison.

[gaypalmsprings]

Loser vs Loser - what's your point?

[bluemamba]

Oh, look...a completely pointless comparison.

Not completely pointless. We're comparing performances of one band that despite being better, more accomplished, more popular etc etc, didn't deliver as well as the other band in the previous year. That's what we do in these sections of the board.

I felt the difference was the choice of songs.

[fakepornotits]

Honestly, how did they compare? I was super bummed about missing AF last year after loving their performance in 2007. Loved The Suburbs too. Watching the ball drop via webcast I kinda died a little inside. I really enjoyed Radiohead's set, moreso than the last (first) time I saw them - I was way in the back and having a blast thanks to the rows of speakers that keep things loud. For those that saw both, how did they compare? Be honest yo.

I was at the fest last year and I missed AF because I was high off my freaking balls in the tent and I couldn't move. I refused to watch the webcast for a whole year but I finally did the other day and it made me hate myself even more.

[Dojous]

Arcade Fire last year was one of the most original sets I have ever seen, the creators project collab and them playing the Suburb + old favorites made the crowds energy seem alot more than Radiohead. Radiohead for sure played probably a more polished and obviously more known set, but Arcade Fire overall I think was a better eaxperience. Radiohead did have better visuals if you dont count the balls dropping

[scenicworld]

I loved them both, but Arcade Fire felt more "special" to me. It probably has a little bit to do with me being a bigger AF fan than RH fan, but they were both highlights of their respective years and I almost feel it's pointless to compare them (even though I just did).

[xuclarockerx]

I think they're two reasonably comparable bands.

Sigh @ the general AF>RH response. But hey I asked for honesty. AF just seems like the perfect festival band, RH not so much. i.e. I would see RH alone before AF.

Anyone else think AF will return for a 4th Coachella? I think they will but it may not be for another couple albums (i.e. 4-8 years) and who knows if the visuals/surprises will be like last year. I don't know if they can get any bigger than they were last year coming off that Grammy win.

[Neighborhood Creep]

First time seeing Radiohead and thought I would never say it, but AF>RH

[xuclarockerx]

AF's music is more uplifting/communal, RH is more introspective...the former probably makes for a better festival set.

[PointBlank]

Radiohead sounded better, but Arcade Fire's set was better. Arcade Fire played a set for the fans, Radiohead played a set for themselves. It's not a flame, it's just who they are. If they'd have combined the crisp sound with a setlist that included a greater acknowledgment of the greatness of their past, it would've owned. In the end, it was a very good show all around, but AF was better.

[TomAz]

AF is already past their prime just 3 albums in.

[arthurbang]

Arcade Fire was better... I would say Radiohead, if they would just play a little more of their back catalog.

[KickerConspiracy]

Radiohead sounded better, but Arcade Fire's set was better. Arcade Fire played a set for the fans, Radiohead played a set for themselves. It's not a flame, it's just who they are. If they'd have combined the crisp sound with a setlist that included a greater acknowledgment of the greatness of their past, it would've owned. In the end, it was a very good show all around, but AF was better.

This exactly. Could not have put it better. Radiohead is the better band; Arcade Fire put on the better show. Plus, the balloon drop was crazy cool.

[PulpOne]

Arcade Fire was brilliant. I really enjoyed Radiohead's set and their show was pretty magical. But overall, Arcade Fire was raw and definitely had more heart, also the whole collab with CP was a treat.

[Ferris Wheeler]

AF's music is more uplifting/communal, RH is more introspective...the former probably makes for a better festival set.

This. Personally it's undoubtedly Radiohead for me but I understand why people would choose Arcade Fire.

[Still-ill]

AF was fine, but I find it crazy that people liked their set better than Radiohead's.

[mikeoley]

Arcade Fire's set made me a fan for life. Radiohead's set was fantastic and their visuals were better. I couldn't believe how quite everyone was during some of their sing a longs. It wasn't a bad thing either. Mad respect for them. But Arcade Fire's energy in 11 was something else. I was so happy during their entire show.

Now with that said...I've never had more fun at a show then I did at Snoop and Dre's. Maybe LCD front row at the Bowl. But damn Dre really closed the festival down this year.

[xuclarockerx]

Is the Arcade Fire webcast saved anywhere online? I want to watch it, like, now.

[WhatLies]

i didn't see arcade fire at coachella but i did see them at osl. I would agree arcade fire has a lot of energy live and they bring out different emotions in the crowd. Radiohead on the other hand, was a sight to see. Watching how they kept a steady style throughout all their songs, old or new, was quite impressive. For example, idioteque and everything in its right place had more of a king of limbs feel to it rather than kid a or httt feel. This is how radiohead has distinguished themselves. Their music and shows are always current, always present, because they are playing everything in their current mood/ frame of mind

[HotHamWater]

AF's music is more uplifting/communal, RH is more introspective...the former probably makes for a better festival set.

This is the only post that should be in this thread. Arcade Fire is more enegetic live because it's a more energetic band. Shouldn't come as a surprise. It depends on your mood at that point.

[Monko762]

Loser vs Loser - what's your point?

He is asking who made you feel more connected with your emotions? Especially the touchy feely and melodramatic ones.

[Gribbz]

AF is already past their prime just 3 albums in.

It's true.

apples and oranges, but I left AF early. I wouldn't have dreamed of leaving that RH set early.
I'm not a superfan of either band.

Exactly this. Did you see Arcade Fire in 2007? That was a great set.

[Miroir Noir]

Arcade Fire's 2011 set will forever be remembered as being better than it actually was because of the "Wake Up" strobe balls.

[Ferris Wheeler]

Arcade Fire's 2011 set will forever be remembered as being better than it actually was because of the "Wake Up" strobe balls.

That's kind of true. I mean, that Arcade Fire set was incredible but I'd still put Kanye, Radiohead and Snoop/Dre ahead of it (In no particular order). I feel like Snoop/Dre will be remembered as not as good as it was because of the hologram distraction.

Arcade Fire probably appeals to a much broader audience than Kanye/Radiohead/Snoop&Dre. They also have very anthemic sing-a-long moments that are fun for the whole crowd.