It seems like the last three albums I have reviewed have followed the new musical sensation of being “different.” Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs” is no different. The lyrics, according to the band, are a memoir from growing up in the Houston suburbs. One interesting side note is that the band pressed each song to a 12-inch vinyl disk, then had it digitally mastered.

So, theoretically, each track on the album has the vinyl sound no matter what format of the album you decide to buy, according to comments the band made on the recording process in a Rolling Stone interview.

The record won the band “Album of the Year” at the Grammys. Arcade Fire was also nominated for “Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals” for “Ready To Start,” and “Best Alternative Music Album.” The group, comprised of husband and wife duo Win Butler and Régine Chassagne and other talented multi-instrumentalists, has been known to feature a vast array of sounds such as accordion, harp, xylophone and glockenspiel, in addition to the normal mix of keyboards, drums and guitars.

They have a dissonant, underground sound to most of their music, and the drums and guitar seem to carry a rhythm that induces automatic foot tapping. I haven’t followed their music very long, but they caught my attention when Spike Jonze directed a short film based around the band called “Scenes from the Suburbs.” Fortunately, he did a better job than his horrendous take on “Where the Wild Things Are.” Anyway, on to some of my favorite tracks from “The Suburbs.”

“The Suburbs”–

The opening track is the epitome of the whole album. It’s like the audible form of a movie poster. It’s giving you all of the necessary information to set up the vibe of the record. The band has said in several interviews that moving into the suburbs of Houston was like landing on Mars. You get that whole “I’m not in a familiar place” feeling from this track.

“Ready to Start”–

If “The Suburbs” is the left jab, “Ready to Start” is the right hook. Arcade Fire open up the album with two of their best tracks. I believe this is talking about the rise from an obscure indie band to a prominent, popular band.

The line “Businessmen drink my blood/Like the kids in art school said they would. And I guess I’ll just begin again/You say can we still be friends,” sums it all up.

“Empty Room”–

Features more of Régine’s vocals, and has a dang catchy hook. It feels like an up-tempo “I’m On Fire” by Bruce Springsteen.

“Month of May”–

This song is one of my personal favorites. It combines all of their influences into one song. It has elements of Bruce Springsteen, The Ramones, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Arcade Fire combine impressive lyrics with busy guitar parts, but give each part it’s own sonic space. This is definitely a good one to crank on a sunny day.

“Wasted Hours”–

It’s one of their slower songs, but it doesn’t lose a bit of energy. The song is up for interpretation, but, to me, it’s talking about time wasted pondering the past. It’s definitely easily relatable. The subtle instrumentation in the background really builds this song up.

“The Suburbs” is available via instant download for $3.50, with CD and premium download for $5.99 and double 12-inch vinyl and premium download for $24.99 from arcadefire.com for a limited time only.