Arcade Fire — Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)
Album: FuneralAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1337
Length: 4:38
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I am waitin' 'til I don't know when,
cause I'm sure it's gonna happen then.
Time keeps creepin' through the neighborhood,
killing old folks, wakin' up babies
just like we knew it would.
All the neighbors are startin' up a fire,
burning all the old folks the witches and the liars.
My eyes are covered by the hands of my unborn kids,
but my heart keeps watchin'
through the skin of my eyelids.
They say a watched pot won't ever boil,
well I closed my eyes and nothin' changed,
just some water getting hotter in the flames.
It's not a lover I want no more,
and it's not heaven I'm pining for,
but there's some spirit I used to know,
that's been drowned out by the radio!
They say a watched pot won't ever boil,
you can't raise a baby on motor oil,
just like a seed down in the soil
you gotta give it time
cause I'm sure it's gonna happen then.
Time keeps creepin' through the neighborhood,
killing old folks, wakin' up babies
just like we knew it would.
All the neighbors are startin' up a fire,
burning all the old folks the witches and the liars.
My eyes are covered by the hands of my unborn kids,
but my heart keeps watchin'
through the skin of my eyelids.
They say a watched pot won't ever boil,
well I closed my eyes and nothin' changed,
just some water getting hotter in the flames.
It's not a lover I want no more,
and it's not heaven I'm pining for,
but there's some spirit I used to know,
that's been drowned out by the radio!
They say a watched pot won't ever boil,
you can't raise a baby on motor oil,
just like a seed down in the soil
you gotta give it time
Comments (88)add comment
I'm late to Arcade Fire (pathetic, I know, since I'm Canadian). Thanks for the introduction to this band. There is something nicely compelling about their stuff. Going to have to do a deeper dive. Thank you!
ElCamoteLoco wrote:
US (and North, Central, and some South American countries') mains supply is 110V which means for a given power consumption you need twice the current. For a fairly standard 3kW like in the UK that would be over 27A, which domestic circuits can't supply. It can be faster to boil water on a hob (although it's still less efficient) but a lot of gringos heat water for tea in the microwave (shudders, spits, makes sign of the corna to ward off the malocchio).
I have only just taken part-possession of a microwave (comes from moving into my partner's house) and I'm not (yet) much of a microwave user, but I'm struggling to understand why water heated to boiling in the microwave should be sub-optimal compared with water heated in a kettle, whether boiled in an electric kettle or otherwise.
US (and North, Central, and some South American countries') mains supply is 110V which means for a given power consumption you need twice the current. For a fairly standard 3kW like in the UK that would be over 27A, which domestic circuits can't supply. It can be faster to boil water on a hob (although it's still less efficient) but a lot of gringos heat water for tea in the microwave (shudders, spits, makes sign of the corna to ward off the malocchio).
I have only just taken part-possession of a microwave (comes from moving into my partner's house) and I'm not (yet) much of a microwave user, but I'm struggling to understand why water heated to boiling in the microwave should be sub-optimal compared with water heated in a kettle, whether boiled in an electric kettle or otherwise.
Another classic dusted off from the RP archives - very nice "renewal" from this iconic album
floydpink wrote:
What is it about tea kettles with whistles in the states?
In most civilised countries we have electric kettles that have automatic switch off when they boil. Don't y'all trust them new fangled devices?
US (and North, Central, and some South American countries') mains supply is 110V which means for a given power consumption you need twice the current. For a fairly standard 3kW like in the UK that would be over 27A, which domestic circuits can't supply. It can be faster to boil water on a hob (although it's still less efficient) but a lot of gringos heat water for tea in the microwave (shudders, spits, makes sign of the corna to ward off the malocchio).
What is it about tea kettles with whistles in the states?
In most civilised countries we have electric kettles that have automatic switch off when they boil. Don't y'all trust them new fangled devices?
US (and North, Central, and some South American countries') mains supply is 110V which means for a given power consumption you need twice the current. For a fairly standard 3kW like in the UK that would be over 27A, which domestic circuits can't supply. It can be faster to boil water on a hob (although it's still less efficient) but a lot of gringos heat water for tea in the microwave (shudders, spits, makes sign of the corna to ward off the malocchio).
Nope. Mundane lyrics. Sophomoric, even. Gave it a 2, and I was feeling generous.
1120ralph wrote:
Well, the album is called Funeral after all...
I call this "music to slit your wrists to" - not my taste!
Well, the album is called Funeral after all...
I call this "music to slit your wrists to" - not my taste!
Sounds like Bombay Bicycle Club. Not bad.
Sandinista, Lose This Skin, me thinks.
andrewimft wrote:
You need to see them live.
These guys just don't do it for me. I listened to a whole bunch of their songs trying to figure out what the fuss was about. What I saw was a lot of instrumentation but second rate musical compositions. I still respect these guys-- they're darn good musicians. Bands like this I just can't down rate, I just figure they're good but they're not for me. So I don't bother rating it at all unless I think that song is particularly horrible or great. Anyhow I take it song by song and try not to dislike every song by a band I don't like. But these guys I can't dislike them either, they leave me just uninterested.
You need to see them live.
ROSSinDETROIT wrote:
What is it about tea kettles with whistles in the states?
In most civilised countries we have electric kettles that have automatic switch off when they boil. Don't y'all trust them new fangled devices?
I'll be darned. I must have played this CD a dozen times and I never noticed the sound of tea kettle whistles in the background.
What is it about tea kettles with whistles in the states?
In most civilised countries we have electric kettles that have automatic switch off when they boil. Don't y'all trust them new fangled devices?
andrewimft wrote:
Well I think I don't understand.
These guys just don't do it for me. I listened to a whole bunch of their songs trying to figure out what the fuss was about. What I saw was a lot of instrumentation but second rate musical compositions. I still respect these guys-- they're darn good musicians. Bands like this I just can't down rate, I just figure they're good but they're not for me. So I don't bother rating it at all unless I think that song is particularly horrible or great. Anyhow I take it song by song and try not to dislike every song by a band I don't like. But these guys I can't dislike them either, they leave me just uninterested.
Well I think I don't understand.
andrewimft wrote:
Yet they motivate you to meh.
These guys just don't do it for me. I listened to a whole bunch of their songs trying to figure out what the fuss was about. What I saw was a lot of instrumentation but second rate musical compositions. I still respect these guys-- they're darn good musicians. Bands like this I just can't down rate, I just figure they're good but they're not for me. So I don't bother rating it at all unless I think that song is particularly horrible or great. Anyhow I take it song by song and try not to dislike every song by a band I don't like. But these guys I can't dislike them either, they leave me just uninterested.
Yet they motivate you to meh.
Laptopdog wrote:
It's like they're trying to channel ITAOTS.
I usually like emotive songs, but this one is just painful to listen to.
It's like they're trying to channel ITAOTS.
Similar structure and progression to That Old Purple Tin by Alabama 3. But I think it's a pretty traditional structure, too.
alexandersmcmillan wrote:
Polly put the kettle on.
Excellent remark when this followed Short & Sweet (David Gilmour), although she won't be amused I guess! Equally resonated with the 'expecting an invite' comment for Short and Sweet. The comments are getting as expertly melded as the playlist!I usually like emotive songs, but this one is just painful to listen to.
Polly put the kettle on.
As much as I adore Arcade Fire, and Funeral in particular, I get the hate for this song. For me it's the weakest on the album.
Painful string squeeks!
Otherwise kind of meh.
Netto wrote:
Interesting comparison. It never occured to me - but I think you're right; similar vocal styles.
Like a Waters... (Roger Waters) as a Radio K.A.O.S. album. 1:1
Interesting comparison. It never occured to me - but I think you're right; similar vocal styles.
Some artists have a shelf life.
Someone needs to pull that sticker out of his foot!
YAWN...................................
meh
crockydile wrote:
Thats the modern media whining sound!
Another Whining Vocalist. (AWV) I prefer the sound of the kettles. 
Thats the modern media whining sound!
Another Whining Vocalist. (AWV) I prefer the sound of the kettles.
ROSSinDETROIT wrote:
Thats because you completely fell asleep all 12 times ......................................
"...thats because a watched pot never boils......" Please give the man a noose already
I'll be darned. I must have played this CD a dozen times and I never noticed the sound of tea kettle whistles in the background.
Thats because you completely fell asleep all 12 times ......................................
"...thats because a watched pot never boils......" Please give the man a noose already
Like a Waters... (Roger Waters) as a Radio K.A.O.S. album. 1:1
drews wrote:
I like Arcade Fire. But I just saw Plant/Krauss a few weeks ago (brilliant). Comparing this guy to Plant is quite a stretch indeed. Not even close in my book.
The voice sounds like Robert Plant, and just the folky sort of stuff he likes to sing
I like Arcade Fire. But I just saw Plant/Krauss a few weeks ago (brilliant). Comparing this guy to Plant is quite a stretch indeed. Not even close in my book.
drews wrote:
I'm thinking he sounds like a tired Bruce Springsteen.
The voice sounds like Robert Plant, and just the folky sort of stuff he likes to sing
I'm thinking he sounds like a tired Bruce Springsteen.
this song interests me about as much as a watched kettle.
I'll be darned. I must have played this CD a dozen times and I never noticed the sound of tea kettle whistles in the background.
andrewimft wrote:
Thats how I rate music too. 10! ;o)
These guys just don't do it for me. I listened to a whole bunch of their songs trying to figure out what the fuss was about. What I saw was a lot of instrumentation but second rate musical compositions.
I still respect these guys— they're darn good musicians. Bands like this I just can't down rate, I just figure they're good but they're not for me. So I don't bother rating it at all unless I think that song is particularly horrible or great. Anyhow I take it song by song and try not to dislike every song by a band I don't like. But these guys I can't dislike them either, they leave me just uninterested.
I still respect these guys— they're darn good musicians. Bands like this I just can't down rate, I just figure they're good but they're not for me. So I don't bother rating it at all unless I think that song is particularly horrible or great. Anyhow I take it song by song and try not to dislike every song by a band I don't like. But these guys I can't dislike them either, they leave me just uninterested.
Thats how I rate music too. 10! ;o)
Nonsense Ms. J, this is the best I have heard from these guys.
Oh my god, this is so bad.
These guys just don't do it for me. I listened to a whole bunch of their songs trying to figure out what the fuss was about. What I saw was a lot of instrumentation but second rate musical compositions.
I still respect these guys-- they're darn good musicians. Bands like this I just can't down rate, I just figure they're good but they're not for me. So I don't bother rating it at all unless I think that song is particularly horrible or great. Anyhow I take it song by song and try not to dislike every song by a band I don't like. But these guys I can't dislike them either, they leave me just uninterested.
I used to really be into these guys, but the more I listen to them, the more I wish they'd find a different vocalist... this one is really driving me away from the band's music.
I don't see how anyone anywhere could like this.
The voice sounds like Robert Plant, and just the folky sort of stuff he likes to sing
Ho hum. Click. . . .
I don't really get what all the fuss is about.
Tiresome.
prickelpit96 wrote:
Did I hear a teapot whisteling in the background.....??
Might be why the song is entitled: Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles) ?
TimeWaster wrote:
Anyone else think this particular singing sounds like Roger Waters?
I'm hearing ECHO .
freeone1 wrote:
if anyone likes to see live shows that entertain throughly, (and i know us RPers do!) check out AF live! tons of musicans on stage tons to see and the sound is amazing...one of my new favorite live shows for sure
saw them on austin city limits, they were incredible!!
d00kie wrote:
Does Not Approve / and wants to pooop on!
May I join you?
d00kie wrote:
Does Not Approve / and wants to pooop on!
Veev?
Does Not Approve / and wants to pooop on!
TimeWaster wrote:
Anyone else think this particular singing sounds like Roger Waters?
Now that you mention it...
window wrote:
I hear it. Good call.
Yep. Very "wall-ish".
Song's pretty good, but I'm not fond of the vocals (from either artist).
*edit* I was too kind. His vocals suck.
TimeWaster wrote:
Anyone else think this particular singing sounds like Roger Waters?
Not even a little bit.
if anyone likes to see live shows that entertain throughly, (and i know us RPers do!) check out AF live! tons of musicans on stage tons to see and the sound is amazing...one of my new favorite live shows for sure
For all those confused or repulsed by AF, believe me that they are a whole-album, aquired taste kind of band. I can say that because the first few spins of this record confused and repulsed me as well. But once the pieces fell into place, the album moved me in a way that few others do.
Just like Win sings in this song:
"It's like a seed down in the soil - gotta give it time."
gormeister wrote:
i totally heard the teapot. another hopeless effort by this band. as indicated in previous posts i absolutely can't stand these guys. i have petitioned RP for relief several times, to no avail thus far.
Your posts make me want to gag. AF is an incredible band.
TimeWaster wrote:
Anyone else think this particular singing sounds like Roger Waters?
I hear it. Good call.
prickelpit96 wrote:
Did I hear a teapot whisteling in the background.....??
Where are my pills....
i totally heard the teapot. another hopeless effort by this band. as indicated in previous posts i absolutely can't stand these guys. i have petitioned RP for relief several times, to no avail thus far.
Where are my pills....Did I hear a teapot whisteling in the background.....??
Where are my pills....
Where are my pills....This album is one of the best I've ever heard.
supremo wrote:
To me this song sounds like it would make much better sense as part of the whole album.
It does
. . . about 3 minutes left on the 15-minute clock . . . tick tick . . .
TimeWaster wrote:
Anyone else think the vocals sound like Roger Waters?
Not unless he were to put one finger in his left nostril
Anyone else think this particular singing sounds like Roger Waters?
To me this song sounds like it would make much better sense as part of the whole album.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
This I like. The Arcade Fire has some of the softness of Cake or Sufjan, but with genuine grit and without the preciousness and pretense that makes those so insufferable.
Excellent appraisal, couldn't agree more.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
This I like. The Arcade Fire has some of the softness of Cake or Sufjan, but with genuine grit and without the preciousness and pretense that makes those so insufferable.
Well said.
savoyard wrote:
Must see Concert!! 
Tell me how! Where! I love these guys.
billyboy48 wrote: 
smadanayr wrote:
these guys (and gals) are cool
With all due respect to the positive rating and reviews this just isn't working for me. Too many layers in competition with coherence. For cripes sake, someone get the tea kettle off the stove and shut down a few of the folks tuning their instruments just off stage.
pyxxel wrote:
Just listen to the strings arrangement. I've NEVER heard anything like this before. Truely amazing. I've listened to this song maybe 50 times now and still discover little subtle details.
Turns out that the string arrangements for Funeral are done by Owen Pallett who records sort of minimalist-pop under the name Final Fantasy. His recent album "He Poos Clounds" is....different.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Pallett
These guys always float between 7 and 8 for me. So dense, layered, gets better every listen...and yet I'm always just short of loving this album passionately. Can't wait to see how they evolve. 7 for now.
crazyforsommer wrote:
I really like every song on this album except for one. Very creative, not like your normal commercial radio sound.
I wonder - which is the song you don't like?
Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh one of my favourite songs for the past YEAR!
Just listen to the strings arrangement. I've NEVER heard anything like this before. Truely amazing. I've listened to this song maybe 50 times now and still discover little subtle details.
A masterpiece.
Just listen to the strings arrangement. I've NEVER heard anything like this before. Truely amazing. I've listened to this song maybe 50 times now and still discover little subtle details.
A masterpiece. Must see Concert!!
This I like. The Arcade Fire has some of the softness of Cake or Sufjan, but with genuine grit and without the preciousness and pretense that makes those so insufferable.
My upload - glad to see the positive comments! Love this song, and I recommend the whole beautiful and amazing album. And if you can see them live, don't miss it. I understand they're working on their next release now.
Catchy and good!
I really like every song on this album except for one. Very creative, not like your normal commercial radio sound.
OK - good stuff - got the album - Wim Butler has a hauntingly beautiful voice.
Anyone know when we can expect the follow up?
I hear more than a hint of Springsteen's "Nebraska" here. Not that there's anything wrong with that. 
Best album I've heard in years!
these guys (and gals) are cool