Indie went mainstream big time this year when Merge recording artists Arcade Fires third album, the sprawling Suburbs, hit number one on the Billboard charts in its first week out. Arcade Fire is now the big band with the big sound that truly made it big The Suburbs isnt as good as their 2004 debut, Funeral, but its warmer and more affecting its easy to see its emotional mass appeal. It remains to be seen whether a major-label deal will follow, but theyve definitely outgrown the local venues theyve previously played (Showbox SoDo, UWs Hec Ed). Dealing with the multi-level tiers and crowds at KeyArena can be overwhelming, but there doesnt seem to be any containing the Arcade Fire phenomenon (and its too cold for the Gorge). Opening will be Tucsons Calexico, who probably never dreamed theyd be playing for a Bieber-caliber audience. ERIN K. THOMPSON
Wed., Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., 2010
