Arcade Fire - Guns of Brixton (Live)

[TheRadiumboy]

I like it! I prefer the original though but this is full of good stuff!

[themanfromconnemara]

I prefer it to the original.

[HoneysEffect]

AWESOME

[alienheadhahaha]

eeeeeeew

[tigerluverchannel]

IDK y but I like this version better than the Clash version and I'm a big Clash fan

[agentcoolkid]

@tigerluverchannel yea it has more of a "hard" feeling too it

[ElvisChrist6]

The woman with the violin is incredibly annoying

[chanceie12]

@ElvisChrist6 fuck off dickwad thats Sarah she is hot.

[ElvisChrist6]

@chanceie12 Nah!

[BrattyMaddy]

its about the paranoid ex

sistance of those most oppressed by society.

[Bj0rn777]

Too many instruments.... something to be said about simplicity

[mryan8486]

@Bj0rn777 theres something amazing about how they took that many instruments and did it so simply. great discipline

[Bj0rn777]

@mryan8486 Clash. Nuff said.

[DaDawg4real]

I think this song is very timely.

[iwishiwastaller7]

Is it Will singing lead here?

[heyitscool1999]

@iwishiwastaller7 I think Richard Reed Perry is singing

[iwantcompletecontrol]

It's funny how when a band does a cover of another song and makes their cover sound EXACTLY like the original, they get criticized. Yet when they do a cover of a song and make it totally different, they still get criticized. Personally I prefer that a band tries to make a song "their own" instead of trying to copy the original performers (especially when the original performer is THE CLASH). No one will ever top the Clash, so it's good that they're at least doing something creative with it.

[SonicWand11]

It's so different from The Clash's version, but captures the same amazing message.

It's probably my favourite Arcade Fire song.

So thanks Arcade Fire. It's nice to see a cover song of today's world that doesn't suck and it's actually F'ing amazing! :D

[bthrkenny]

JEEEEZZZZZZZZZZ. AWESOME!

[peoplewhoplaygames]

@19BARD85 Hmmmm Time to rate the troll. Let's see..... Use of the word fuck out of context, sux is spelled sucks not really much of a troll.

Overall rating (1 to 10) -2,632 Good job. 

[alexandrabimini]

@bluelightalarm I agree.

[SBV123]

I actually heard the original after this and thought it sounded "off". Funny how things can work in your mind like that. Either way it's a great song, I just prefer it this way.

[iesus68]

I have seen The Clash live 5 times, the first one in 1979. Guns Of Brixton is my fav song from Clash and I consider Paul as one of top bass player and vocalist, but guys, this cover rendition is enormous. Arcade Fire keep the song's spirit so damn well. Powerful.

[RockyHorrorWildChild]

IMO Everything this band touches turns to gold! <3

[nuggz503]

They should put out a cover album.

[Nostalgios]

I prefer this version over the original. Makes an excellent jam song. Don't bother to hate on me, it's my own personal taste.

[andradematheuss]

If you don't like Arcade Fire's songs, it's ok. But if you dare to say that they are bad, or overrated, and if you can't feel emotion in their songs you should check if there is any heart in your chest.

[floftyAl]

i don't this. this wasn't how the song was created to be played. this is just my opinion.

[jigglypugz]

@floftyAl but y post it in the 1st place? its one thing to have an opinion, its another thing to share it with everyone.

[floftyAl]

@jigglypugz yes, but I and most people feel that the internet is a great place to share ones opinion with everyone. So I posted the comment to merely put an idea in someones mind thinking about the way that the song sounds and feels. don't feel as though I was insulting the musicianship in my comment. Also I find that your comment is mundane and could use some spark or vigor by arguing with my about how you feel the song should be played. Cheers, Alex

[39chevpickup]

all hail the Clash

[KoiChannel]

Great!

Look up "while the city sleeps-back when we knew", same kind of colourful soundscapes and big emotional crescendos! :)

[MrJulianGalt]

arcade fire are a perfect example of bands who people think they are different and original but they are just so average sounding

[SBV123]

@MrJulianGalt True, Thom Yorke, Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne, etc. all the greats that call them the best band around don't know what they're talking about. This band is just so average. Stop trying so hard man.

[antifapunk977]

this is definitely the worst cover of any song i've ever heard

[jasonloeffler]

Wow. They've made race riots twee. How precious.

[StrongImaginationA]

Wow, this is nothing short of epic.

[fendersquiermusic]

i really dont like this cover 

[meakins8]

wot a load of pony!

[TheAaron3dg]

If there is ever a real, meaningful riot in Britain, this is the sound the people will make. Raw, haunting voices, and a powerful rhythm carrying their cause before them.

[MrLazyeyz]

IM THINKING THE POLICE ETC ARE HEARING THE GUNS OF BRIXTON AS OF LATE?

[bluelightalarm]

@MrLazyeyz I'm thinking you don't know what you are talking about

[TheTigerTrack]

Covers are NOT supposed to sound like the original. This is a fabulous take on a classic song in order to give it a different vibe and feel. Did its job perfectly.

[mollkatles]

@TheTigerTrack - no, your wrong - this is boring, would've expected more

[Lieu3C4]

What an onteresting bunch of instruments, perfect for the song. Next you know, they'll be Einsturzende Neubautening. Megaphones as microphones? Makes The Fall with their kazoos look like might he, might he chaps!

[MrDingdang13]

i think an appropriate song..atm

[TheMusicislife09]

I want a hurdy gurdy.. such an amazing instrument!

[raghera]

superbly haunting - Arcade Fire nail it every time...

[innocencefaded2112]

I'm suddenly very sleepy...

[ElCigaroCubano]

@innocencefaded2112

yeah cause its boring.

original>arcade fire. clash>arcade fire.

[Tunnelzzzzz]

@ElCigaroCubano lol no

[EtronBleu]

I'm a huge fan of both The Clash and Arcade Fire but, I don't dig this...fuckin' boring

[shitfaced1312]

geeks!

[david02911]

As awesome as this is, if I had to pick one thing that puts this over, it's Sarah's stepdancing.

[silentfisher67]

CLASH Бессмертен!

[killerwolfchild]

What instrument is that at 0:03-0:04? O:

[bluelightalarm]

@killerwolfchild It's a Hurdy Gurdy

[jonbonjoviham]

orchestral version much

[boosh1988]

This thought never even occurred to me during the original, but this version makes the "OOHHH-OH" sound like the perilous wails of previous victims of the Guns of Brixton, warning their current adversaries...

[muhreuh1]

this is good, but what makes the original so good is the great fucking bassline! ahh the bassline gives me the chills!

[wantsomecake328]

effin love the original but this has a really creepy atmosphere that really suits the lyrics. Not sure I prefer it though.

[HSAdestroy]

Love arcade fire and the clash but this was... Not great.

[RudieCantFail1977]

fuck i wasn't a fan until i saw this.

[hejcoze]

Brilliant. Will's megaphone gives me chills.

[hailiiiiiiiiiiii]

@woodley91406 u just mad cuz arcade fire is the greatest

[hailiiiiiiiiiiii]

this is way more awesome than the original. lol haters gonna hate.

[woodley91406]

@hailiiiiiiiiiiii You're an idiot.

[SubtLeCodithou]

@hailiiiiiiiiiiii he mad

[TheEddster]

@hailiiiiiiiiiiii You're kidding right?

[Mrowek93]

One of the best "Guns of Brixton" covers.

But, of course, not as good as The Clash!

[queenswanwhite]

this is horrific

[orpize]

wow i didnt like this band when i saw them on the grammys but this is a pretty good cover....good job guys

[gup24]

they raped the fucking song.

[maciob1]

Terrible, terrible. The original sends chills down my spine, this moany mockery is unbearable to listen.

[jigglypugz]

@maciob1 it makes me sad 2 find people with such hrrible tastes in music such as urs :(

[DustinDollin69]

Fucking modern kelly familly

[42Feather]

I must say, Win, Will, and Richard are all very attractive.

[IvanisovitschGrozny]

And TODAY... people are actually DOING revolutions on the streets of the Middle-East and Northern Africa, I wish them Great luck, I wish them freedom!

[mmmanica]

this is extremely impressive

[poweroutjpi]

@Jagggga94 you have to understand the the musical talent in arcade fire though, i mean look. regine is playing a fucking hurdy gurdy

[SuperLuckyCHUCKY]

Its weird but I like them better live its more compelling that way

[Jagggga94]

I love Arcade Fire and I love The Clash, but this is crap!

[ovelhaeletrica]

napoleon dynamite on the bass, amazing!

[professionalassasin]

Amazing cover of this song, such an original and innovative take on the Clash classic!

[StivoPoland]

this is great!!!

[irockthecashbah]

i hate this. it is better than soldier dec's version...just....but his dumb ass got deleted now i have no one to bag out

[RushClasic]

This band can do no wrong. Joe Strummer is rocking in his grave to this somber cover.

[Switcherer]

@RushClasic This song is all Simonon.

[ysgaisyih]

who would win in a fight between the guns of brixton and the guns of navarrone?

[ayseisonfire]

I fucking love this band

[warriorprince1010]

Brilliant.

[nealmyq]

Best cover ever done, by any band, ever.

[juankrlos420]

Que épica estaa vainaa!

[MyLittleHero95]

I love Arcade Fire, but I simply can't take a bunch of suburban kids singing this song seriously. Paul Simonon, the writer of the song, and the bass player for The Clash actually lived there. There is a air of authenticity to the song. Thumbs up if you agree.

[pauljrchef]

joe strummer would have liked this version

[nealmyq]

@pauljrchef I completely agree.

[SuperTubezZ]

@pauljrchef sorry, but i don't think he would

[jasonbuck]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned but this is filmed in the Brixton Academy. The best place to see a concert on London. I wish they where playing there and not the o2 next month.

[bluelightalarm]

@jasonbuck I agree. I saw them there on the Neon Bible tour and the place has such a great atmosphere

[u0928450]

@jasonbuck I saw them do a rendition of a Smiths song at Ally Pally at the end of 2007 as part of their Neon Bible tour (see video response below) they practically burnt the place to the ground - they were incendiary ! Not sure if even Win, Régine and Co. could create any unique sense of atmosphere at the O2 but perhaps it would be worth the entry price to see them give it a try!

[joeisaflyingfish]

@jasonbuck I dunno, I always find the sound a bit muffled at the brixton academy.

[johnnyecho]

sick

[AtTheDriveBy]

a good cover should extend beyond what the original fans likes see Nirvanas cover of Bowie as an example, or even Something for Kate doing Rock the Casbah...but this is horrible, murdered.

[koukou6464]

Drivel. Absolute drivel. This is the most over-rated band ever. Pretentious and quite boring. This cover is hideous. Its a band that is being pushed in a big way by the mainstream media and the usual entertainment outlets. Overproduced and over hyped.

[TheRep87]

@koukou6464 just get one of their albums and listen to it more then one time i am sure that then you will not whrite comments like this becouse by looking at your comment i can see that you never even try to listen to them.SO pls get Funeral or The Suburbs i am sure that in two weeks from then arcade fire will be your favorite band.

[Ancestor2]

@koukou6464

You may not to like their music, but you are being ignorant for calling them a mainstream product. Arcade Fire is a prime example of a bottom-up, organic success. Their path has become the model for independent bands of today. They have only recently started to crack the mainstream and it is great.

[supercollideher]

@Ancestor2 Seriously. I actually like the original better, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a band who sounds like Arcade Fire on mainstream radio or TV. Breadth of instruments, arrangements, shameless passion for playing music.

[hansfrank13]

completly acoustic punk rock, awsome

[joeisaflyingfish]

I paid £9.99 for my copy of The Suburbs, standard price for most new albums in the UK. Don't know about any other countries, but that was the price I was expecting!

[puretroubleman]

this is a pretty sick cover. it gave the song a very evil fill to it.

[dynomike1964]

FANTASTIC . YOU BASTURDS

[administramation]

I wish they just swam and drowned in Neon Bible. Sprawl? Pop? No more Arcade Fire because we're too old for pop? Me thinks they should just make dark music forever with all their assortment of instruments.

[iloveSMandGD]

what is that peculiar instrument that lady is winding up? what sound does it make? lol sorry if this is a stupid question but i've never seen one of those lol

is it like indian or something?

[bluelightalarm]

@iloveSMandGD It's a Hurdy Gurdy - if you search for it on here then you'll find loads of videos to see what it sounds like

[AaliValou]

@iloveSMandGD  it's medieval instrument :) in french we say Vieille à roue :)

[matthewschramm1983]

@iloveSMandGD it is called a "hurdy gurdy"

[MetalHippiePunk]

@iloveSMandGD It's medieval. Here in Belgium it's still known and played in folk.

For many songs it's the only instrument that fits.

[nthnmfft]

Phenomenal cover version. One thing I love about Arcade Fire is that they can take a song and totally reshape it to new instruments, tempos and styles without stripping it of its original vibe and atmosphere. Most bands would just try and copy the original guitar-bass-drums style in a cover, but they've taken it and made it uniquely Arcade Fire.

[DarthXyn]

i've never seen a thing like that since ...pink ployd.

Good luck to you Arcade fire.

the way you show is beautiful. Full of grace and hope.

.....

[punksweetyy]

@bluelightalarm Here in Germany was the price same as Lady Gaga Cd's.

Sure i'm not explanin you what Ironi is, caus u probably know. =)

[punksweetyy]

I used to like everything they do, until i saw the price of ThE Suburbs.

[WeArePilots8]

@punksweetyy I only paid $12.00 for The Suburbs. Funeral and Neon Bible were a bit more expensive when I bought them.

[GearsofBeatles]

@punksweetyy .. It was the same in America too.. $25 dollars is standard for a two disk lp moron... and what does price matter, if you like the band and the beautiful music they make it should be irrelevant, you make me sick...

[punksweetyy]

@GearsofBeatles Hey retarded,

when you have no idea of what im talkin about, stay away from REPLY.

Its not for money, but this means they're not that Indie anymore. Smells like FAME, u want them to be famous?

Have a fuckin day kid

[purplegirl110294]

@punksweetyy same with here in Australia . . .

[GrahamGRA]

@punksweetyy That's hardly their fault - blame the publisher.

[breaktheground]

Too bad this shit was $7 the week it came out. Fail you.

[chanceie12]

@punksweetyy I agree with him actually , went to buy one of there albums the other day , all of them are £10 or over!! which is shocking considering there oldest album is over 5 years old , still love the band though.

[booyahachieved]

@punksweetyy Haha, as if they have control over what a shop charges for their record. Get real.

I got it for $7 the day it came out.

[iamnotchemistry]

@punksweetyy

it was only $12 in canada and its a good 16 song album

and freaking incredible

totally worth it in my opinion

[purpleballoon15]

I'm probably going to get "yelled at" for this, but I feel this cover captures the meaning of the lyrics better then the original.

[VeganForHealth]

Timely song for our times. There is so much opression by people (and countries) with power over those who do not. It just goes to prove that absolute power currupts absolutely. Extreme nationalism and facism lives. We haven't learned from the last Century.

[MrDiego881]

Damn...i love everything that Arcade do...this cover it's awesome ...only Arcade Fire do this..in this way

[bastienlechien]

pourquoi ? pour qui ?

[laker2125]

I love all the people saying Joe wouldn't of liked it, their right, he would of loved it!

[JR1840]

wow this cover is even better than I thought it would be, all geniuses

[freydey]

fucked up

[TheKizzu78]

I was a bit late in finding Arcade Fire but I first noticed them when I saw them perform this song on this actual show. It's a great cover

[CrimsonFinch]

What instrument is win playing?

[kwizzeh]

@CrimsonFinch Mandolin.

[refusedchad]

this is fuckin awesome, hurdy gurdy! This reminds me of tom waits a bit.

[Costa655]

They suck

[cirEgnimrahC]

gotta love the sound of that stand up bass

[DaoWoW]

I would love to be in this majestic band!

[BasconiaGR]

very good

[Cocaloupe]

Fascinating.

They're amazing. Still

[Mongo42089]

This still gives me goosebumps...

[Bubnel25]

Finally, a band that does a clash song proud.

[VimFuego72]

@Bubnel25 GOOD SHOUT!!!

[Agnes962]

I can't get out it from my head xD

[alavro15]

that violinist is damn sexy! and so is this song, great cover.

[BehindTheSea29]

This is one of my favorite covers of any song ever : )

[JoysOfOi]

Great cover!

[ballzsantana]

@Glottris I cosign that statement.

[f0ggy92]

nice version different i like . glottris every cover doesnt have to be carbon copy of original  open your mind a little

[dmattt]

Not bad, took me a second to get use to it, but i like it! =)

[gesamtszenario]

Am I the only one who considers it somewhat ironic that a cover of a punk song (especially THIS SPECIFIC one) appears on a BBC culture show? Not that I'm complaining...

[Rzarectar]

Haha every art form eventually goes that way. I'm sure someday we'll see Norweigan Black metal unplugged on one too.

[Cinthorc]

I was just thinking the same!

[malehawk]

No yare not the only one, actually the system neutralizes annoying messages with this very method...

[hgldypgldy]

sounds like a funeral march. fucking amazing.

[inderocker17]

@hgldypgldy It's their passion for music.

[iAmTheWalrus1996]

@hgldypgldy they can do my funeral

[Nevermind900426]

awesome

[75kud]

KLASYK !

[joepubic89]

I'd say the BEST current band covering the BEST band of all time.

[RafaHen88]

BRILLIANT

[jordandegroote]

One of the best current bands covering one of the best bands of all time.

[jstarrerwin]

Why is everything they do perfect?

[redcat10]

i concur....brillant band!

[alavro15]

this cover is glorious! fuck the system and all its bullshit institutions!

[spang1960]

AF is singing it like they're out on the street, time of revolution, rebellious citizens bricking cops on one corner, while others smoke weed on another, giggling and gawking. On the last corner, street musicians, most of whom live in this neighborhood, play this song; passersby stop, sing along, or hear, for the first time, the words of the exciting song, in which some singer demands that the people stand up for themselves.

That being said, the original is still the best.

it was played on the telly not on the street!