Maybe it was that I was pressed up against the stage the entire time, but Arcade Fire's first show in New York City since their heavily covered five-night stand at the Judson Memorial Church was absolutely unreal! Dare I say that the band even sounded better than they did on any of the five nights they performed back in February.

The United Palace is a beautiful theater that happens to hold weekly services, which worked well into Arcade Fire's theme of playing and recording in churches. While the setlist was nothing out of the ordinary and no surprise guests turned up, the band continues to interpret their material with so much heart and power. It's rare that a band can continuously sound so passionate, but these Canadians have that certain something, which in this case is two near-perfect records.

While Win and Régine may be the center of attention, every single Acade Firer has a great stage pressence. It's non-stop energy from these folks. It's what they brought to every song tonight. It was awesome.

Two amazing shows in two nights. Wow. This week is off to an amazing start.........

ARCADE FIRE | UNITED PALACE THEATRE | 05-07-2007
Black Mirror / No Cars Go / Laika / Haiti / Black Wave/Bad Vibrations / Neon Bible / Windowsill / The Well and the Lighthouse / Ocean of Noise / Keep the Car Running / (Antichrist Television Blues) / Power Out -> Rebellion (Lies) // Tunnels // Intervention

DOWNLOAD: Arcade Fire - "Broken Window"
DOWNLOAD: Arcade Fire - "Ocean of Noise -> Rebellion (Lies) (Live from NPR)"

More pictures after the jump.........