Their 2009 debut album saw them compared to Fleet Foxes, who they claimed not to have even heard when they were making it.

The Killers were always bound for arena-level stardom, one felt, thanks to their gold-dust blend of attractive pop choruses, a certain down to earth authenticity as unembellished alternarockers in the traditional vein and a true talent for sheer, unalloyed blandness where it’s really necessary.

Time and again during this 2CD live collection culled from The Decemberists' 2011 American tour, I was reminded of Arcade Fire – when I wasn't being reminded of R.E.M., of course.

Brooklyn trio We Are Augustines' debut album sounds like it's been pieced together with spare parts from various other big indie-rock bands.

Anthems for a suburban tomorrow

The male-dominated crowd chanted "Take it off! Take it off!" at the young, beautiful and talented woman on stage. They weren't seedily encouraging Amy LaVere, US singer/songwriter, double-bassist and budding Hollywood actress, to do anything untoward. They were merely asking her to come out from behind a glittering silver mask, which had hidden her face for the last hour.

Arcade Fire’s live shows always seem to present a sort of organised chaos that you either love or hate, but judging by this sold-out Hyde Park gig – their largest UK show to date – they don’t have to worry too much about the latter.

On recent tours, Win Butler has wondered how his band can fill arenas despite having no hits. On this evidence, while they may not dominate the charts in the manner of Adele or Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire brim over with hummable tunes.

Sir Paul McCartney stunned the crowd at the Coachella music festival by joining Afrojack on stage.

There are moments on Degeneration Street that suggest Dears' creative mainspring Murray Lightburn is hoping to effect an Arcade Fire-style vault from indie saltmines to popularity; but it's all too little, and at five albums into their career, too late for that.

Arcade Fire were overwhelmed by their shock 'Best Album' Grammy win.

The band have teamed up with director Spike Jonze for a film to accompany their latest album. It illuminates the record's heart of darkness, says Elisa Bray

Canadian rockers Arcade Fire and American singer Cee Lo Green will perform at next month's Brit Awards.