We can’t imagine that whoever holds the rights for Marcel Camus‘ 1959 film “Black Orpheus” gets many requests to license clips. And we’d wager it’s been even rarer that one of the biggest bands on the planet has made that call. But then again, Arcade Fire doesn’t play to expectations.
With the Montreal band gearing up for the release of their new album Reflektor next week, they’ve been on a blitz of promo, including a zany, cameo-filled concert movie directed by Roman Coppola, a straight-up video directed by Anton Corbijn, secret shows, outdoor marketing and more. And tonight comes a new track, “Afterlife,” coupled with a lyric video that’s nothing but clips from Marcel Camus‘, Cannes Palme d’Or winning, Criterion approved, 1959 classic “Black Orpheus.” And full props to their taste in films, because this tale of romance against the backdrop of Carnival in Rio De Janeiro is still pretty visually arresting today, and if it turns more folks onto the flick, hell yeah. And somehow, it all works together with the tune.
Anyway, give it a spin below and head down your local record shop next Tuesday.