Smackdown: Arcade Fire

True to their namesake, Arcade Fire are a hot commodity: the Montreal ensemble knocked Eminem off the number-one spot on the Billboard albums chart with their new disc The Suburbs. But not everyone is moved by the band's hyper-dramatic anthems and onstage theatrics.

We’ll turn the heat up on Arcade Fire in a Soundcheck Smackdown; guests include Washington Post pop critic Chris Richards and Time Out New York music writer Sophie Harris.

Tell us: What do you think of Arcade Fire and their new album? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Today's Playlist:

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

2. Arcade Fire - Ready to Start

3. Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #2 (Laika)

4. Arcade Fire - Rococo

5. Arcade Fire - No Cars Go

6. Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)