For Once, SNL Gets a Good Musical Performance: Arcade Fire Plays "We Used to Wait" + "Sprawl II"

Did anyone else catch Arcade Fire on SNL this weekend? I thought they did a terrific job -- particularly their second number, "Sprawl II." Musicians on SNL always seem awkward to me -- I don't know if it's the small stage, the live TV audience, or what, but I've rarely been overly impressed by any performances on the show. But for "Sprawl II," Régine looks sparkly and vibrant, the rest of the band's blue light jackets are awesome, and the entire band was energetic and made the song sound as a beautiful and compelling as it does on record. And if you look closely you can see guests Owen Pallett on the violin and Nick Zinner in the back playing synth.

Click through to see Arcade Fire's first number, the Win Butler-fronted "We Used to Wait" -- it was also very good, and I liked seeing Butler leave that tiny stage and climb into the audience/the cameraman's face.