Who says the Grammys reward nothing but pop music?
Critical darlings Arcade Fire nabbed the top prize for Album of the Year at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night. The Canadian indie rock group's The Suburbs bested major label albums from megastars Eminem, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, whose media campaigns were as relentless as their radio hits were ubiquitous. The category was rounded out by Lady Antebellum, huge stars in the world of country and multiple Grammy nominees in their own right.
Check out photos of Arcade Fire's performance and more!
Arcade Fire's Album of the Year win was something of an upset, although MTV News' own James Montgomery did sort of call it for them. The band's Grammy heat was part of a wave that showed how much traction indie releases have gained with Grammy voters in recent years.
The Suburbs was released by Merge Records, the independent label based in Durham, North Carolina, that has been home to underground acts like Lou Barlow, The Clientele, Superchunk and Neutral Milk Hotel. In addition to performing, Arcade Fire were up for three Grammys this year.
On Sunday night in Los Angeles, groups like Mumford & Sons, Florence and the Machine, Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses and Broken Bells all joined Arcade Fire in battle with more mainstream nominees like Justin Bieber and Eminem. The Suburbs has sold roughly 400,000 copies, making it a smash for an indie label, particularly in the age of downloading.
Arcade Fire's Funeral (2005) and Neon Bible (2008) were both nominated for Best Alternative Music Album. The Montreal, Canada-based multi-instrumental band is led by husband-and-wife team Win Butler and Régine Chassagne. They are beloved by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Rolling Stone.
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