Arcade on Fire

What do Indie music group Arcade Fire and behemoth technology company Google have in common? Well, not much, until now. The two unlikely partners have joined forces to promote their respective wares. And the result is a terrific example of art and technology working hand in hand.

Arcade Fire, with help from Google's brainiacs, have produced the first HTML5-powered music video. What does that mean? Well, Google Chrome's blog sums it up nicely:

"It features a mash-up of Google Maps and Google Street View with HTML5 canvas, HTML5 audio and video, an interactive drawing tool, and choreographed windows that dance around the screen. These modern web technologies have helped us craft an experience that is personalized and unique for each viewer, as you virtually run through the streets where you grew up."

You kick the video off by typing in your childhood home address. At some point, you'll use a drawing tool to send a message to your younger self. And with Google Maps and Streetview, you'll be taking on a trip down memory lane. All along the way, you're listening Arcade Fire's new song "We used to wait."

It's a really cool use of Google and an incredibly great way to get people intimately involved in your music. And if you're wondering if sales will follow, right now Arcade Fire's new album is #5 on itunes. To see it yourself go to thewildernessdowntown.com and below is a youtube video.