Undersrand the phenomenon, and how it can apply to AF and other bands, but their music is still fantastic in my mind. I'm a big fan of Reflektor over Suburbs though.
Can't really say I'm a huge Arcade Fire fan, but Reflektor is the only one of their albums I've really connected with. Funeral has its moments but most of their albums drag for me, a lot. Regardless, I think the 'too big to fail' argument really depends if you're looking at things critically or commercially. Bands like Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Muse can release a steaming turd of an album that will still sell well and they'll still be headlining festivals, purely because we know they CAN release good music and that'll get people listening even if some albums are duds. See: Wasting Light after overly long In Your Honour and the slightly uneven Echoes Silence Patience & Grace.
Hahahaha He used the phrase moreso for his cast and crew that turned into late night hosts (Fallon, Meyers, etc) but that does make sense too! And Sandler
I do (and am well aware I am somewhat of a pariah for it). Both Hebrews and I Don't Think it is made my top albums of the year.
Linkin Park are undoubtedly the best example of this, although it feels like they have passed this point now and are simply seen for the joke they are.
Not to say I don't enjoy new Radiohead or that it's bad by any means. Just that their fan base in my experience will cry album of the year before even hearing it. They've reached an infallible state.
Threw on Hebrews again just to make sure this statement still stood: Hebrews is so awful it actually makes me feel uncomfortable