When The Killers first exploded onto the music scene they were 'that indie band from Vegas'. Their debut 'Hot Fuss' was a blend of raw talent, slighty eccentric lyrics and infectious instrumental. 'Somebody Told Me' was the single that first propelled them to fame however it was completely eclipsed by their next single, the ambitious 'Mr. Brightside'. In my personal opinion this song is an anthem. Maybe it was their Vegas roots, but their music and videos were infused with melodrama and glitz reminiscent of the 80's. Songs like 'Andy You're A Star' and 'Somebody Told Me' gave the album a slight homosexual air. Somehow that just seemed to add to their appeal. 'All These Things that I've done' had a gospel and film noir feel about it . 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine' and 'Glamorous Indie Rock&Roll also definately deserve a mention. The melodic bass lines, memorable hooks and riffs makes the entire album more mainstream. It almost seemed as if they had peaked at their debut.
Thankfully 'Sam's Town' matched if not surpassed the success of it's predecessor. Brandon Flowers [with some added facial hair!] was bringing retro back with his uber cool Rayban Wayfarers. He'd gone from cute skinny indie boy to mature coffee house poet =P.
'When You Were Young' was an apt first single with its booming chorus and nostalgic lyrics. Bones is another unforgettable track with a kickass video to go with it. This album embodies all the idiosyncratic musical sensibilities which are synonymous with the Killers. It's more consistent than Hot Fuss but certain tracks are an acquired taste.
I had hugely inflated expectations of Sawdust. I'd had a preview of the album in the form of the track 'Move Away' from Spiderman 3 and it blew me away.
Unfortunately, most of the album fell short. For the first time in living memory, Brandon Flowers sounded forced, the lyrics lacked conviction or soul. Most of the songs sound re-hashed and similar and they lacked musical intuition. The only real standouts for me were Move Away and Romeo&Juliet [Dire Straits cover].
For the first time I actually have doubts about The Killers.
8 comments:
go back to shutting up u were way better at it
thanks!
Hey Anonymous
Keep your opinions to your urself from now on okay ? If u want to give your opinion give your name from next time okay ?
thanx !
Haha. Anonymous, you're labouring under the delusion that-
1. I don't know who you are. Puhlease.
2. I actually give a f*ck what you think .
Next time, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism would appreciated.
Thanks.
i never liked brandon flowers' voice, but i liked the riffs that the killers came up with, but then when you dont have a very good lead singer, crappy albums become crappier.
decent review, but i felt that their previous stuff was over-praised by this post of yours.
I've always thought Brandon Flowers' voice was unconventional, but it suited songs like Smile Like You Mean It, Me. Brightside, Bones etc.. But after listening to Sawdust I can't stand it. It really grates on my nerves. It sounds especially bad on tracks like 'Don't Shoot Me Santa Claus' and 'Desperate'.
I loved their old stuff live though. =)
Is Romeo and Juliet any good..coz i got it..and it didnt play..so is it worth bothering to download again ?
Nice review btw.
x
Well, I really haven't heard much of The Killers, so I really can't say much, but from what I have heard - Somebody Told Me, Mr. Brightside and When You Were Young, I would say that they're pretty decent. I definitely feel that the earlier two are better than the latter, but that's me. Pretty nice review, and good to see that you're back to blogging.
The Killers were never brilliant! Just acceptable, that's what they were!:D
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