Sam's Town- The Killers

I saw The Killers perform at Mississippi Nights when I first moved to St. Louis in 2004. I saw them again at The Pageant last year because J and co. were into seeing them and I thought it would be a fun night out. I am not a hardcore fan and never have been. Hot Fuss was good fun, but unless there’s an emotional tie-in for me (ok, and sometimes if the lead singer is exceptionally hot) I don’t stay around that long before something else grabs my attention. The band and their cd didn’t meet the criteria (though Brandon’s voice is incredibly sexy) so as the band achieved worldwide acclaim from fans and critics I took note but didn’t save the articles for my scrapbook.

This summer there was a lot of buzz about the sophomore effort that was to be released in the fall of 2006. You could not escape the “Bruce Springsteen influence” references in each and every early article or review. This seemed like such an unexpected influence that I admit I was curious. Then, after hearing “When You Were Young” and the revelation that I WAS IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG, I admitted to myself that I would purchase this album as soon as I could. Sam's Town was released this week and I indeed purchased it.

Make no mistake there is a heavy Bruce Springsteen influence on this cd. But, instead of a blatant rip-off, they do it right by borrowing the spirit of singing about open roads and hopeful hearts while (mostly) maintaining their own familiar sound. Besides hearing familiar E Street Band instrumental and choral arrangements, you hear a lead singer who has captured Bruce’s ability to be fragile without sounding like it. It’s evident on this cd that some life has been lived and I am so on board with that. Well done, boys.

I can’t believe I’m listening to The Killers again and enjoying it on such a different level. For this, I give it an UNEXPECTED. -K

P.S.
Incidentally, Sam’s Town is an off-strip casino/hotel in Vegas.

To me, the top half of the cd hits the ground running. The rest I came to like after a few more listens.

K’s favorites:
Sam’s Town
When You Were Young
For Reasons Unknown (probably my favorite right now)
Read My Mind
Why Do I Keep Counting?