The Killers - 'Spaceman'
It's quite hard to think harsh things about the Killers, even though Brandon Flowers is clearly the proud owner of an ego big enough to orbit that of Kanye West, in much the same way that the Moon goes around the Earth. They might be cocky, they might be pompous, they might make pretty much the same song over and over again, and then dress in different clothes to try and confuse people, but you have to admire the fact that they try SO hard.
People in bands do tend to go on about how tough it is to be a professional musician, and, to be fair, it probably is very hard on the nerves. The 20-hour shifts, the fact that you can't ever have a bad hair day, the constant need to be on your best behaviour in case the media get hold of you throwing a tantrum about nothing (why, hello Christian Bale, I didn't see you there), and the constant fear that your latest song ideas are not going to go over well with your fans.
(, in which Brandon demonstrates what would happen if you stood behind a jet engine at the moment of , while wearing American Football gear.)
And for the majority of performers, the correct response to this line of reasoning is "shut up, get back on the stage and do your funny dance, or I will no longer fund your extravagant lifestyle. I have to get up earlier than you do and clean toilets for very little pay and no cheering audience. TOILETS, I TELL YOU!"
However, the Killers are an honorable exception, because they clearly want to SHOW everyone that they're taking this thing seriously, and working really, really hard, just like mechanics or doctors or firemen do.
How else do you explain the costume concept for each of their albums, or the speedy turnabout of new material. Four albums (including a B-Sides collection) in five years? Each one packed with likeable '80s-indebted synthpoprock? A new Christmas single every year? A collaboration with Lou Reed?
Boys, boys, you spoil us, you really do.
And if it means that each new Killers song is released with little in the way of public fanfare (despite the eye-wateringly odd video), well, that's the price you pay for looking keen. People do appreciate the effort though, honest.
This one, for example, is one of their faster ones, and continues a fine tradition of Killers songs where the best part of the song is the bridge between the verses and choruses. It's more 'Mr Brightside' than it is 'Bones', and reminds me oddly of 'Hungry Like The Wolf' by Duran Duran.
I expect the next one will be along shortly, and it will be similarly nice. Well done everyone!
Download: Out now
CD Released: February 9th
(Fraser McAlpine)
Comment number 1.
At 10th Feb 2009, ShineyMcShine wrote:Funny though the above review is (no, really, I haven't laughed so much in ages!), I believe the video is infact inspired the video for the Queen track 'It's a hard life'.
It's a good song, not their best by my reckoning, but definitely a grower :-)
ps, don't you have a better picture of the lovely Brandon, he looks like he's been chewing on Panic at the Disco's last album (also a fine piece of work, in my mind!)
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Comment number 2.
At 23rd Feb 2009, thebettermoonpig wrote:Okayy, so the killers are pompus and cocky? Just because they admit to making good music?
And how are they remaking the same song over and over? If anything they are possible some of the few artists with vey varied albums. Each one has a different sound and style which is one of the reasons why they are so awesome!! As for the songs, some may contain similarities, but does that matter if they are uber awesome tunes?
Okay, you did make me laugh with that quip about cleaning toilets, but still, how can your rip the killers like that!?
All you give them is a "well done" and describe it as "nice"? It's a faster, more ravable track which is just awesome!!
Dude, you got issues with your ears..
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Comment number 3.
At 23rd Feb 2009, sassafrass-xo wrote:I'm sorry to disagree with your opinion but I think some of the things you put are quite unfair.
Brandon Flowers, doesn't have a huge ego, the band are not cocky and pompous and their songs are always unique and show their talent immensly.
By the way, what is so confusing about them changing their outfits? they obviously like to change style during each album and their outfits reflect that. I think that it's a great thing that they like to expand on their sound and try to make their albums sound fresh and different.
K thanks.
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Comment number 4.
At 15th Mar 2009, spirit wrote:THE KILLERS have tried different looks and sounds on each album... this should be congratulated........
MR BRIGHTSIDE
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG
HUMAN
These are brilliant songs that will survive and be special to many people for a very long time... its a shame the review is so full of sarcasm and personal put downs of brandon.
I am sure he will survive and come back with even better KILLER MATERIAL.
GO FOR IT GUYS !
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