Coldplay to the Strokes to the White Stripes to Franz Ferdinand to The Killers pretty much defines the string of what was cool during the first half of the 2000s. Hot Fuss was a must have album, even if, looking back, it wasn't quite as great as we thought it was 5 years ago. Don't get me wrong--it's still awesome, but it's definitely front loaded. While the album had many hits, it's a shame "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" wasn't one of them, for it's a rather cool song, with a great synth line (this was where the indie movement to dip into '80s synth pop reached mainstream appeal). "Smile Like You Mean It" has a strong synth line too. Upbeat, disco-inflected "Somebody Told Me" was the song that made many of us fall for the Killers, and it's still a mean pop track. Despite their indie beginnings, it was clear from the start The Killers had their eye on producing a certain amount of Coldplay-esque grandeur, for how else do you explain stadium-loving "All These Things that I've Done," which, no matter how you feel about such songs, is a grand song indeed, dragging us through the "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier" singalong about two-thirds the way through. Things cool down after that, but I do like the dramatic synth-heavy strut of "Andy, You're a Star," and "On top" sounds like it was about 5 years before its time, so lovingly does it display its keyboard effects.Best: Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me, All These Things that I've Done, Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, Smile Like You Mean It
8 comments:
LOVE LOVE THIS ALBUM! I really do! :) you didn't mention "Everything's Gonna Be Alright," :( brilliant static styled ballad :)
A couple months ago I listened this album like every single day on the way to school (now it's Norah Jones' CAWM)
That's a nice thing to listen to in the morning. Do you get a summer break from school?
Yep, 6 weeks :). I heard schools in the US get freakin' 12 ¬_¬
Somebody Told Me is the reason why I love the Killers. Awesome track.
More like 10 weeks, but 6 does seem short. However, I bet on average Brits get more vacation time than Americans, so you'll have that to look forward to.
Love this one, The Killers really don't get the respect they deserve. Personally, I think that Sam's Town is the better album, but this is still great.
Contrary to most, though, I don't think it's front-loaded. On Top, Change Your Mind, and Midnight Show are some of the discs highlights, for me.
That being said, they really could've replaced a track here with Glamourous Indie Rock N Roll.
I'll always associate "All These Things That I've Done" with the preparation for our commitment ceremony in October 2005. I remember listening to the song a lot that fall while I worked out in the fitness room of our apartment building, desperately trying to lose weight so I could fit into my tux. I also remember us listening to the song on our way home from the bakery that made our wedding cake.
What great memories. I really like that song. I remember watching Rachel Ray in the gym and driving on East-West highway to get the cake--in fact, I think I remember listening to this album during that drive too. I never remember those things.
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