Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just as good as you would expect!, 16 Nov 2007
A lot of people have said how this album is just as good as hot fuss and sams town, and to a large extent I wouldnt argue. The fact that this is simply a collection of oddities thrown together with the odd new song (which are all excellent by the way) just shows the strength in depth of these guys material. It simply goes to prove that this lot are undoubtedly the biggest thing in rock since the turn of the century, well thats my opinion anyway. But hey, you might disagree. I tell you what though, when the Arctic Monkeys and Razorlight etc hear this collection of "B-Sides" and "leftovers", they might, and should, be more than a little concerned.... Bring on the REAL new album next year is what I say!
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Glamourous Indie Rock N Roll, 15 Nov 2007
Ah, The good old fashioned B-Sides album. The B-side itself is now an almost outdated concept. I can remember the days when you would have to take that 7" single and flip it over to hear another song. Then it became a bonus tracks on the 12". Then different tracks on the 7", 12", box set 10" with badge and poster.
Nowadays all these songs exist to be dripfed to the masses : on the singles, compilation albums, exclusive compilations, and the inevitable Deluxe Collectors Edition reissue in a decades time. There's almost too much stuff out there now. In the past, the b-sides album - "Hatful of Hollow", "Barbed Wire Kisses", "Sci Fi Lullabies" was an event of magnificent proportions : an opportunity to reset the material that never quite fit in a new context of its own. Or a cheap and easy cash-in, dependent upon your point of view.
The fact that some bands even bother with b-sides is worthy in itself. One day these bands won't be recording, won't exist, and all that will be left is what is left behind : recordings and memories. Every new song could be a brilliant thing that means something to somebody : "You Know I'm Right".
Albeit, anyone who thinks "Tony The Pony" by Morrissey, or "As You Said" by Joy Division were the pinnacle of their artistic achievement is a cloth eared goth. Still, if Led Zep and Pink Floyd had done b-sides, then they'd be rolling in box sets.
So, the B-sides album is a dying breed. Replaced by the iTunes play list and the Digital MP3 Blog. So, to their credit, The Killers - who seem to have become quietly huge - have decided to eschew the usual career pat with "Sawdust", an oddities compendium of b-sides, covers, unreleased stuff, and the odd new song. In some way to defeat the preconception that the b-side is a lesser song, "Sawdust" toploads itself with new single - the efficient Lou Reed duet of "Tranquilize" - and a cover of Joy Divisions "Shadowplay" that makes the original sound like it could've been a traumatised Westlife : the deeply oppressive desperation is superceded by a swooping chorus. (Some fan discussion has rubbished the original : so lets make one thing clear, You Can't Cover Joy Division And Make It Sound Better Than The Original)
Overall, what "Sawdust" does do is prove that The Killers don't write B-Sides : they just write songs. Let us not forget "How Soon Is Now?" started life as the b-side to "William, It Was Really Nothing". And whilst there is nothing on "Sawdust" that can match the majesty of The Smiths, what the album does have is a collection of songs that sound like a Killers album with the obvious singles stripped out. Almost every song here is as good as any Killers album track. And there's no obvious quality gap caused by frantic last minute studio noodling to make an extra track for a single here. Everything on here sounds as well-crafted and thoughtful as the rest of their output.
That said, The Killers do occasionally grate. Brandon Flowers histrionic vocals occasionally sound like someone whose always straining for the stars. With the lack of light and shade, it's a case of slight bombast overkill which causes a uniformity of song. There`s also a lack of stylistic difference. No drunken bar room brawl boogie or experimental dated techno excursions here excepting a bonus remix by Jacques Lecont. Just, as the song suggest, "Glamourous Indie Rock N Roll", which is probably the single highpoint of the set.
"Sawdust" is a worthy Killers album, that sounds like a new Killers album, even if it patently isn't. At a weighty 17 songs, it's fine value for money and a efficient bookend to the current era of the band. If you liked "Sam's Town", get this.
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46 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tremendous back catalogue, 12 Nov 2007
With the Killers releasing a 'b-sides album' after only two albums it would be reasonable to think that the quality would be low and that material would be scare.
However, this album is a real treat from start to finish with each song highlighting how good the Killers are.
Opener 'Tranquilize' is a duet with Lou Reed and shows a darker side to the band. It is truly epic and has a great key change towards the end of the song. Having a children's choir sing with Brandon is brilliant.
Next comes 'Shadowplay' which is a cover of the Joy Division song of the same name. It really modernizes this classic song and sounds great. With added singalong bits at the start and end it will get in your head very quickly. This is a good song live.
'All The Pretty Faces' is the b-side from 'When You Were Young and could have easily appeared on the album. It is once again showing Brandon's dark side but with the lyric 'I don't feel like loving you' being repeated alot it really creeps into your mind.
The next song is a lost killers favourite. 'Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf' is a tremendous song. Such a strong structure. It should have been on Hot Fuss it is that good!
'Sweet Talk' is another Hot Fuss session song. It is a grower and starts off with a lot of electronic sounds coming at all angles. Very good after a few listens.
'Under the Gun' is a hugely addictive song. Originally a Hot Fuss b-side it has been re-recorded and now has extra oopmph. Brilliant.
Sam's Town bonus track 'Where The White Boys Dance' is next and takes a while to get going put when the guitar solo comes in it sounds like a true classic.
'Show You How' is perhaps the weakest song on this album. It starts off with singing into a phone and gradually gets into a proper song. Good nonetheless.
Recent Spiderman 3 song 'Move Away' is next and it is a fast paced rock song with a killer bass line. Classic.
UK Hot Fuss song 'Glamorous Indie Rock n Roll' is next up and shouldn't be on this album as it is on Hot Fuss. It has been re-recorded for the US market who hadn't heard it before. Hot Fuss classic!
'Who Let You Go' is another session song and is a slow burner.
'The Ballad of Michael Valentine' is a Hot Fuss b-side and should have been on the album. It is a different Killers sound but is brilliant!
Next up is cover song 'Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town' and it is a slow acoustic song for the band that shows a different sound. Very mature.
'Daddy's Eyes' was the Bones b-side and is another song that could have been on Sam's Town. Really good intro and guitar parts make this a brilliant song that will become a live favourite.
The Abbey Road version of 'Sam's Town' is a very good song. It replaces the hard hitting guitar with only Brandon and a piano. Stunning.
'Romeo and Juliet' is a good cover of the Dire Starights version. It isn't as good though but is still worthy of being on here. B-side to 'For Reasons Unknown.'
'Change Your Mind' was on the US version of Hot Fuss and should have been on the UK version. Such a good song!
'Mr Brightsie Remix' is the closing track. It is long at ten minutes but Brandon said that it was this song that will lead the band to returning to their old sound for album number three.
Brilliant b-sides album that should help the time go before the new album comes out in the future.
Buy it now!
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