The Killers: Day and Age

Three months, eight days and three hours until The Killers take the stage in Cleveland at the Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City (yes, I already have tickets). In preparation of this 2009 year highlight, I spent the weekend listening to their most recent album Day & Age which was released last November. Once again, The Killers have assembled a great collection of songs. Frontman Brandon Flowers described Day & Age as being an extension of their 2006 album, saying "it's like looking at Sam's Town from Mars".

Okay, yes, Brandon Flowers and The Killers say some odd stuff (in interviews as well as in songs), wear some odd stuff (in interviews as well as during performances) and sometimes just act odd in general. For me, that is part of the band's appeal. It makes for some great entertainment and I personally like their eccentric choices in clothes and lyrics. However, The Killers' comments and fashion are often ridiculed and make them a target for music critics, who often refuse to take them seriously.

Some of the critics' favorite topics when discussing Day & Age: Brandon's feathery jacket worn in the video for Human (a pretty sweet jacket by the way, where can I get one?); the words "are we dancer", also from Human; and Brandon's cocky attitude. The music is criticized for use of saxophone, harps, and Caribbean beats. Songs such as Spaceman and Losing Touch are accused of being overinfluenced by the 80's, specifically Duran Duran and David Bowie circa Let's Dance.

Ironically, although critics and fans enjoy overanalyzing The Killers' music, the band itself never get too ponderous. When questioned about instrumental and lyrical decisions they usually comment that they are just trying to make songs that will sound good. Well, they have succeeded.

The Killers have also succeeded in putting together a group of songs that are quite unique from their past two albums while maintaining their own sound. They add in some new instruments and rhythms, and yes, the David Bowie and Duran Duran influences are present (along with, I'd like to add, The Talking Heads), but there is never a doubt that one is listening to The Killers. Their great melodies anchor their songs, much as they did in Mr.Brightside, Read My Mind, and This River is Wild. They take risks in their new album, but I'm sure the critics would complain if they played it safe.

My favorite tunes from Day & Age:
Human: No, not just because of the kick-ass jacket. It has that same intensity that was present in When You Were Young. I'll be honest, I'm just a sucker for that stuff.
Spaceman: Okay, this song is just fun. "It started with a low light, Next thing I knew they ripped me from my bed, And then they took my blood type". How can you not love that. Plus the tune is hoppin'. I'm sure The Killers are crushed that this song isn't being taken seriously by critics.
I Can't Stay: My verdict is in, I'm a fan of the Killers' take on Caribbean rhythms. It's one of
those songs that just makes you feel good.

My rating on The Killers' Day & Age: 4 stars (A-)