The Killers - 'A Dustland Fairytale'
When I first bought Hot Fuss, I thought "blimey, this is amazing" and played it for the next three months solidly. It was amazing because it seemed to combine wonderful, anthemic, almost hymnal songs based around angry, hurt teenagers and a sense of detachment and a need to be comforted, which was exactly what I wanted when I was seventeen and still is now most of the time, although I'm obviously not a teenager anymore.
The sweetly naive "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier" part aside, I used to listen to 'All These Things That I've Done' on repeat, with my head in my hands, full of teenage self-hate and revulsion for All Those Things That I'd Done and there was something hugely comforting about it, similarly to the rest of the album, especially in its darker and angrier moments like the aforementioned anthem to walking in on your fiancee getting off with someone else.
The thing about the Killers since, though, is that they seem to have been taken in by this hymnal quality, not because it was sweetly naive and made no sense, but because it was INCREDIBLY DEEP. Which it wasn't. Which creates a conflict of interests insofar as what I wanted them to do was make more songs about possibly killing your girlfriend and that endless late-night "ARGH!" feeling, in a jaunty pop style and apparently what they wanted to do was go completely blimmin' mad.
Going completely blimmin' mad in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing of course except when it somehow leads to boring egoism instead of, y'know, actual songs. And thus we come to 'A Dustland Fairytale'...
(The video is out there, but not in an official capacity...)
Well, it's certainly hymnal insofar as it actually sounds like a hymn; not in the way that, say, Eels sometimes sound hymnal, either. It's more of a primary school assembly hymn which is, err, not massively desirable but perhaps it does it for some people in the same nostalgic way that the Britpop references on their first album did for me.
The lyrics, though, are banal and not in the fun way that "coffee shop without a cause" or even "he doesn't look a thing like Jesus" are banal lyrics, but in a pointless, overaggrandised and semi-parodical way; "I hear the bell don't ring, I hear the good girls die"...whatever, whatever.
And y'know, it's boring. It's boring and it does nothing. It's not even catchy. It's just the distilled sound of The Killers These Days, where they used to have variety and range it's just Brandon's "THIS IS IMPORTANT AND EMOTIONAL" wail combined with the sort of laying-it-on-heavy indie noise that Doves still manage to pull off but most other people can write off as A Bad Idea from the off.
So it's sort of come to this and it's sort of boring, which is basically what the song appears to be saying anyway. However, summarising your current state as 'can't seem to really be bothered anymore' is not exactly the sort of thing you get a five star review for, frankly.
Download: Out now
CD Released: August 3rd
www.thekillersmusic.com
BBC Music page
(Hazel Robinson)
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~31~RS~)
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The lyrics are actually "out here the bell don't ring" and "out here the good girls die" not "I hear". I suggest you actually get the lyrics right before you slag them off.
(also, a little tip: actually attempt to edit your reviews before publishing them, for example "hoever")
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Ironically enough, it was at the editing stage when the "hoever" typo was introduced. All fixed now. Sorry Hazel!
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spot on frase, its damn boring.. especially when compared to hot fuss, its weird to think its the same band.. 'midnight show' is such a hidden gem on that album
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Totally agree, Fraser. The Killers have become one of the most boring bands ever lately!
While I did see them at the music festival Oxegen a few weeks ago, I was really impressed with them live! However, as Flowers belted out Mr. Brightside and the crowd went absolutely ape, it made me wish back to those days of Hot Fuss when the Killers were probably one of the most exciting bands in the World.
Now, they are somewhat underwhelming! This song is so poor as is their previous single The World That We Live In! Come on Killers, you need to regain that old glory!
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This is such a naive review... shameful of the BBC really... basically - "Its not to my taste, so its shit"..
And just to set the record straight, here in the UK Hot Fuss (which u act is accpeted as the best record) isnt even ther bestselling record here, Sam's Town outsold it. And the new album, from which this single is from, has already gone 3x platinum....
So a huge amount of people, about a million by those terms i guess, really like it.
Just be thankful not all the popularity is with hip-hop, and some rock acts still dominate the scene.
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naa jon, i am afraid you are wrong to deem the review 'naive'.. the review is about this song, do you actually think it is any good? it really isn't, read other reviews.
sams town is a great album but not as good, the 3rd was below average. sales figures don't mean anything to me since crazy frog got to number 1. people bought day and age on past merits, and becuz 'human' was alright. most people who bought the album regretted it. look on amazon at the customer reviews.
but this review is about 1 song, as i said. and this particular song doesn't sound good, even after listening to it a number of times. believe me, i tried
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"Flatknees" again... it seems only fair to aknowledge thats just your oppinoin, you say it as fact, as yes, i love this song.. hence why im defending it. And thats just my oppinion.
Completely wrong in saying people dont like D&A... i know alot of people that love it.. but i do see its a more love/hate album than the others. The band have said its artisicly ther best, i happen to agree. And as for "amazon"... well if you really want to go by that it is only half a star lower than hot fuss and sams town so.....
But yeah, its about the song, which to me and many killers fan is fantastic, particularly live.
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Whoever reviewed The Killers' last release made a point of saying that they wished "A Dustland Fairytale" had been released instead as it was clearly the best song on the album.
Maybe they'd have been in a better position to review the song - especially considering it is, easily, the best song on the album and worthy of far better than two stars.
Watch this video, it's the band performing it live on the David Letterman show with a full orchestra. Then tell me The Killers are crap:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhd9btk_Yms
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Hi Scott,
I wrote the last review, and I didn't suggest 'A Dustland Fairytale' should have been out instead of 'World We Live In' at all, that was the commenters underneath the review, see:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2009/05/the_killers_the_world_we_live.shtml
I was just confused as to why anyone picked 'World We Live In' in the first place.
Cheers
Fraser
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Ah, my mistake...
I just remembered the bit I liked (and didn't realise that happened to be the comment rather than the actual review)
My bad :)
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Not to worry. I had to go back and check myself. Which is NOT a good sign!
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i see the 'your stating it as fact' statement all the time and it grates a bit, obviously i do not think that a dustland fairy tale is scientifically or is in FACT a bad song.
I thought D&A was okay, my general opinion (and i am guessing this is how fraser feels amoungst various killers fans) is that since hot fuss they have gotten worse. they are still a good band and i agree they are brilliant live, but from the great heights of 'somebody told me' and 'smile like you mean it' they have been going slowly downhill since.
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Wow! What a controversial review!
I have to say, in my opinion, The Killers have got gradually worse over the years. I don't know what it is.
Perhaps they have seen their success and just became arrogant that anything they burn to disc will be fantastic without much thought. Kinda like when Madonna started a movie career.
I'm in full agreement with flatknees here. They are fantastic live, I've seen them and it was maybe one of my best gig experiences.
But c'mon, they are getting worse, Aren't they?
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Yeah, I agree with flatknees and Danny_Boy, you guys have totally mirrored my thoughts! Thanks for speaking for me guys!
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Speaking as someone who doesn't care for The Killers at all, and never has - I think I can see why Jon responded the way he did to your comment (no 6), Flatknees. To say "do you actually think [this song] is any good? It really isn't, read other reviews" DOES seem to suggest that what Jon's saying is factually incorrect, and he needs only to check other reviews to see the evidence of his mistake.
Nevertheless, seems like Jon has a minority view, at least here. Don't worry dude, you're just part of an honourable tradition in rock of defending less-loved albums, like Second Coming and (for me) Be Here Now. Embrace it.
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Dudes, it actually warms my heart to see people calling me an idiot for things I've written in a review again. It has been too long, Chartblog. (I genuinely mean this, incidentally -it reminds me of the good old emo controversy days; I am a great enthusiast of pop FITES, hence writing about music on the internet in the first place)
Anyway, I just thought I'd drop in and say a) yes I am saying that I don't like this song, that's rather how the whole 'reviewing' thing works but b) I actually like the Killers! That's what I said in the first part of the review! I just think this song could try a lot harder and I don't really enjoy their "new" sound because I think it is a disappointing retreat from what used to be a vibrant and enjoyable band. They've gone into 'boring millionth album autopilot' mode based on one single from their first one, as far as I can tell; I understand other people see that continuum as 'they found their sound completely' but you weren't writing the review, innit. ;)
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Ok , let's be scientific .
In terms of global sales Hot Fuss has sold 16 million albums , and Day and Age has so far sold 5 million copies , and is now on it's fourth single .
If we compare Mr. Brightside to A Dustland Fairytale , in terms of number of hooks throughout each song , then there is no contest.
Another factor is the Stuart Price production on Day and Age .
On Hot Fuss and Sam's Town , Dave Keunings guitar was very high in the mix , and his riffs were an important factor in the Killer's success.
However , on Day and age the guitar is very , very low in the mix and for me The Killers have lost a huge weapon in their musical arsenal as a result .
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Anyway on with the science...
Hot Fuss had 4 top 20 singles.
Sam's Town had 3 .
Day and Age will only have 1 !
I really like The Killers but Day and Age just does not have enough killer songs with hooks to be a great album for me .
The production by Mr Price has robbed them of their immense identity and individuality , which set them apart from many other bands .
Sure , it has a pop sheen and sounds nice , but apart from the stellar song Human , I can see why many , many Killers fans are still mentioning Hot Fuss .
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I agree with Hazel , in the idea , that on Day and Age there is a "vibrancy " that is missing .
The Killers are far , far , far too good a band , to make the same mistake again , and although Brandon bemoans the fact that Day and Age has not performed as well in terms of global sales as expected . they have the immense talent and the songwriting nous , to come back with a far greater album !
P.S The right producer , the return of great songs with killer hooks , and returning Dave's guitar to the mix , will soon get The Killers back on top again .
Roll on the next album...
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I feel sorry for you having such a limited appreciation of good music. I love the new stuff,it's what made me become a fan. I think quite frankly you sound not only immature but pretentious. Does it have to all rhyme for you, are big words a bit of a problem in your insular world? You tend to find that Killers fans have fertile imaginations and intelligence higher than that of a slug that means they don't have to be spoon fed the utterly banal lyrics of a lot of todays artists
so there
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Whilst D&A is nowhere near as good as Hot Fuss was, it's still not a terrible album. Spaceman, Human and Dustland Fairytale are all fantastic Killers tracks that I will be listening to long in the future.
Whether they have gone 'downhill' or not is a different thing altogether, considering each album they have done seems to have gone in a different direction...
Just looked up an old review I did on the album, Christ my writing style was terrible - and maybe I was writing it from a fanboy's perspective - but the viewpoint still stands (mainly)
http://noodlenews.wordpress.com/2008/11/24/the-killers-day-age/
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We're sorry, victimfeathers, I guess our music tastes will never be as good as yours.
Perhaps all these comments point to the beauty of The Killers. Creating controversial music, Not in the If U See* Amy or Lady Gaga - Love Games, way, but in the way that their music becomes Marmite. (I apologise for the poor, poor metaphor).
They keep their head above water by keeping their name active on blogs like this, radio stations and other such media!
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Another factor to remember is that Day and Age is not a bad album by any stretch, and Human , Spaceman , Joyride and A Dustland Fairytale are good songs, liked in many quarters .
The problem comes when music experts and fans realise that Hot Fuss is one of the classic albums of the last ten years,that had the power to totally captivate millions , and as it was The Killers' first album , it will inevitably be used as a benchmark or standard , for future Killers songs and albums .
This is what is happening on this blog .
Fortunately or unfortunately , The Killers started their career with one hell of a successfully , almighty , brilliant album .
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It's a shame they'll end it on such a low!
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I don't think 'not liking long words' is something anyone could accuse me of. Also, I like of Montreal for my indie lyrical banal/genius tightrope walking (things like 'he's the kind of guy that would leave you in a k-hole to go play Halo in the other room' =GREAT, like a lot of the early Killers stuff where it didn't really seem particularly well thought through and therefore could get away with being faintly rubbish if you actually thought about them) my point was that the lyrics have forgotten their own banality and started sounding preachy where before they were self-conscious. :)
Honestly Chartblog I am well pleased we're all having an argument. If it would let me do the little html hearts then I would.
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You have to listen to it again; it is a grower and the words have a lot of significance if you payclose attention. People can be xenophobic when it comes to their favourite bands. There is plenty of quality and originality in this album.
Ross n Co, didnt you know.
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so wait victim feathers, just because we do not think day and age is their best (all of us have said its good, just not as good as past stuff), you state that we all have bad music taste and THE KILLERS are too complicated for us..
think about that
any other good bands to recommend that i am certain i will know and like as well but it still won't be good enough somehow?
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Wow... i feel bad for sort of starting this argument!
As weve established, ther controversial.. some of you dislike the new stuff, some of us love it, fair enough.
Will just pick up on some of the HotFuss points - someone said it sold "16 million units" ... jeeze!, last figures released show around 7.5million worldwide... quite a way off! And as for everyone percieving Hot Fuss as ther "best" and "career high" we should just note, here in the UK, Sam's Town is ther bestselling album to date. NOT Hot Fuss. (And D&A will have sold as many as Hot Fuss in the UK by the end of the year if sales continue as they are forecast). Everyone likes different killers "eras" if u like!
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Oh, and whoever compared Mr.Brightside to Dustland.. that seems a little stupid.. Mr.B was a lead single! Dustland is a fourth singe... so, you'd have to compare Mr.B to Human.
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Did this woman even graduate high school, let alone go to college? That article looks as though it was written by a freshman in high school, if that, which is why she keeps wanting Brandon to write as though he were still in high school. Obviously, this woman has never taken a literature class in her life and if she has, she either failed or cheated her way through and doesn't remember a thing. Constructive critisim is one thing, but her few paragraphs just reek. I learned nothing from that article excpet the fact that she doesn't even know the correct lyrics to "ADF" and she never learned a thing about symbol in a basic literature class or she would get the parts, "the bell don't ring" and "the good girls die" instead of questioning them. I think she needs to work on her writing before she critizies someone else for their writing.
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Why are the lyrics still wrong?
This is ridiculous. You cannot review a song without getting the lyrics right. They are fundamental, especially in Brandon Flower's case. I know of no other current artist who can write so beautifully; his powerful metaphors give clues to the song's deeper meanings without actually handing them to you on a plate but still pinpointing his emotions.
So why are you ignoring these lyrics and indeed getting them wrong?? Are you just basing this review on the music? Because that's the only reason I can think of for some Killers fans not liking it in the same way as other Killers' songs (I know absolutely nothing about music, and whether its good or not).
Or perhaps you have never suffered grief in the same way Brandon Flowers has, which he beautifully portrayed through this song, on so many different levels. The "fairytale" theme introduces the idea of this song being from a younger perspective, perhaps himself as a child looking up to his parents, or indeed from the viewpoint of his parents when they met. The contrast between the "fairytale" themes, alongside death and what it can do to a person, is worded so brilliantly making the themes more powerful against each other.
So, is this review based on the music or the lyrics? (clearly you, and everyone else whose slagging off this song, should be taking the lyrics more into account because I really don't understand how you can dismiss them like this so quickly)
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Surely the music is more important than the lyrics? Infact, I'd say it was fundamental to a song.
It sure looks like the fanboys have came out, in this comment section! There's just no compromise with you guys is there?
Even the reviewer herself has commented here telling us that she likes The Killers, but they have released a bad song - which seems to be the general consensus among most of the commenters.
It seems though, that the BBC have gained some extra blogger accounts though. I see a lot of you have created accounts just to slate the review.
Well done for being so controversial, Hazel! That took balls!
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This song has true meaning about how brandons parents meet and some people will relate to it and jove it, others wont.
i am a massive killers fan but agree with ppls vews that D&A is a good album but not there best, i think its problem is there are to many 'album tracks' and not enough hits.
for danny boy who thinks this will be the end of the killers, you obviously have not watched them live there just unbelievably good and they will learn from this album and come back with a better one, I am sure of that !!!
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Ah, I didn't mean it how it reads!
I just think that if they keep going like this, it'll be a sad end. I hope they do learn! I like them!
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Hey guys, this is all getting a bit unnecessarily personal, hitting out at each others' tastes etc. That's just it, it is down to taste. I loved Hot Fuss, but I became a fan due to Sam's Town, but that's because I'm a rock chic. I really didn't know what to make of D&A, and Human when they came out. It took a lot of listening to. I found that Human got under my skin on about the 5th or 6th time I heard it, it did the same to my flatmate. I enjoy the complexity of D&A, but it took time to like it. The Killers have gone in a totally different direction with each album, and so they polarise opinion. You think you're getting one thing, and in fact they deliver something else. I like it though, I guess each album should leave you wanting more of the same, but if more of the same were delivered, would you eventually get tired of it? I feel the band are exploring. Day & Age is by far the most polished album, and maybe it is a bit overproduced. I was listening to Human on the radio on the way home just now, and you do have to strain to hear Dave, whereas live, you hear him just fine, so I actually prefer them live than on the CD.
Dustland, for me, was hardly an instant love affair. But like the rest of the album, I found it a definite grower, helped along in no small way by the utterly beautiful rendition with the orchestra on Dave Letterman, which to my surprise, actually reduced me to tears. It was not actually planned for release in Europe, and was only chosen for release over here after the fans complained, so I guess if you don't like it, it's the fans fault. Yes, it's a different direction, and it's not the mega-stomper mosh-inducer that Brightside and When You Were Young are, but it is quietly beautiful in it's own way. I think if it wasn't by The Killers, maybe people would be more positive about it. Maybe it's just because people really want more Hot Fuss. I'm sure that will come, and I think more rock will come (I hope so) but the way things were for these four guys in 2008, the music that came out of them was D&A. It not such a surprise that's it a bit different when you remember that Dave lost his mother in early 2008, and Brandon's mother also was diagnosed with cancer. I don't think they were in a place where a Hot Fuss type album would have come out.
It took a while, but I've grown to love it, and I think that like the White Album, it may become a classic in the future.
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I left the lyrics un-corrected in the review because I didn't want to make you look foolish. The error is there so that the correction continues to make sense, if you see what I mean. Hope that clears things up.
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Jon 112 , the lead single from Hot Fuss was in fact , Somebody Told me which originally reached number 28 .
It was re-released after Mr Brightside reached number 10 , and then hit a peak of number 3 in January 2005 .
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Oh gosh,I'm sorry, I didn't realise some of you had problems with english. I don't actually recall saying that if you liked other music you had no tsste. I can only assume you like the other banal bands I didn't mention by name, but you just happen to know deep down that they must be the shallow ones you like. ;)
bring it on...I'm 'getting ready for the showdown' (one of the intelligent imaginative lyrics beyond your comprehension from ADF)
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I wasn't a 'fanboy' the last time I looked ;p
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Well , I will tell you what I am loving , and that's the passion that all you Day and Age commenters are showing .
I probably listened to Day and Age about 4 times , and it failed to really grab me, as a really great album
But by reading all these passionate , articulate and frankly moving messages about it , I am gonna get the c.d out and give it another go , sometimes with music people can be too quick to judge (myself included ) , but a lot of these messages are making me feel inspired to really give it a few more listens .
Some of these blogs are making me think that I may have missed a few treasures .
Time to revisit .
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are you male and a fan of stuff? lol.
'I can only assume you like the other banal bands I didn't mention by name'
what is it they say about assumptions?
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Another apology JON 112 , regarding global sales .
My comment at 16 regarding global sales is incorrect .
My apologies .
Let's just say the tabloids sometimes do write a story from a certain angle to try to prove a point .
According to Wikapedia... so far to date ..WORLDWIDE !
HOT FUSS 7.5 MILLION
SAM'S TOWN 6.0 MILLION
DAY AND AGE 2.5 MILLION
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This review sucks. I don't have the energy to argue my opinion right now, but whatever. The Killers rule and this is one of my favourite songs. So get out of here!
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Flatknees, we're tag teaming here, I like it!
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Yeah that looks about right spirritwarrior :)
obviously D&A is new so has time to catch up a bit.
But will point out here in the UK its a much differnt story -
Hot Fuss - 1.3 million
Sam's Town - 1.4 million
D&A - 1.1 million
According to the latest BPI figures...
So here we tend to like all the albums pretty close, but Sam's Town is the best selling here.
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hey flatknees out in the world there are fabulous creatures known as females.
'fangirl' maybe...
Can I just point out that my outbursts are actually upsetting other fans and they are concerned with looking childish and actually moving their comments from my fanblog so not to look bad to some the senior members by agreeing with a junior;(
all opinions expressed are my own and in no way reflect the opinions of other fans I'm feeling naughty today;).
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I am absolutely loving this Killers fanfest !
I am writing this as I listen to Day and age again , and what do you know , I like every track !
I think the reason why there may be so many different opinions on all 3 albums is because they are 3 totally different sounding albums.
For example Sam's town is very much a guitar led album , a la Springsteen and others , whereas Day and Age is largely led by keyboards and the melody in Brandon's voice .
The 2 albums are born in two different styles and production techniques , so they are bound to attract many differing opinions .
I can see why people who wanted another Hot Fuss or Sam's Town , may be disappointed with Day and Age , it is a totally different sound .
On saying this , on listening to Day snd Age with a new attitude , I can honestly say the songs are rather good .
I can't stay is really movin me with it's melody and steel drums , for heaven's sake.
I can see why some say this is a slow burning album , even The World We Live in sounds a lot better than I remembered it.
What's going on ?
Trying to find Dave's guitar on a few tracks , is a difficult task though.. lol
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Can I just say that Comment No.43 is just about the best thing that has ever been said on ChartBlog ever, by writers and commenters alike?
Right, back to the shouting...
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Totally agree Fraser .
Miss brightside90 , you are my type of fangirl !
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Just how good is Mark's bass on Joyride ?
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Personally , my six favourite Killers songs would have to be :
Bling ( Confessions of a king ).. This is my personal favourite.
Mr Brightside
Jenny was a friend of mine
When you were young
This is your life
Human
I can totally see why this band has a lot of love in this world.
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#50, Phenomenal. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLyjOaUxG70 Not the best quality, but a chance to see it in action. I was there, a few steps away from him, and it blew me away.
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well first of all, your kinda saying how bad the song is really, aren't you, if you listen to the lyrics proper it's acutely about a dream, somebody's life, and somebody whose dream breaks apart bit by bit and then fixes back together about 69 years down the line + i have proof of this ooh yah Brandon Flowers + the manager who made the video. they did a video interview about the the dustland fairytale video and told you what the video and song was acutely about, LISTEN TO THE LYRICS. + you really really need to check your review first before you post it what does hoever mean ??? Honestly i could write a better review of this video myself, any chance of me having your job if you get fired??? and also your kinda speaking for a lot of people in a review kind of, well there is one big group of people you didn't take into account... Yes you guessed it THE VICTIMS. personally i think that is one of most rubbish reviews i have ever read and yes i am speaking my mind. i dont really think any more of your reviews about the killers are going to go down right well at the moment.
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This is the most amazing argument ever :)
I am now also listening through Day & Age again because of these comments just to remember where I stand on the thing. It *is* a good album, just not the same style as Hot Fuss or Sam's Town were. The band have gone in a different direction each album, and it;s great.
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I'm just gonna throw this out there... but I think we need an Unofficial ChartBlog forum to all vent our views on. Anyone agree?
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I think you're all doing a beautiful job of venting right here, truth be told!
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Another interesting quote I remember reading once is...
" The Killers are the best British band to ever come out of America ! "
I have always loved this .
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Me too spirit! I quoted that, um, quote in the review i wrote and then subsequently quoted WAY up above in the comments :L
Can I say "quote" much more?
Quotequotequote
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Ha ha ! your quota of quotes are brilliant , I have seen it in many places , and it's so spot on !
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Are you a professional?
That sounded like it was written by 13 year old.
Get the lyrics right too while you're at it.
If you think it's "boring" then fine.
But at least sound like a professional and not someone that quickly wrote that to get a quick buck.
This review was horrible.
The fans should be the ones to write the review of that AMAZING song.
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TKfan - whilst I agree with you in part... to say "The fans should be the ones to write the review of that AMAZING song" is a bit naive.
If reviews were only EVER written by fans of things then, well, everything would get 10/10, 100%, 5*'s - and nothing would ever get a critical view.
Whilst I think Hazel was over-critical. Had someone like "missbrightside90" reviewed the song we would have just got "I EFFING LOVE THIS. ITS A TUNE. FIVE STARS"
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I can see where Hazel's coming from with the idea that the epic sound and metaphorical lyrics could be the result of "boring egoism" leading to self-parody. Or it could be genuine... it's difficult judge that one way or the other (even if you do know the background to the writing of it).
Listening to it, I found it moving, which is all you can ask of a song...
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I have read the entire list of comments, and I think (some comments aside!) there is a great little debate gonig on here. Especially as it's making people give the album a second chance. I will say right off that I am a Killers fan, but I don't think that excludes me from having a worthwhile opinion, I definitely don't consider myself a fangirl! My personal opinion is that, whether you like their new stuff or not, it is extremely refreshing in this 'Day & Age' (sorry!) to see a band mixing it up SO much between albums. I don't think anyone would disagree that the albums are all wildly different from one another, and for me, it means the anticipation for the next album increases massively. It also means that I'm here for the long haul as a fan, because the style of one album is no indication at all of the direction of the next. You just don't know what you're going to get. I do think that A Dustland Fairytale is a beautiful song, more so once you know the story behind it, and it is teamed with a beautiful video which I have yet to see on TV. It will fail miserably in the charts though, for two reasons. Firstly, 90% of the current chart is dreadful one-hit-wonder type crap, and no, I'm not some indie snob. I like dance, R&B, pop etc, but some of the stuff out at the moment is dire, which shows you the current purchasing habits of the fickle, single-buying public. The Killers won't have a chance. The other reason the single will disappear without a trace next week is that the promotion and handling of all the singles from D&A (with the exception of Human) has been abysmal. No digital or CD single release at all, and vinyls limited to a max of 5000. Admittedly, the vinyls are lovely things to own, but they won't get the band to number 1!. It will be very sad to see such a beautiful song languishing around at #100. :(
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I should also have mentioned that D&A is actually my least favourite of all their albums. There are some cracking tracks (Goodnight, Travel Well being the total stunner of the album, listen LOUD!!), but there are some low points too. The World We Live In, for example, was a shocking choice of single. So I am capable of a balanced argument, honest!
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well summed up there kaz jack... it happens a lot these days where bands take new directions and people just want them to repeat their debut.. for example the arctic monkeys and bloc party.. but for me personally the difference is that i have thoroughly enjoyed the change of arctic monkeys and bloc party, whereas the killers own transformation hasn't been as good, IN MY OPINION.
and spirit warrior, you begin to frighten me, 'bling' is my second favorite killers track after midnight show.. -cue x-files theme tune-
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I'm impressed that people have gone back and listened to the tracks again after reading these comments. Kudos to those who have.
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Exactly how I feel, carogooch. It took a long time to really grow on me, so I hopefully it'll do the same for others.
Thanks flatknees, and I very much respect your opinion. Although - here's hoping the next album will be more to your taste. You never know with them, that's the beauty! :p
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I like the world we live in, but pretty much only because it worked really well at one gig I was at and now it always reminds me of that. The title reminds me of the Genesis track with the Spitting Image video though, which bothers me because they are poles apart!
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hey this is really turning around now. it's been emotional now we are all sharing the love xxx (that's the TK effect)
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We've all got soul, but we're not soldiers ;)
I JUST INTERPRETED A NEW CHARTBLOG MEANING :P
We're all nice, friendly folks - who don't have the heart to fight (as soldiers) against each other. SO have given into our lovely soulful opinions and are having a love-in?
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what a great debate but at the end of the day we all like (or love) the killers in some way, whether its mr brightside, when you were young, human or whatever. There aare so many good songs when you think about it in so many different styles, this is the reason all 3 of there albums are still currently in the top 60 uk albums chart.
not only have they attempted and as the charts say suceeded in making different styles of making music, there are also incredible live (watch them live at T in the park) all there different types of style merge together so well.
surely they are the only band to cause this must debate on this chart blog !!!
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Indeedy, I've lost track of the number of friends and colleagues who saw The Killers play live recently and have come to me to say how much they enjoyed it. Sometimes they seem to take a while to connect with the audience, but T in the Park was outstanding even on TV.
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huggles all round then... i cannot wait for an arctic monkeys single to be reviewed though... weapons shall be drawn again...
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Totally agree on the Arctic Monkey's Crying Lightning , there will be hugs and cuddles , but also some handshakes from a great distance... bring it on !
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Also , Paramore will release a new single soon , so after reading Hazel's previous Paramore reviews , I can't wait to personally be a part of the next one .
Hazel , I really hope it's you that gets to review it , just for the sheer interest and debate , I feel may be around the corner ...
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Flatknees , there's a Frankmusik question for you on the Frankmusik blog.
Cheers .
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No, we don't all like or love the Killers.
Has anyone seen the Bill Bailey standup show where he takes the pee out of All These Things That I've Done? "I've got ham but I'm not a hamster..."
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ChartBlog did that first, by the way...look
http://is.gd/23J5o
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Now that was fun. I particularly liked docks/doctor.
Now then (deep breath):
I've got loos but I'm not a loser.
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Or...
I've got tarts but I'm not a tartare.
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Ooh! *applauds*
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I've got picks but I'm not a picture.
Feel free to ask me to stop, by the way.
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If it was in my power to stop any of you saying anything...
...well let's just say everyone would know about it by now. ;-)
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I've got Sols but I'm not a salsa.
OK, I just AM going to stop, otherwise this will go on all day.
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Apart from this one. This one's too good to keep to myself.
I've got myrrh but I'm not a murder.
BOOM!
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I got gold but I'm not a goldfish.
Sorry!
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Anti-BOOM for you, Daniel. In fact - moob.
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I got peat but I'm not a pizza.
Arrrghhhh!!! I can't help myself!!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Spirito! What have you been up to, young man?
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Can whoever it was who removed the lyrics to my favourite Killers song , please replace it .
Thank you .
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Whoever removed my post at 89 .. you should feel totally ashamed of yourself , I posted the lyrics of a great song , which are uplifting and inspirational , and encourage the listener to rise over adversity and obstacles in life .
If someone can explain how house rules were broken , I would love to know .
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I am guessing it's a genuine mistake that it was removed , if so can you put them back up . Thanks .
Curtains ... ain't it maddening that you cannot share great music here ?
I know you had a similar experience last week .
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WHAT is happening here ?
Can someone please please , please explain !
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Come on ! Someone explain , why on a blog for The Killers I cannot write down my favourite lines from one of their songs ?
Explain please !
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Yes , now it becomes a matter of principle .
I want an explanation .
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Waiting ....
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100th comment!
Maybe the Moderators aren't killers fans?!!
This is fastly becoming Killersgate!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
"Cinderella in a party dress..
She was lookin for a night gown " .
Class !
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Are any bloggers readin what I'm writing ?
Does it sound ok ?
Please tell me !
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OK Mr or Mrs Moderator , explain how the chorus refrain of Bling by The Killers can break the house rules ?
There are no swear words , or anything remotely offensive , the lyrics are uplifting and inspirational.
They are positive .
Please have the decency to reply to me .
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Before this site loses all credibility , when one of it's supporters writes down a lyric that he wants to share because it means a lot to him , please respond !
This is a travesty and absolutely rediculous !!!!
I have losing respect with the moderators of this site.
You have people contributing here who absolutely love music , and what you are doing is an absolute disgrace !!!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Guys seriously , all my entries that are being removed , are all lines from Killers songs.
This is unbelievable !
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Is it the word FIRE ?
Is no one allowed to type the word fire ... even if it is in the lyric of a song ?
I will soon find out...
FIRE .
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Is it the word HIGHER ?
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Is it the word WIRE ?
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How can Killers lyrics on a Killers blog break house rules ?
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hahaha spirit i guess there might be copyright or something? who cares, we all know what u mean
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And still 12 hours later , no response , despite my asking for an explanation . This response is showing a real lack of respect to people who contribute here , and basically telling us all that our comments do not matter , and that this site does not value us in any way .
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Thanks for your input Flatknees , as Bling is my favourite and your second favourite Killers song , I am glad you understand what the words may actually mean for me , and the sheer depth and personal meaning .
Thank you.
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Obviously not bothered about the Killers lyrics myself, but if Spirit genuinely doesn't see why his posts didn't break the House Rules, then I think an explanation would at least be helpful.
It's weird - someone got away with saying "sh*t" on here the other week (dunno why I'm self-censoring when that guy got away with it), and then other times stuff gets removed for reasons which are a compete mystery to the poster. I'm not even going on about what happened to me last week, cos that was just down to some little baby having a strop because I picked on one of their lame favourite "artists", and it eventually got restored. But stuff gets permanently removed to the genuine surprise of the poster, and it happens enough times to be a recurring topic of discussion. Which would be fine on a blog about freedom of expression, but when it's happening on a music blog, and taking away from the discussion of music, it may indicate a problem with the moderation.
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Thanks Curtains for your empathy .
I know you and I love the interaction of this site .
I have just been sent an e-mail which says that we cannot post lyrics of songs as they break copyright laws.
We can use a couple of lines , but only if we are using them to illustrate a point , to articulate a meaning or viewpoint .
Text that is longer than two lines will probably be removed .
Oh well , now we all know and thanks for explaining that to me .
Time to move on ...
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The inconsistency lies in the fact that I recently posted 8 LINES of my fave Kanye song recently , and that went up fine .
I think it maybe because I gave it a huge introduction and background before posting the words .
With The Killers , I posted 4 lines of Bling , and said that this is my favourite Killers lyric.
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Right getting back to the point , having read all these comments , I revisited Day and Age and yes , to me , it is a much better album than I gave it credit for .
It is definitely a slow burner .
I can totally see why there are so many people questioning the validity of the review for "A Dustland Fairytale ".
Once you know the story of the song , get into the head of the lyricist , and listen to it a few times , then you may realise that what a brilliantly powerful and moving song it is .
Great lyrics , a real emotionally charged song .
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"Perhaps you have never suffered grief in the same way Brandon Flowers has."
One of the great quotes of history.
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Comment 119 has just made me stop (entirely unrelatedly) crying at my desk and snort coffee out of my nose. V good, tick.
Incidentally those people who wanted my job when I get fired, I'm actually a data entry assistant so you're quite welcome to it...
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Ok ok very funny fluffyfinches ;) Anyone who slags this song off just gets me worked up - as you can probably tell.. ;) Will stop now.
And by the way.. "fluffy finches"? what is that about?
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Oh I go away and look what I come back to. Hrmph. Id have loved to been a part of this debate as it was raging. Mainly because I am one hell of a Killers fan, but also because it looks like a right hoot. Im not gonna write a massive essay on The Killers because I doubt itll get read and Im not sure if I can be bothered.
I was the one who made the comment that this song should have been released when they released their last single (World we live in?). It was obviously such a good comment people integrated it into the review in their minds. I still stand by this being the best song on the album.
I think that this is a FANTASTIC single. My fav off the album.
On the topic of album.. I love it. I think its a good album. Is it a great album? No, probably not. Sams Town and Hot Fuss are both probably great albums (I can never make my mind up which the best is). However I think it is a GOOD album. One I very much enjoyed listening to. I saw them on the tour a few months after it was released and they played it well. It lacked the impact or passion as some of the songs from the previous two albums. However the performance of this song was brilliant. It included a Flowers piano solo too. I was in heaven.
Have The Killers evolved their song with this album? Not really. Its perhaps a little more polished (a good thing? Who knows..) however I wouldnt called it a massive evolution. If you want to see sound evolution listen to Bloc Party's albums in order and then call The Killer's sound progressive.
Ill stop now.. could be here a while otherwise!
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The Killers are a great band, with a phenomenal reputation live and an intelligent understanding of musical dynamics. In addition, their lyrics show an appreciation of the traumas of everyday life, both in serious life changing and threatening events, and in events of purely personal significance, such as losing a lover or friend.
Dustland Fairytale is a great song. It may not touch me as much as some others from (especially) Hot Fuss and Sam's Town, but a great song that attempts to tackle deep themes. Day and Age is a more difficult album to get into, and may not be the best album of the year, but it shows a willingness to experiment at least. If the over produced sheen and synthwash proves to be a dead end, at least they tried. Some bands never try anything new, and stagnate.
Like one of their idols, David Bowie, the band will have many images and outlooks over the years: some will work, some won't: but their ability to alter will give them longevity.
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Having said that, "Perhaps you have never suffered grief in the same way Brandon Flowers has." is one of the funniest lines I have read on chartblog.
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Jax comment 123 ... excellent !
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OK .. IS a Dustland Fairytale a good song ?
Just go to comment 8 posted by Scott , and watch them performing it on Letterman !
Oh wow , I thiught it was absolutely fantastic , it gave me goosebumps ! Brilliant .
I have loved this Killers debate , I now see Day and age in a totally new light , and I don't mind admitting that my view on Fairytale has changed .
It's a great song !
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Thank God for that.
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Hazel: I know a comedy open goal when I see one :)
Make tea not war (love it, although you haven't exactly been adhering to those lofty ideals here have you?) :P
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oAhlCXJR_cQ/STAs8xTIE7I/AAAAAAAAB-4/llEDC6Q36Ng/s400/Bullfinch++Fen+Drayton.JPG
that should explain it
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YEH WELL KILERZ R WAK YO I ONLEE LISTEN 2 NDUBZ
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Well after 35 weeks in the charts Day And Age is currently number 25 !
There are obviously a lot of people who are still buying it , many weeks after release ...
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That's just a single finch (well, I presume it's a finch), and nothing fluffy about it. Thus, you shall henceforth be known as "smoothfinch(?)". The (?) signifies the lack of certainty.
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Seriously, you may be funny but I have to agree with CurtainJerker (who has an equally puzzling username); that finch definitely isn't fluffy. How did you even find it?
I'm beginning to lack faith in your opinions more and more - "lofty ideals" - strange bird dude.
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I'm so bored of the whole 'hot fuss was the best album' thing now. Yes The Killers change with each album (and in my opinion just get BETTER) and people need to deal with this.
Day and age could quite easily be the best album, but some people seem unwilling to give it a chance, which is a great same. I liked hot fuss, but it was sams town that I fell in love with, I guess it kind of proved to me that they were more than your average indie band.
Dustland fairytale, in my opinion of course, is and exceptional track, just listen to the lyrics (but try and find the right ones), in no way can it be called boring. If you dont believe me just watch them live, I have 4 times and none of their tracks are boring.
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Trust me Aimee , I was a Day and Age and A Dustland Fairytale doubter.
Not any more !
A Dustland Fairytale is shaping up to be one of my favourite Killers tracks .
And yes , I was too quick to judge Day and Age , it's a great album , I have been playing it non stop for a week .
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I would love to know what Hazel who did the original review of A Dustland Fairytale , now thinks of it , maybe after seeing it performed on Letterman...
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I still think it is pants, for the record.
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Nice to see you're as opened minded as ever Hazel ;)
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She does love things which have been opened, it's true...
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You mean.. like.. no, I give up, what on earth do you mean?
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Oh c'mon Thranj, you can do it!
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No, not really, I haven't slept much for quite a long time brain no workee.
still, possibilities:
a) cans of worms
b) Pandora's Box
c) Milk for several days (like the creepy guy off the Mary Whitehouse Experience)
d) Pants?
e) The grief and suffering of Brandon Flowers
f) Unguarded boxes of chocolates
g) Swiss bank accounts in her name
h) Small regional Post Offices
i) the eyes of the unbelievers
j) tins of paint
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yup. She is, as MakeTea says, very opened-minded...
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Curtains - If fluffy has to contribute a picture of himself, I think it only fair we see a picture of you jerking a curtain ;)
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You got it.
http://www.stantonbury.org.uk/Resources/user/Theatre%20Images/Sep%2009-Jan10/Morecombe%20inside%20brochure%202-small.jpg
BTW, chauvinist that I am, I always assumed Smoothfinch(?) (I swear that's going to catch on) was a girl.
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Not all girls are fluffy. Is that a curtain jerk or more of a twitch?
BTW picture of a Thranjax: http://www.thranjax.co.uk/thranjax.php
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Nice. Like the homepage too. It IS yours, right?
Actually, one idle afternoon at work I googled a few of the ChartBlog AllStars' names, just to see if they carried on their alter egos in other places. I can't remember all of it, but there was a Spirit Warrior website that was something to do with Native Americans and their beliefs; someone (maybe Random Enigma) has their own music review site, and had dedicated a review to Spirit; and there was a MySpace for someone by the name of Thranjax. I couldn't investigate further, cos can't go on MySpace at work, but I was intrigued.
I got at least some info from the Google results page, so let me ask, Jaxmeister - is Scunthorpe your manor?
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Exclusive... Brandon Flowers has named his new son... Gunner !
I think Brandon's an Arsenal fan !
Congratulations Sir !
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Gunner could be another Scandinavian name Spirit, we're all at it!
Curtain - Yes Scunthorpe is my "manor". And that is my MySpace! It's out of date though and terribly pretentious so please fire at will with making fun of!
ps like the question "It IS yours, right?" as if there really is something called Thranjax and lots of people have pages about it! For what it is worth, Thranjax is indeed in theory and sort of, a small black dog.
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You know, I love Brandon Flowers and everything.
But Gunner? I mean, I shorten the names of people when I get to know them. If I knew someone called Gunner, you know, shouting for him if I couldn't find him (oh Gun...Gun?)
In other news, I've actually seen a pic of him wearing a Liverpool scarf ... but he's American, I'm sure he can be forgiven.
Oh and I like this song, much better live.
You know when I got Hot Fuss, I predicted the next singles after Somebody Told Me correctly, same with Sam's Town. BUT I got it wrong this time, The World We Live In threw me off. I like it but it's not a single for me. I would have chosen Joy Ride. Nothing like a bit of 80s sax :)
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150!!!!
Well, I'm probably not going to get 500 over on Rybak, so you've got to take your chances where you can.
In all the debate about the baby name, I'm surprised that no-one's mentioned how additionally ridiculous it sounds with the surname. Gunner Flowers? It's like being called Thunderbolt Frillyknickers.
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I agree that maybe joy ride should have been a single . Its a good song witi huge commercial appeal ..
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Hazel you dont know what you are missing! Day and Age debate aside, this track is just fantastic. Seeing it live was one of my highlights of the last time I saw them. Flowers finishing on the piano was exceptional. The emotion that man can convey is amazing.
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I think neon tiger would be a better single than joy ride, for the record!
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Oh and finally on a side note... I said Flowers could get emotion accross in performances .. flicking throgh some Letterman performances check out Evanescence's My Immortal. Amy Lee could have tears actually pouring down her face and sound less emotional.
(yes I know, emo much...)
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Neon Tiger, yes, I can see a video fo that in my head!
Gunner Flowers, just realised that really is a mismatch. It is actually hard to think of names that go with Flowers though, that are a bit unusual, 'cause that's the trend he's going for, what with the other one being called Ammon. But Thunderbolt Frillyknickers is a genius name. That actually goes together, in a Napoleon Dynamite kind of way.
Yeah, a lot of people think Brandon's quite a shallow man, but he can really wrench your gut out when you watch him live, in comparison to other singers. However, My Immortal was and still is quite a good song. I'm not an Evanescence fan though.
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Regarding the name Gunner Flowers.
Brandon is reported to have said that he wanted to offset the Flowers surname with something more masculine sounding .
I mean something like Gaylord Flowers might have been asking 4 trouble .
I think Gunner is great .
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Gaylord Flowers, ha :)
It's quite a cool name in it's way, Gunner I mean, but there's nothing wrong with the surname Flowers masculine-wise. Most people I know who know his name thinks it's awesome, and it's SCOTTISH (like my last name) AND it's shared with Ron Flowers, who was a great footballer and supplied me with amazing running shoes. It might be true but I think that's just some rumour.
I personally wouldn't choose it, but it is quite American sounding so with every considered, all I can say is that that kid has bagged himself a pretty cool dad, who recently wore the most amazing blue D&G suit with a leopard skin waistcoat and black shoes with pink lining. Yes, things like that matter to me and yes, I needed to say it somewhere.
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Let's face it, he might get some stick at school being called Gunner Flowers, but the conversation is something like;
"nah nah you're name is Flowers! Gunner flowers! That's stupid!"...
"My dad is Brandon Flowers from the Killers"
"Nah na... ah. Er.. " hangs head and walks off.
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Exactly.
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Excellent work Jax !
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After 36 weeks on the album chart ... DAY AND AGE by THE KILLERS is now number 23 and rising !
Persevere like I did , it's a very good album !
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I dunno. I think Brandon Flowers being your dad might easily be grounds to issue a playground kicking for some people, even more than being called Gunner Flowers (or Thunderbolt Frillyknickers).
By the way, I'm Scottish and I've never, ever come across the name Flowers other than on a non-Scottish musician (Brandon, and Mike - he of the Pops and MOR covers).
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Definitely a scottish name, I did some family tree work recently and I came across it as I did. And Edith Bowman said it too, when she interviewed him.
And I can't believe I know who Mike Flowers is. Good call.
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This is NO fluke , for being an average album !!!
THE KILLERS - DAY AND AGE .
After 37 weeks on release , it is now NUMBER 17 !
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OMG, this song is absolutly amazing, what do you know and this review shows your bad taste in music. Things like this have happened, and like most Killer's songs it is telling a story. Someone I know cried when they heard this song, because it was so true and so real. It shows the Killers soft side, rather than the usual up beat rock song, so shut up about your awful reviews.
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The tragic reason for THE KILLER'S cancelling gigs in Australia last week has just been revealed ,JEAN , the mother of BRANDON FLOWERS has sadly passed away , after a 2 year battle with cancer .
Bear in mind that the excellent 5 star song A DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE is Brandon's story about how his parents met , this takes the impact of this song to greater emotional heights .
I am sure we all wish Brandon well , and if there is a positive , it's that Jean has seen Brandon , Mark , Dave and Ron become one of the biggest bands in the world , and she was extremely proud of this .
Be strong , Brandon .
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You wanna feel the brilliance of A DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE ?
Click the link by Superscott in comment 8 , and see them performing it on Letterman with a full orchestra.
Magnificent !
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Here we go!
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Yeah , ODDONE , click on the link at post 8 , and hear an incredible version of this fantastic song !!
Let us know what you think ?
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I have just watched it again , and I have tears in both eyes , it's that good !
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