Solo efforts are risky business. Even when all the talent, the bombast, and the appeal of a band rests firmly with the frontman, to remove oneself from the safety net of the group, to pull in all the disparate elements and take on every role, to shoulder the burden of success without even a few hired hands at your back at best breeds a simple, warm distraction and at worst falls miserably flat. For all the greatness Kele is not Bloc Party, the Last Shadow Puppets are not the Arctic Monkeys, and, dare we say it, Jenny Lewis is not Rilo Kiley. However, once in a while, the black rock-star boots fit. Brandon Flowers, with his new, effortless release Flamingo, is an American Morrissey. Crafting a record of Killers-esque dusty rockers Flowers injects such a level of sophisticated and heart-on-sleeve emotionality to the sweeping proceedings that it rings not only genuine but truly passionate and personal. From his duet with Jenny Lewis “Hard Enough” to the fabulous, barn-burning opener “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas”, from the slinking synths of “Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts” to the pomp and circumstance of closer “Swallow It”, all surrounding the magnificent centerpiece “Crossfire”, Flowers has assembled a collection of heart-breakers so worthwhile as to stand next to his best work with his day-job band. Outside of the confines of a group act this frontman gives himself room to breathe and gives in to his deepest inner passion. Brandon Flowers – “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” by Cannibal Cheerleader
It’s no secret that with a name like Cannibal Cheerleader we’re huge fans of any band that calls itself ‘the Killers‘, which is why we’re incredibly elated to learn (perhaps late to the game) that lead singer Brandon Flowers will be releasing a solo album called Flamingo in early September (that’s the cover art up there). Maybe it’s the fact that the band genuine rags-to-riches-story, their rise from indie-credibility to stadium-seating rock gods, or just that they write some damn fine rock and roll music, but despite their ‘mainstream popularity’ we still think of the Killers as one of the best groups working today. Now that Brandon Flowers has taken the reigns himself there’s no telling where he’ll go, though the release of the first two singles “Crossfire” and “Swallow It” suggest the singer has given himself some room to breathe, building on the fist-pumping, soaring pop-rock of the Killers and letting his inimitable voice and ’so-clumsy-they’re-incredible’ lyrics mesh over a webwork of shredding guitars and plucky samples. Here’s hoping the whole album sounds like these tracks – if so it’ll be one of our favorites of the year.
NEW KILLERS EP The Killers newest LP Day & Age is crammed full of the same working-man-with-mascara pop we’ve come to know and love from the group, one of the standout tracks being the wild outer limits ride that is “Spaceman”. Well it turns out the foursome is releasing a Spaceman EP, featuring the titular track as well as two other songs, an unreleased b-side called “Tidal Wave” and a wonderful cover of “Four Winds” by Bright Eyes. The diatribe on modern America, while a definitive Oberst standout, sounds nonetheless heartfelt and crushing with the patented Brandon Flowers warble behind it. Flowers has definitely fallen into form as a rock and roll Jesus of sorts and the religious undertones and sacrificial lyrics complement his image perfectly. This is definitely worth checking out below.
The Killers – “Four Winds” The Killers – “Tidal Waves” ******************************************************************** NEW ONE DAY AS A LION VIDEO A little bit late (and maybe a little bit repetitive), but here’s the video for “Wild International” from One Day As A Lion, and it’s worth every second if only to watch De La Rocha spit a killer flow over Theodore’s wicked drum beat. Check it:
One Day As A Lion – “Last Letter” ******************************************************************** NEW ROLO TOMASSI MERCH Head on over to the Rolo Tomassistore immediately and check out some of their killer new tshirt/hoodie designs. Finally we can rep RT here in the States!
KILLERS BEGIN DEBUTING THIRD LPThis update is all about the Killers. Is it a Quick Bite then? No, the Killers are just deserving of their own Cannibal Cheerleader update. Explaining our obsession with the Killers is difficult, considering the lack of respect they seem to garnish around the blogosphere. However, we here at CC are of the opinion that Brandon Flowers and company produce some of the best, most awe-inspiring, soaring rock and roll this side of U2, without all the self-importance. The Killers have produced two albums on which we could not find a track to skip. Throughout Hot Fuss, Sam’s Town, and even Sawdust we couldn’t find a track that didn’t feature at least some attractive qualities to us. Basically, the Killers write fantastic songs and we love them for it.
According to this Rock Daily report the Killers are eyeing a November release for their as-of-yet untitled third LP that’s being produced by Stuart Price, who remixed “Mr. Brightside” for the band. As if that wasn’t exciting enough the Killers played a special fanclub only show in NYC last night (the Victims as they’re called) and debuted some spectacular new tracks.
Here’s “Spaceman”:
And here’s “Neon Tiger”:
As far as other titles go Flowers has named the song “Tidal Wave” as another track on the LP. Of course there’s a lot of speculation running rampant about if certain tracks that haven’t been included on Sawdust but have been played at separate live shows will appear on the album. Our money’s on “Soft Surrender” being included, this Killers live gem. Enjoy!
