Class of 2004

The Killers are masterful writers of pop songs. That is, popular in the true sense of the word. The degree of crossover appeal that surrounded debut album Hot Fuss, not only for the sheer implausibility of an alternative band selling so many mechanical units, but for the knowledge that “Somebody Told Me” and “Mr. Brightside” were heard at every conceivable type of store, bar and nightclub for the better part of two years cements this fact.The Killers were lumped in with a slew of retro acts in 2004, credited with restoring post punk and synthesizers to its former glory. Finally giving Depeche Mode and New Order due respect, many of their imitators emerged. The Killers felt they were top of the heap and seemed scorned by the backlash of trying too hard to be Brit-pop pretenders. In reality, they are a band from Nevada with Mormon roots. They couldn’t be more American, and to assert this Brandon Flowers and the gang have defiantly embraced such with sophomore album Sam’s Town.

There are rumblings that Bruce Springsteen is the replacement influence. It is true that elements of Born to Run are there with the Americana references to “Main St.,” and “Ran with the Devil,” syncopated piano licks and the freight train quality of the music. Less apparent, but still present, are early 80s heyday The Cars and Cheap Trick. Flowers’ stretching vocal presentation is reminiscent of Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander. Every song is just consistently good. There is a lush expansive sound to each track as broad as the U.S. landscape. The quality of the production seems to be a theme within itself. There are numerous singles to choose such as, “When You Were Young,” “Read My Mind” and “Bones” which are simply fetching and memorable. The lyrics seem to bask in seedy casino glamour and yearn for a time of youthful freedom and small town struggle, as in apex “This River Is Wild,” with “Or should I get along with myself/I never did get along with everybody else/I’ve been trying hard to do what’s right.”

The Killers have the ability to forge ahead towards greatness, but have graduated to that stage of growing pains, forced to prove their versatility and creative significance. Despite their grandstanding, they can’t afford any missteps by following too closely to the past. Sam’s Town is another solid pop album, which hopefully indicates The Killers won’t rely on their laurels.