Thursday, October 05, 2006

Brief Review of "Sam's Town"

I've listened to the whole album now, and I have to admit, I'm disappointed. I can't quite place my finger on it, but it doesn't have that same je ne sais quoi (probably why I can't place my finger on it) found in their previous work. They went from cool new indie rock to Led Zep wannabees. (Some have also compared this "sophomore" album to Bruce Springsteen.)

They had something honest to their music that seems lost on this album. This one just feels like it was over produced. Or maybe it's their true colors shining through? It's too esoteric, lacking in substance and form. Believe it or not, before now, I was thinking maybe, just maybe, these guys were the next huge thing. Now I'm left wondering a little.

I think they might bounce back. And there is one song that saves the album: the bouncy "Uncle Jonny." It's a bit raw, but it condescends. And for those of you who just can't see eye to eye, there is certainly a different point of view abroad. But one song is just not enough.

To sum it up, it's a Rolling Stone cry:

Why, Killers? Why?

Update 10/9: Okay, I have to admit it, I'm changing my tune. The album is growing on me. That and I talked with a friend who went to their LA concert last night. It sounded pretty racuously stellar.

posted by Rhapsidiomite @ 11:09 PM
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