The Killers five-million-selling debut, 2004's Hot Fuss, saw the stylish Las Vegas quartet mining inspiration from its favorite '80s British acts Duran Duran, the Cure, and the Smiths. On its follow-up, the group turns its focus homeward. First there's the album title, Sam's Town, which pays tribute to the old-school local casino where the band got its start. Then there's the music inside, a collection of windswept rockers in the vein of Bruce Springsteen that leave the indie-disco vibe of "Mr. Brightside" in the desert dust. Working with producers Alan Moulder and Flood (best known for their work with U2, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails), everything here sounds bigger and shinier, with full-blown strings and choirs coloring epics like "When You Were Young" and "The River Is Wild." Coming soon to a stadium near you. --Aidin Vaziri
With only two studio releases behind them, it might surprise some to hear that the Killers had enough material to release a b-sides and rarities CD only five years after forming, but this is definitely no all-filler/no-killer collection, instead containing a mittful of legitimately strong and worthwhile songs. There are four never-before-released Killer songs on Sawdust, including "Tranquilize," featuring rock legend Lou Reed on half of the vocals, a number that is filled with a Queen-affected operatic touch. The previously unreleased "Shadowplay"--a Joy Division cover--unfortunately pales compared to the original, while "Leave Your Bourbon at the Door" is easily the summit of the CD; a longtime live favorite, the song's despair and urgency is a must-have for any Killer fan. Also noteworthy is an outtake from the Hot Fuss sessions called "Under the Gun," a driving melody with a memorable chorus that feels like a Killers classic. Lesser-known tracks gathered together on this compilation include "Move Away"--first heard on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack--which is straight-up U2-circa-Vertigo era, but still exciting to listen to. Some previously released b-sides are cover tunes that provide musical whimsy, but not much more: the trad-country "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," which was made famous by Kenny Rogers, while the impassioned "Romeo and Juliet" tune--written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame--is nearly mimicked by Flowers, and serves little more purpose than providing homage to a wonderfully written melody and tale. --Denise Sheppard
