G U E S T P O S T

Today we have a special post by our NEW YORK guest contributor, LEE OKANON. He’s a current graphic design student at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN (his work can be viewed HERE). He is a huge Killers fan and he’ll be reviewing THE KILLERS new Album, DAY & AGE.

"After listening to an advance copy of THE KILLERS new album, DAY & AGE for over a week, I can honestly say, it is one of their GREATEST albums to date. They experimented with a variety of different genres and in turn created something truly unique. DAY & AGE seems to be very much influenced by a barrage of current and past artists, ranging from MADONNA (whom producer Stuart Price worked with of Confessions) to HOT CHIP, not to copy their music yet to create a sound that is truly their own.
The album starts off with the dark yet fun LOSING TOUCH. The song in its entirety is very experimental, with a mix of melodies that change continuously. This one is sure to please.
As the album’s first single, HUMAN seems to define the feel of the record. Stuart Price’s influence is nowhere more apparent than in this dance infused single. With almost two dozen remixes already being circulated, HUMAN is quickly becoming a dance staple just as READ MY MIND was for Sam’s Town. As with other songs on the album, Human’s lyrics at times can be ambiguous, “are we human or are we dancer?” yet this was exactly Flower’s intent, letting the listening interrupt their own meaning into the songs.
The second single, SPACEMAN (which is my personal favorite) is by far the perfect mix of rock, electro, and pop. The Killers made a huge mistake by not releasing Spaceman as the first single; with its fast tempo and vocally driven beat, it would have solidified the band as major chart-toppers once again. (This song needs to be on everyone’s ipod, download link at the bottom)
JOY RIDE is one of those interesting songs that are completely unexpected, but hook you on after a few listens. It has a very 80’s sounding undertone and the chorus is eerily similar to LIKE A VIRGIN by Madonna. Definitely recommended.
Quickly becoming one of my all time favorite Killers songs, A DUSTLAND FAIRYTALE, is exactly that, a modern day fairytale. If anyone questioned what happened to the American power ballad, it’s back, and it rocks. The track starts off with a great slow introduction that slowly drags you in until Brandon’s powerful echoing voice dominates the track and then you’re hooked! Juxtaposing the ambiguous lyrics on the album, Fairytale is a true narrative that takes you on a wonderful journey of highs and lows leaving you completely enamored at the end. 10/10.
THIS IS YOUR LIFE is a very true Killers track. Directly influenced by SAM'S TOWN, the song is very much vocally driven, but who’s complaining, with Flower’s great booming voice. A very powerful sound, most likely will be a fan favorite.
I CAN'T SAY is a great fun track. This song is very reminiscing of a variety of Hot Chip songs and not just because the chorus keeps repeating “In the Dark”. Listeners who are familiar with both bands will hear great similarities with songs such as One Pure Thought, Hold On, & a little of Shake a First.
Probably the next single, Neon Tiger has been making the rounds at Killer’s performances for a while. They cite MGMT for being an influence in developing the lyrics and sound for Neon Tiger; a great story of a neon tiger that just wants to be free. This will get stuck in your head for a long time!
THE WORLD WE LIVE IN is probably my least favorite song on the album, although it is where the title Day & Age stems from. It’s a harmonious slow track with not many interesting factors, I felt that is was kind of a filler track.
GOODNIGHT, TRAVEL WELL is a very dark, very personal, and very emotional track. You get a sense that this song means a lot to the band as they rarely present truly personal songs, delving slightly into it with Andy, You’re a Star and Uncle Jonny. The journey through this song is truly amazing, slowly rising until Flower’s voice is almost on the verge of screaming from the intensity; just amazing. Definitely deserves a listen.
There are two BONUS tracks on the album, which I think should have been included indefinitely. If A CRIPPLING BLOW were on the album, I would consider it my favorite track. It continues right where SAM'S TOWN left off and is a pure American style classic. Combining a melody of influences, Brandon Flowers’ astonishing voice, BLOW is The Killers at their Best! 10/10
FORGET ABOUT WHAT I SAID is a fast paced narrative driven track, which I’m surprised didn’t make the cut it’s worth a listen.
Ultimately DAY & AGE is an album showcasing The Killers ability to make purely great music. They undeniably continue to produce wonderful songs, which resonates with a variety of audiences."