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Las Vegas indie rock quartet The Killers release Sawdust , a compilation of tracks from soundtracks and single releases, as well as previously unreleased material from the Sam’s Town and Hot Fuss sessions that boasts plenty of gems for completists.
Kicking off with lead single Tranquilize , the album – which is dedicated to fans – effectively demonstrates the diversity and general
quality of Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci.
It’s a personal compilation that serves as a sobering alternative to the wealth of greatest hits LPs that flood record shelves this time of year – and which, crucially, is capable of appeal to fans and non-fans alike.
Tranquilize , for instance, is a truly great record and a fine way to start the album. The track first made an appearance during sessions for Sam’s Town but was picked up again this summer during a break in the band’s touring schedule.
They subsequently approached former Velvet Underground leader Lou Reed for vocal duties and proceeded to deliver a strikingly moody effort that finds Flowers and Reed working in mesmerising vocal tandem, complete with some intricate instrumental layering and a slow-build mentality that succeeds in building to a terrific crescendo.
It’s followed by their cover version of Joy Division’s Shadowplay , which is lively and a genuinely interesting take on the classic, and then All The Pretty Faces , which begins with a thrusting central guitar riff that gives way into a rousing, impassioned song in its own right.
There’s a playful sense of fun surrounding Leave The Bourbon On The Shelf that’s raw, ragged and totally inspiring – a lovelorn tale of love, loss and alcoholism. It was recorded in Dave’s Apartment and is one of the album highlights.
Elsewhere, Flowers’ wraps some haunted vocals around Where The White Boys Dance that also includes some melancholy piano chords; there’s a ramshackle, rollicking quality surrounding Glamorous Indie Rock And Roll and a feelgood vibe surrounding Who Let You Go? .
I also liked the old-school, Johnny Cash/country vibe surrounding Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town and the beautiful Abbey Road Sessionversion of Sam’s Town (recorded in 2006). It gives way to another gem of a cover version, their moody take on Dire Straits’ classic Romeo & Juliet , that’s beautifully delivered.
The Killers have never been a band to do things the obvious way and that’s evident from the selections on this album. It’s part of what helps to make it such a wonderful addition to any fans’ collection.
Review by Jack Foley
Download These:
MP3 | The Killers ft. Lou Reed – Tranquilize
MP3 | The Killers – Leave The Bourbon On The Shelf
MP3 | The Killers – Shadowplay (Joy Division Cover)
Tags: The Killers
I am a HUGE fan of the Killers and love this album to pieces. It definitely shows that the band has grown..for the better.Kudos to them for dedicating it to the fans!!
I gotta say that I’m not that impressed with Sawdust. The covers are average and I prefer most of the original b-sides I had as opposed to the remixes. I did however enjoy the new tracks and the solo piano version of Sam’s Town.
Got the album in the mail yesterday…so fucking awesome..love the seclection of b-sides, tho they should have gone with desperate aswell
Just managed to get Sawdust today(we are always late in Greece). Amen. I am in heaven.
when it comes to covers, i really love their take on “why don’t you find out for yourself”. imo it’s the best cover the band has ever made. it’s a shame it’s not included in Sawdust.
romeo and juliet is brilliant… but it does sound a bit more sad than dire straits though..
and tranquilize is also good 
Shadowplay….yeah man, I loved that at Glasto 2007! The Killers rock, even better than Linkin Park in my opinion.
Take it to the barn baby. This C.D was awsome and the chair was sweet. INcredible. GO KILLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!