I like it, I like it a lot. It's different for one. The lyrics still have that bizzare Duran Duran 80s music vibe where nothing REALLY makes sense but there is still a general theme at play. The Killers' SOUND is still intact and that is honestly what I was the most worried about. The songs are generally a bit slower and less catchy, but I think have a bit more thought put into them.
Unfortunately like most sophmore efforts of this kind, the CD will probably alienate fans who came along for the ride primarily cause the catchy singles were something they could belt out in their cars while at the McDonalds drive through. Everyone else will end up be pleasantly surprised that the group that could have ended up being a one hit wonder actually realized that a successful music career is a journey full of changes.
Just look at Madonna.
Another fine example of a group not simply 'going through the motions'. Keane's Under the Iron Sea offers up an album full of songs that pull away from the Dawson's Creek appeal of the original cd and instead picks up the tempo for something a bit more fun and upbeat. There's also a lot of their trademark 'feeling' in this cd, but the have found (in my opinion) a better way to go about expressing it to the listener.
I think my favorite track is Under the Iron Sea. Even tho it is pure instrumental and serves as a transition to Crystal Ball, I think it really expresses something akin to the strange sort of strength found in the art on the album cover. I swear if I could get a good print of that I would frame it. One of the best album covers ever.
A guilty pleasure, I cannot explain it. Aside from the single being played to death and reaking o teenage 'positive' thinking, I love the whole cd. Despite being a one-hit wonder, it has sorta the same appeal Third Eye Blind had before they started to stagnate.
Radioheads only good CD? I am one of the few that would say so. There's a sincere effort to produce some very solid rock on this cd. I really think the efforts in The Bends overshadows any of the weird shit they pulled with every cd afterwards. Sometimes a 'statement' doesnt make good music.
