Sam's Town

Customer Reviews:

Down The Drain
Killers were to save the world, until this bomb dropped. Great first 2 songs, only for this album to dissolve into a pukey panic attack. Flat production, overly wordy nervous singer dooms "Sams Town" into the used bin. Surprisingly utterly forgettable, some tracks deserving the skip button. Higher expectations drive this down to 2 stars maybe less. Unfortunate, we must look for new saviors
--2006-12-15

Sophomore slump...
`Sam's Town' is The Killers' follow-up to 2004's `Hot Fuss.' That latter album was quite the monster throughout the world with rich production values - showing enormous vision and competency on the part of the band and its production team - that clearly showed how deeply The Killers were in thrall to British influences as diverse as The Fall, U2, and Oasis. But, had `Hot Fuss' been nothing more than an imitative and/or derivative paean to Britpop, it would likely have died like an unwanted hooker on the streets of Las Vegas. But, the music - while familiar - was part of an atmospheric aural vehicle that carried dense, thoughtful narratives about relationships and their demands and responsibilities.

The explosive success of `Hit Fuss' resulted in The Killers becoming a world-wide phenomenon that was heavy rotation on both sides of the pond. Among the events the band had as campaign streamers were Glastonbury, Live 8, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show with David Letterman, Top of the Pops as well as a host of edgier shows; quite a step ahead for a band that was formed in 2002.

Along the way the band has gained some notoriety for what might be referred to as rock star bravado. Between claims that the follow-up album would be "one of the best albums in the past twenty years," to critical, caustic comments about other bands, some have wondered 1) is the band full of themselves and 2) can they deliver an equally strong second offering.

I'm here to say that the answers to these questions are "Yes," and "possibly no." While `Sam's Town' does contain some strong insightful observations on life, music and the cost of stepping out on the notional global stage, when one views the CD as a whole, it is less consistent in song quality. There is also a decided shift in some of the underlying foundations from which this band draws its inspiration.

Where `Hot Fuss' was the band's view of Britpop, "Sam's Town' has a strong element of American influence. This is most obvious in "When You Were Young," and "This River is Wild;" both hark to the wall-of-sound thunder of `Born to Run.' There are also nods to Bon Jovi in "Uncle Jonny," which - while coming down against cocaine - takes a somewhat sympathetic view of the abuser. After several listens, I had to conclude that the band was talking about someone they know.

The overall album is a bit of a concept product, too. The title song addresses the issue of success, with its chorus "You know I see London, I see Sam's Town/pulls my hand and lets my hair down/Rolls the world right off my shoulder/I see London, I see Sam's Town," delivering a retrospective view of what success entails in terms of prices to be paid.

The next nine songs are contained within a song cycle structure that starts and finishes with "Enterlude" and "Exitlude," respectively. They set the stage - in tone and content quite similar to the works of Ray Davies - for the aforementioned nine songs that follow the band's penchant for analytical study about relationships. However, whereas `Hot Fuss' was about interpersonal relationships, "Sam's Town' addresses the more problematic issue of being in rock `n' roll. This is not to say that you will be listening to a concept album. The songs are not linked in that manner. (So, it is not Endless Wire/Wire and Glass!). But, you are aware that Flowers et al have been doing some thinking about whom and what they are. The problem I'm faced with is that the issue remains unresolved as to whether the band is looking back with some yearning for a simpler time even with its implied lack of success, or whether they are thinking about their position as legends in their own minds.

It is this latter concept that pushed forward when I listen to the Springsteen/Bon Jovi based material. That bombast can - if not truly heartfelt - end up being just that: bombast. I would also comment that Flowers' vocal range does not fully encompass this style. His voice shreds on a couple of tracks, particularly on "For Reasons Unknown."

Overall, 'Sam's Town' is a very good sophomore effort, but one where style and content are a bit erratic.

--2006-12-11

I would actually give it 2.5 stars but that was not an option
Let me say first what I like about this album. First, I like how the band compares listening to the album to going to a town. When you start to listen to the music, you are entering Sam's Town. You continue to listen and the band says that it "hopes you enjoy your stay." Finally, at the end, the band bids us farewell and says that they "hope we enjoyed our stay." I think this is a very creative idea that gives the album a very unique spin. The first few tracks are pretty good...especially "When You Were Young." Overall, it seems that the band put a lot of effort into this recording.

Still, the album does not have enough memorable moments for me. The songs just aren't very catchy. I don't find myself humming or singing these songs the way I normally do when I like an album. Few songs have strong choruses on this album, and without strong choruses, the listener isn't going to get hooked. Maybe it's just me but I don't care for Brandon Flowers' vocals on some of the tracks...especially those near the end of the album. Also, the album cover advertizes that there are 12 songs when in reality there are only ten. The enterlude (track 2) and Exitlude (track 12) just don't count as songs in my opinion. Track 11 is the track that lets me down the most though. At the very end of the song, there is some very good guitar that only lasts for about five seconds and then the songs ends! It sounds as if it belongs at the beginning of the song...not the end! What they have there is the start of something beautiful that they never expand on. Come on guys! You can do better.

The first few cuts are good but the album goes nowhere special from that point forward. If you want to check out some really good music produced in 2006 before this year comes to a close, check out "Stadium Arcadium" by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. There are some amazing songs from a seasoned and experienced band on that album!

--2006-12-07

Every song better than the next
On first listen of 'Sam's Town', I didn't much like it and bought the album thinking it was going to be a twin to 'Hot Fuss'. However, with every listen, this album just improved. 'Sam's Town' is more polished than The Killers freshman album and the songwriting is fantastic, not repetitive like some songs from 'Hot Fuss'. Although 'Hot Fuss' will always be one of my favorites, 'Sam's Town' has won my heart. It has more of a rock sound than 'Hot Fuss' ever could and the influence of U2 and Bruce Springsteen are apparent. This album probably will be looked back upon as one of the great albums of the last 20 years. Yes, I said it. 4+++ stars for this album!
--2006-12-05

excellent alternative Christian-rock album by the killers
catchy vocals, guitars and a decent edge make tthis a likable alternative rock album by the Killers. Admitedly, the lyrics are standard Christian-rock fare, but let's face it, it a pretty popular trend among today's bands. I imagine they should be good live as well.
--2006-12-05

- Island