The Killers should have recorded a live version of “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”. They ripped off the boss for their single and it worked nicely for them. May as well go for the gold!!

My tip is for the killers to stop making music altogether. I liked them until the AWFUL video for “All these things I’ve done”…ruined a good thing…you’re not from the old West dudes! An old west guy would kick the Killers in the groin and spit on them for their new “style”. Fuck the killers…fuck them in their stupid asses.

It’s “agh,” not “aaaaggghhhhh.”

When you use more than one letter to signify emphasis, you’re just embarrassing yourself.

Ass.

it was a heartfelt scream, dude.

i’m just a pretentious critic of a pretentious critic.

I’ve got a tip for the Killers:

STOP SUCKING ASS!!

meh, killers are cool

I’m not much of a Killers fan, but it’s not the worst Christmas song I’ve ever heard. Trashing it was obviously an excuse for blog hack Elizabeth Goodman to trot out her lame attempt at a humorous songwriting guide. Surely this crap was written long before she actually heard the song.

Let’s explore a bit…

– There are two generally recognized ways to spell the Jewish Festival of Lights in English. Goodman didn’t hit either one.

– That whole “buddy up” thing happened maybe once, not counting the Muppet Show. The slightly awkward Bowie/Crosby tune, though it may well be a Yuletide hoary chestnut, isn’t really a good example of a hard and fast rule. It’s like saying the lone blueberry in the bowl of salsa is the only thing worth putting on the end of your tortilla chip…or something…

– Angst is not festive? Evidently songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” Miles Davis’ exemplary “Blue Xmas (To Whom it May Concern),” and fantastic holiday classics by the Sonics, James Brown and even the Everly Brothers are also not welcome in the great Goodman’s stereo. Bah, humbug.

– “strained to birth”? What the fuck does that even mean? Certainly Paul McCartney didn’t strain too hard on his Christmas tune.

– I’m a New Yorker, and even I’m sick of the Big Apple-centrism around here. At the risk of sounding like the vile Bill O’Reilly, there’s a whole world outside of Manhattan where the holidays are also a lot of fun. “A Christmas Story” took place in the Midwest, for crying out loud!

– Did Spector really have to frighten the Ronettes, the Crystals and Darlene Love to get them to put in good performances on his amazing Christmas album? If so, why even mention it? Is no yuk too cheap for Elizabeth Goodman?

Valentine’s Day is 2 1/2 months from now, Elizabeth. Better get cracking on your next ‘clever’ list.

This song is about what they know. Brandon grew up in Utah where it snows you incredible dumb ass. Seriously. You are a dumb ass.

Here’s a tip…don’t be the Killers. Be a band that is not terrible.

well it never snows from where i am, but i can relate to the lyrics. that’s what’s great about music, it’s universal. and if you know the lyrics, it’s meant to be a christmas song for this generation where we’re all jaded and cynical about a commercial holiday. and whether you like it or not, the killers prove they’re smart to make a contribution to the RED campaign by way of a christmas song (just in case you rolling stone guys forgot it ‘coz you were too busy snarking) instead of modelling or doing a commercial. and if you guys at rolling stone are as smart as you think you are, let’s see how well you can come up with a song complete with a video under time pressure (a week was that it?) and bono’s watchful eye (or ears). oh wait… i doubt bono even knows you guys by name, let alone exist — isn’t that pathetic?

Could the Killers have written anything you would not bitch about?

What was it about the Killers new album that made them a target? I really liked it and think it’s one of the years best. Is it because Brandon Flowers is like the T.O. of music? He rus his mouth so you HAVE to hate him.

Agreed that this magazine totally hates the Killers and would use any excuse to talk poorly about them. It’s like you couldn’t wait to critize their holiday song so it could go along with the ridiculous review of Sam’s Town. It’s fine that they don’t like the Killers but it’s absolutely sad to bring down a song written to raise money for those living with the HIV/AIDS virus. Grow up. I don’t even celebrate Christmas but I can appreciate when someone tries to do something good. Rolling Stone needs to get over it, if they hate this band so much stop focusing on everything they say and do.

Talk about hate mongering…you guys should calm down, it’s a blog, not a call for hate and war.

That’s true, there are people here who are awful rude…..that doesn’t change the fact that the RS is full of themselves.

screw u miz goodman. You and your shitty ass magazine just bash the Killers no matter what they do. Look whats happening now: they recorded a christmas song for CHARITY and you bash them. How bout you and your heartless, dumb ass, fuckhole friends actually listen to a couple Killers songs. I’m sure then you would finally realize what a crack pot of asses you were.

Honestly I agree that Rolling Stone has no end of a hard on for dissing “The Killers.” I may not know music as well as them, but I am pretty certain Paris Hilton’s album should not have had a higher rating then Sams Town. Oh well, their movie reviews suck just as much…….and their political coverage couldn’t be further left if they tried.

Again Rolling Stone has proven they now shit about music

Seriously, it’s not just Rolling Stone that dislikes the new material. It’s pretty much every mag and sane music buff out there.

Get over it fanboys. They had one decent record, be cool with it.

The Killers are friggin’ terrible. One good one. Flash in the pan they’s be, says I.

Does that guy have any other way of singing? All the songs sound the same

LISTEN ‘GOODMAN” WHY DO YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT JEWISH HOLIDAYS. ITS GOOD FOR YOU THAT YOU’RE A JEW, BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE US JEWS, AND WE LOVE THIS NEW SONG AND NEW KILLERS SOUND AND CARE LESS IF STUPID JEWS DONT LIKE IT. DONT BE ANGRY THAT THERE IS NO MUSICIAN MAKING A JEW SONG, YOU WILL NOT LAST LONG AT THIS JOB BECAUSE YOU KEEP GIVING BAD REVIEWS, WHEN THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY MORE SUCCESFULL THAN MOST BANDS OUT THERE…AND THEIR SALES & SOLD OUT SHOWS PROVE IT. BESIDES, I KNOW YOU ALREADY HAD MADE UP YOUR JEWSIH MIND THAT YOURE GOING TO DISLIKE THE KILLERS LONGGGG TIME AGO. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

stupid haters. get a life

Why does everyone hate the new Killers album? I loved the last one and I love the new one. The Christmas song sounded fine to me. I just don’t understand it.

WoW! This dumb chick had it out for the Killers way before this Christmas song came out. For real, it’s for charity so back off. I never realised how stuck up RS was. Who decided that you bastards had a more valid opinion on music than the lot of us. If anything your views are just even more tainted because you get paid to dish your prideful trash. I think the Killers are an evolving band of chill story tellers who are trying to do a nice thing. so again kick back goodman… The Killers Rule!

The Killers are so awful? Well Bono, Elton John, and Chris Martin have been advocating them as the one of the best bands in the world and THE band of the future… But hey… what do they know about music? If Goodman knows so much about writing songs, why doesn’t she pick up a guitar? RS has reached rock bottom. Just look at their latest covers. Oh ya… A GREAT BIG SLED is brilliant. Peace

umm yea so this is a pretty mixed message board
im going to go with a no comment on the killers, except that bradon flowers is a cocky little bastard and there is no way Sam’s Town can even stand in the prescence of Ok Computer or Achtung Baby (he thought his was better in a recent interview)
Here’s a suggestion to write a great christmas song: be sufjan stevens
go stream his holiday boxset at http://www.asthmatickitty.com/ music.php?releaseID=63
then go buy it because you’ll love it and it comes with a christmas book and stickers, and its 42 songs for the price of one album

oh yea
and for all you killers fans out there
if they didn’t go saying their album was the greatest album ever, no one would hate them so much
just thought I would point that out
and for all of those who love smiths/new order influenced bands, listen to Stars, like, please
they are brilliant

Ditto on the Sufjan Stevens X-mas Box, I’m listening to it right now.

give the killers a break. one of the best debut albums of the past 10-15 years, and they were willin to take risks with album 2. Read my mind’s maybe their best song to date, and sam’s towns been bashed strictly out of animosity for flowers. saw em at the garden and they were great. still young, and id challenge critics to name 10 bands with more potential than them in mainstream rock.

will you pull the sticks out of your asses with going against the killers? they had the best debut album than all of the other ‘today’ bands you put on your cover. you guys suck.

I don love the song but fok you rolling stone and you little killers haters

Sweet Jesus, the guy with the wreath could be a stunt double for Jason Lee on the set of My Name is Earl. Somebody get this man a can of beer and a trashy, hilarious ex-wife.

You mean The Killers killed(no pun intended)Christmas?Sike.I’m curious to hear that Dipset Christnmas album coming out soon though.

Way to go Goodman & RS – tell everyone that this song sucks so no one will buy it. Don’t fuck w/ charity yo! There are kids and families in Africa that are suffering and can greatly benefit from the sale of this track. I’m sure Bono will appreciate you guys mitigating the progress of the RED campaign. Love the song or not, you should support the cause. And please pick a side w/ the killers already.

Killers are slightly overrated in my opinion. They are good, not great. Sufjan Stevens is the Christmas album to get this year though! Fo sho

I can’t help but roll my eyes at the self-congatulatory mood on every Killers song that comes out now.

I bet they thought this song was the best thing ever, too. “It’s the greatest Christmas song since the birth of Jesus!”

The Killers could be a great band if they didn’t take themselves so seriously. Oh, and Brandon Flowers shouldn’t be allowed to write lyrics again. Ever.

Drop this Rock and Roll Daily crap?

Between the sh!tastic writing, tabloid-styled journalism, and, frankly, the half-cock impingement on what this mag used to own at during the 60’s and 70s — quite honestly, there’s not much to come to the site for anymore.

Thank god for Travers and an occasional peak at the cover story otherwise — I think it’s sh!t like this that makes me wanna read Spin (no offense guys — but Liz and her column: gotta go).

I thought it was really funny, clever writing. Actually was kinda syked when I saw it was a chick writer. Then it got comments of “sad dyke” or a “dumb chick” because she didn’t like the killers’ new song- time for a pen name
-Mike Philips

i agree w/ jon, you guys are so far left you’re flying in circles

I know it’s cool to hate the Killers now, but I’ve got to say that I loved Hot Fuss. The new one just blows.

Ease up on Liz guys, I doubt any of you could do what she does day after day. It’s not like she’s writing the great american novel or anything. It’s a website! Undo the wad in your panties and chill out.

hey heres an idea for how the killers can be appreciated on christmas: anounce their retirement. thatd make my christmas day TRULY magical.

hey heres an idea for how the killers can be appreciated on christmas: anounce their retirement. thatd make my christmas day TRULY magical!!!

somebody told me
your band kinda sucks now
you think you are springsteen
you want to be u2
but you kinda suck
- -and i dont mean a little
go back to what do well
hi-energy synth heavy dance tracks
and stop trying too hard
when you dont got the chops to

I

The Killers rule.Give Sam’s Town 2 or 3 listens all the way through and then make your decision.I think it’s a better cd than Hot Fuss.What would you want Brandon Flowers to say about his new album,that it’s average at best,don’t bother buying it.Of course He’s gonna say it’s great,and I agree.It’s right up there with Green Day/American Idiot and My Chemical Romance/The Black Parade as 3 of the best cd’s I’ve heard in the last 3 years.

Awful article. The Killers are a great band. And Sam’s Town is truly an incredible Sophomore album. I lost a lot of respect for RS when I read the 2 1/2 stars rating. The Killers deserve better. Find another band to bash. It’s getting OLD. And as far as Great Big Sled? It’s not the most amazing Christmas song, but it was done for charity. Shame on you…

the killers suck, esp. because they have a beef with Green Day. and now this. they just give me more reasons to hate them

Hey, I wanted to love Sam’s Town just as much as the next guy. The problem is, they abandoned everything I liked about them, delivered a watered-down, Springsteen rip-off with only two great songs.

The music, for the most part is dour and bleak, and Brandon goes for high notes he has no business attempting.

Bottom line, the songs were inferior to those on Hot Fuss. Maybe it’s just me.

What is the beef between The Killers and Green Day?

kudos to the writer was painfully trying to be funny in this article but couldn’t even make the effort to mention the most significant thing about this christmas song (about it being a part of bono’s RED campaign)? i mean could you just not try to be too obvious of your hatred of the band? oh wait, you have to hate them ‘coz when everyone was raving about hot fuss, your precious magazine only gave the album 3 stars (when it clearly deserved more) in a teeny tiny review stuck between pages featuring your proclamation of the greatness of hoobastank and secret machines (oh yeah my memory is that good). you paid little attention to this great band during the year they began to take over the world while putting other bands (names of which i can’t even recall ‘coz they faded into obscurity) in the pedestal. as someone said here, it just goes to show you people don’t know anything about good music anymore. it’s a darn shame.

To the previous poster, finn slevin. Just because you think the Killers are the best thing since blowjobs doesn’t mean everyone else has to. Besides, is a magazine review anything to get worked up about?

No, it isn’t.

Aaron D. is a pussy.

The Killers are defintely a little too enthralled with themselves. They should focus more on making good music (”Bones” has to be one of the worst singles of the year) and less on imitating the likes of Dylan, Springsteen, and Petty. I do like the ’staches, though.

Miss Goodman, I have to agree to disagree with your review. ‘m no huge Killers fan, but this song is clearly a very good song. Check out the intro, the bass lines and the witty,incisive lyrics. Listening to the song before you critique it is always a good idea. Stop hating all music you don’t like. It’s not good to mislead people with biased reviews. Don’t payany attention to her guys, this song is worth listening to and is a different kind of a Christmas song. I recommend it!

So I listened to it again to make sure it sucks, and it does. Good call Miss Goodman, good call.

this song is a perfect joyous christmas song, what the hell did you want them to sing about? Your Jewish Holiday…would that have made you happy? just like someone below me said, this song is for charity..how can you even write a horrible review that will affect the sales of this single that will benefit (RED) charity and those in Africa..i bet the jewish singers you soo love would never do a song for charity..STOP bashing the killers! im sure whoever you love has never done a duet with BONO within their first year. ;p

jonny866

My tip is, give up. “Mistress for Christmas” by AC/DC can’t be topped, so why even bother trying.

Haters, listen up! The Killers just performed on VH1’s Big in 06 last night. They will perform again tonight on the Billboard Music Awards. Recently they have performed on SNL, Letterman, 3 consectutive nights on Kimmel, and later this month on Leno. And don’t forget their impressive Live 8 performance. They have been in almost every music mag including many covers. The Killers were NME’s “Band of the Year” for ‘05. They have had many nominations and awards since Hot Fuss which sold over 500 million worldwide. And Sam’s Town is already Platinum. They are loved by many including Bowie, Elton John, U2, and Oasis to name a few. So the Killers aren’t the only ones who think that they are something special…
You may not like their look, or their sound, or their pride…but there are many of us inside and outside the industry that do. Bash their Charity Christmas song if you want, but the Killers will be around for a long time. Get used to it…

Best advice – don’t do Christmas songs at all. 99% of the Rock Chritmas songs are horrible. If one more rocker does Little Drummer Boy I will puke up my Christmas dinner.

Ramones, Chuck Berry, Bruce, Kinks, Phil Spector…the end

Everything else is either comedy, parody or just plain awful.

Let the Pery Comos and Bearle Ives do the Christmas songs.

Oh, and I love The Killer’s Sam’s Town CD. I don’t own Hot Fuss (maybe that’s why)

My favorite CD right now is The Cold War Kids

It’s a joke! Lighten up, losers. Y’all soooo jealous you don’t have a national forum to write your stupid ideas about stuff.

By the way, increasing traffic and hits on RS website and submitting comments on Goodman’s blog is the WORST way to get her “fired”. She’s the only thing bringing you losers to the site. Now, go click on that link for some lame ring tones and keep making RS rich.

I respect the Killers for doing a little charity work and resent the fact that RS is trashing the song.

Granted… it is a bad song and Flowers is fruitcake, but those two things are what Christmas is all about.

Killers suck. They are also gay.

the killers have lost their minds. they’ve gone all “george lucas.” you know….bigger isn’t always better.

PEOPLE MAGAZINE’S “SEXIEST BAND OF THE YEAR”

ALL YOU KILLERS HATERS PROBABLY LIKE GAY BANDS ANYWAYS, WHOSE SECOND ALBUM PROBABLY SUCKS..

Jeesh, I don’t know what’s the deal with all of the homophobia and anti-semitism on this blog board, but some of you people need to act like you’ve got some “home-training.”

That said, it is asinine for Elizabeth Goodman to attack the Killers for making a dour Christmas song. What about Joni Mitchell’s “River?” Or the Pretenders’ “2000 Miles?” Or Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” These are depressing holiday songs that are also perennial standards.

As for “Sam’s Town,” I personally didn’t like it as much as “Hot Fuss;” that’s just my opinion. But lay off the Killers, already. It’s getting old.

jason,

“Y’all soooo jealous you don’t have a national forum to write your stupid ideas about stuff.”

Actually, that’s sort of what we’re doing on here, you moron. But it’s international. The internet is international, not national. Talk about stupid ideas about stuff.

And I totally agree with ishmael – The homophobia and anti-Semitism is pretty creepy.

the killers suck and should be sent away on a mars landing mission never to be heard from again. they’re just a bunch of corporate whores who do as they’re told by their big corporate bosses. this ain’t music kids, it’s product.

i wish you understand what you read, aaron d. maybe books about guides to reading should be part of your christmas list this year. you see, this isn’t about whether i think the killers are a great band or not (although, yes, i do think they are); this is about the obvious unfairness of the writer of the article. the song was written out of good intentions and the writer conveniently left that part out ‘coz, oh i don’t know, maybe she felt it was more important for her to display her witty sense of humor (oh my, it’s all over the article, can’t you tell?) and her impressive amount of musical knowledge and expertise than to let people know that the band she so loves and is in complete praise of went out of their way to record a single, all the proceeds of which will be donated to RED campaign for the treatment of various diseases afflicting children in africa. oh yeah, that was nothing to get worked out for, right?

i can accept how the killers may not fit the everyone’s musical taste and i can understand why people think brandon flowers is a douchebag (well, in some ways he really is), but to go to these lengths to mock the band for their charity single is clearly out of line.

Rock n Roll Christmas tune
=
Blue Christmas

http://www.myspace.com/wis ertime

I think it is pretty obvious who will not be having the nicest Christmas this year, starting with you Miss Goodman.
Thank you, Killers, for a beautiful holiday song!

As a Brit, i would like to add that these rules you have seemingly plucked from thin air are not true. The Killers Christmas single is great, and everyone I have talked to here in freezing Blighty agree. So before you decide what a Christmas single should sound like, ask the great british Public and get your head out of your arse. We LOOOVVEEE The Killers.

Elizabeth

Here’s a Christmas song you might like check it out http://www.myspace.com/astraheights. Cleverly called “Christmas Time”

This is a great song (done for charity) by a great band. All the haters are pathetic. This magazine is going down the toilet.

Christmas sucks for me, The Killers are the only good thing I have this year.

AWESOME SONG!!!

izry rnjvfxmco apqdowl qoem sgclipo yrlenw yqxecfl

theres no hating on the killers, their just not a great band compared to what else is out there.

The Killers are the best thing out there! Why does this mag hate on them so much.

there are people who judge for a living, and there are people who in there spare time rip on bands they dont know cause some magazine does it, anyone isnt a fan and is ripping on them here is a tool and a sheep. i personally dont like this x-mas hit as much as i liked “Dont’ shoot me santa” but it’s still not bad,oh and rolling stone, your gay. there is now “rule’s” to how everyone makes there x-mas songs, just because it doesnt fit your standard for xmas songs doesnt mean its not great.
Koruton