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In the Studio: Killers Fight Back With “Stripped-Down” Third CD

8/12/08, 8:45 am EST

After four years of nonstop touring and recording, the Killers finally took some time off before beginning work on their third album — but frontman Brandon Flowers wasn’t ready to relax. He wound up using the three months of downtime to write nearly 30 songs. “Everything is at stake on this album,” Flowers says. “Everything. I live through these songs. People make such a big deal about the second album: ‘Do or die.’ But I feel like the pressure to produce something great will always be there. It’s our job, after all.”

The Killers’ second release, 2006’s concept album Sam’s Town, was an overseas smash and sold 1.3 million copies in the U.S. — about half of their debut, 2004’s Hot Fuss. But some critics pegged the album’s stadium-rock sound as overblown. Flowers shrugs off those gripes — “Sam’s Town was a giant success. That’s a misunderstood truth” — but the Killers took a new approach on this album, which was produced by Madonna collaborator Stuart Price. “This record is stripped down in a lot of ways,” says bassist Mark Stoermer. “Each instrument has its place, and things aren’t clouding anything up. We’re not trying to be bombastic. It’s our most poppy record but also our most experimental.”

The band debuted two new songs from the album, “Spaceman” and “Neon Tiger,” at a surprise New York club show in late July. “Spaceman” is a tight, fast pop tune, with punky, guitar-heavy verses and a funky bridge with subject-appropriate spacey synth effects. “The spaceman says, ‘Everybody look down,’ ” Flowers sings in the chorus. The midtempo “Neon Tiger” is more anthemic and synth-heavy, with Flowers singing, “Neon tiger, there’s a price on your head/Never let them touch you.” Other songs include “Vibration” (working title), which Stoermer describes as “a fun dance track,” and “Goodnight, Travel Well,” a seven-minute experimental epic.

As Flowers tells it, criticism of the band has only made it stronger. “We learned that you can’t please everyone,” Flowers says. “But we’ve got faith in what we do, faith in our fans and faith in the soon-to-be-converted.”

[Photo: Dennis Truscello]

More From Issue 1059
Review: Sam’s Town
Review: Hot Fuss


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Comments

Buffalo Zip | 11/6/2008, 11:57 pm EST

There is so much BAD music out there these days…its so refreshing to have the Killers. I’ve seen them twice live (NY and Toronto) and its been a long time since I been so excited for a new band…mark my words…30 years from now well be comparing the Killers to the likes of U2, Nirvana and the Beatles.

Pres.Obama | 10/30/2008, 1:59 am EST

I hope the kILLERS keep up the good work so I can take a bunch of their money and give it to bands that can’t make it.

Barack Obama | 10/30/2008, 1:57 am EST

I hope the kILLERS keep up the good work so I can take a bunch of their money and give it to bands that can’t make it.

Wendy Cann | 10/5/2008, 8:46 pm EST

I personally love The Killers. The way they sound and the passion and the drive they have to be the best, its truley inspiring. I cant wait for Day and Age to br released. they should be very proud. The 3 songs ive heard so far are great and you can tell, its going to be their best yet.

cas | 9/28/2008, 6:59 pm EST

springsteen does suck. the killers are in a league of their own. I saw them in florida and I was hooked. I can listen to hot fuss everyday and never tire of it. they need to stick to the old vibe.

Désirée/ Germany | 9/13/2008, 11:15 am EST

I heard ‘Specman’ at Highfield festival and I’m really exited to listen to their new record!

And it’s just the way Brandon said it they’ve got faith in what the way they do and I so do I.

neon tiger | 9/12/2008, 4:44 pm EST

the killers have to the most amazing, inspiring band out there, their songs are to die for, they are absolutely talented and i know their new album is going to be a phenomenal hit…i hope they continue making great music for years to come!!!

rob | 9/9/2008, 2:08 am EST

i hope they come out with alot more albums. i love the killers there AWESOME!

KevinB. | 9/6/2008, 6:24 pm EST

the kILLERS are my favorite band. I’ve seen them once (in Montréal), and you can bet it was not the last time! I like Hot Fuss, it is really good… though I think that Sam’s Town is amazing (I am more of a rock-guy than an electro-guy… I guess) and it WAS a concept album, in deed! I loved it. Sawdust surprised me. I have to say that Romeo & Juliet… WOW! I never thought that they would do something like it! Daddy’s Eyes is one of the best songs I heard, along with Show You How, Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf and Sweet Talk. THEY ROCK HELL!!! I can’t wait for the next release: They proved the they can evolve, let’s hope they keep on doing it!

KevinB. | 9/6/2008, 6:24 pm EST

the kILLERS are my favorite band. I’ve seen them once (in Montréal), and you can bet it was not the last time! I like Hot Fuss, it is really good… though I think that Sam’s Town is amazing (I am more of a rock-guy than an electro-guy… I guess) and it WAS a concept album, in deed! I loved it. Sawdust surprised me. I have to say that Romeo & Juliet… WOW! I never thought that they would do something like it! Daddy’s Eyes is one of the best songs I heard, along with Show You How, Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf and Sweet Talk. THEY ROCK HELL!!! I can’t wait for the next release: They proved the they can evolve, let’s hope they keep on doing it!

bitbatbot | 9/3/2008, 6:28 pm EST

sawdust was an album made for fans….i think for fans B-sides are awesome

Tata Joe | 9/3/2008, 11:43 am EST

Both Sam’s Town and Hot Fuss are great albums in their own way, though Sawdust was a complete let down. There’s a reason B-Sides are left on…well, the B-Side. It felt like they just crammed all the left-overs of Sam’s Town into a CD to recoup for the low sales in the US. But I can tell you that here in Mexico, Sam’s Town was a big hit. I really hope that they surprise us again, LONG LIVE THE KILLERS!

Jan from Helmond / Holland | 8/27/2008, 8:10 am EST

The Killers for me the best of the world during the last years. The three albums different but each very, very good. All the three different but al the three masterpieces. I saw them live 3 x in Köln and 1 x Werchter. For two weeks ago in Köln at the Dom was very, very good. Can’t wait for the next album and can’t wait for the next show.
Killers f..k them all, you are the best!!!!!
Greeting Jan Helmond / Holland

Ed | 8/26/2008, 7:05 am EST

The last person i wanna be stuck up with is a critic of the Killers… They know how to capture “Glory” which is the level of levels. They can project a cry from the depths and glam out the rock in your soal. I would love to check these guys live. Its a bit difficult from the bottom of Africa. All three albums are masters in instrumental, rythm, catchy pritty melodies and true honest lyrics. Kill it boys!!!!

Jackie | 8/22/2008, 11:44 pm EST

Finally, I am so fucking excited for this. I love every song they do and I went to every concert I could and I really wanted them to take the time to start writing up more songs. So this is going to be AWESOME!

padmaskywalker | 8/22/2008, 3:19 pm EST

Is everybody mental? You either like something or you don’t. What’s the discussion for? And if you don’t like what the killers are doing - you’re dumb. (Yes, you are). xoxoxoxoJen

Monica | 8/20/2008, 9:53 pm EST

I personally love all their albums cause they are so different. Hot Fuzz is packed with just a whole bunch of great songs and was a great album to burst into the scene with. And I think Sam’s Town is a concept album that showed how the killers matured. (And sawdust was awsome too) I am REALLY pumped for the next one, there is no way they will disappoint.
Oh and interested to see how their style will change (but Brandon always looks GREAT :)

Ziggy | 8/20/2008, 8:16 pm EST

YES!!!! I’ve been waitin for this album. It’s gonna b awesome!!! And i know itz gonna rock. Hang in there guyz!!!

sophia | 8/19/2008, 4:07 pm EST

omg! i can’t wait. brandon is so hot!(:

Lisa | 8/18/2008, 3:00 pm EST

I can’t wait for the new album. I love Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town, but I can’t decide which one I like more, probably because they are so different from each other. Does anyone know when the new album is coming out? I herd that they are trying for a November release, but I’m not sure if thats true.

smooches | 8/18/2008, 10:35 am EST

Once the new album is out, when can we expect another tour? I was at their AC show and it was friggen awesome.. i can’t get enough..

asshole | 8/17/2008, 12:03 pm EST

poop

victim | 8/16/2008, 6:49 pm EST

i l the killers and their past albums and i heared spacman its awsome but ppl are talking about the killers new album being pop and i just wish they stick to rock but when it comes out i am gonna wait untill hmv opens so i buy it thats what i did with sawdust lol

Bert | 8/16/2008, 9:07 am EST

I can’t wait to listen to their new album. I thought Sawdust was their third album.

Pad Pimp | 8/15/2008, 7:39 pm EST

I’ve heared the demo, Its going to create a new type of music, Ive never heard anything that original before…

notagainplz | 8/15/2008, 4:20 pm EST

Mac dont say that the killers do a better cover than the originals, thats just an insult even Brandon knows he cant top Mark Knopfler

Mac | 8/14/2008, 12:25 pm EST

…and cover songs. Never even knew of Dire Straits’ “Romeo & Juliet” until I bought Sawdust. It’s one of my favorites now, and I think the Killers do a better job with the song.

Anonymous | 8/14/2008, 11:43 am EST

Sawdust was a B-sides and rarities album, not the third full-length LP

Stef | 8/14/2008, 2:40 am EST

…What about Sawdust? Wasn’t that their third album?

Nathan | 8/13/2008, 7:48 pm EST

John McCain mmkay

err.. im buying this album whether its good or bad, got some collection thing going on if you know what i mean

BA | 8/13/2008, 6:57 pm EST

These guys blew it with Sam’s Town. Brandon Flowers is unlistenable. Maybe this album they will rip off Born in the USA instead of Born to Run

Hey | 8/13/2008, 4:55 pm EST

I have such high hopes for this album. Both Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town were incredible, maybe this one will be even better. I already like their track Spaceman.

redefine | 8/13/2008, 4:52 pm EST

Am I the only one who’s disappointed in the direction The Killers are going? Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town were great, but I wasn’t such a fan of their new songs. I love The Killers and always will (they were my favourite band for quite some time), but… I don’t know. Hopefully they stick to rock and don’t go too mainstream pop.

Pip | 8/13/2008, 4:30 pm EST

Sams town was twice the album hot fuss was! This one i think will be totally different again thats what we want these guys have to do something different to keep them interested they just can’t keep producing the same sound it would be boring for them and us! The Killers have the quality to be the most successful band in recent times and they probably will be!!!

basser | 8/13/2008, 2:08 pm EST

… Oh, and where is The Killers’ guitarist in the photo above? Please don’t tell me he’s gone and they’re down to a trio!!

basser | 8/13/2008, 2:07 pm EST

It’s funny that Flowers’ pre-release boasting of “Sam’s Town” may have put off the critics, when they and the rest of the public lap up all the “look-at-me” rantings of Kanye West and the like.
The Killers are a great young band. Not quite as great as Coldplay, but up there with the best of today’s rock. I hope the new album is great. We can debate, though, forever on which was better - “Hot Fuss” or “Sam’s Town” - but both are great. If you took the best songs off both records, that might be the best mainstream rock of the last six years!

tipper | 8/13/2008, 12:53 pm EST

I’m tipper gore and I hate music

Farsache | 8/13/2008, 12:12 pm EST

Everything the Killers do is great, but Sam’s Town as a whole is definitely my favorite. I think people saying it’s not a concept album are confusing concept album with rock opera. All the songs don’t have to follow the same story on a concept album.
Anyway, I was appalled when I saw the 2-star rating RS gave Sam’s Town. Shame on you RS.

saad | 8/13/2008, 1:08 am EST

hot fuss was a better album than sam’s town and had better singles as well, probably why it told better.

now sam’s town wasn’t bad, hell, it was pretty good. but it was an uneven son of a bitch, really uneven.

Mangrobang | 8/13/2008, 12:23 am EST

The Killers’ ambition and urge to rise above their peers shines through on their records.

It’s hard to fault a band for vocal mimicry in an attempt to make a masterpiece… when their peers are all mimicking each other.

And what better an idol than Springsteen?

Mangrobang | 8/13/2008, 12:22 am EST

The Killers’ ambition and urge to rise above their peers shines through on their records.

It’s hard to fault a band for vocal mimicry in an attempt to make a masterpiece… when their peers are all mimicking each other.

And Springsteen is the god, kid.

BrianEno | 8/12/2008, 11:54 pm EST

Sawdust is good,too

JohnMcCain | 8/12/2008, 8:25 pm EST

I’m John McCain, and when I was a P.O.W. we listened to The Killers. Now wherever I go, I can’t help but say “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier.”

maple leaf | 8/12/2008, 8:22 pm EST

WHEN will this be out? Hot Fuss was ground-breaking and Sam’s town was an experience. I have high expectations with this one but these guys never disappoint, never.

BarackObama | 8/12/2008, 8:22 pm EST

I’m Barack Obama, and I love the Killers, can’t wait to get down to “Vibrations”.

john mccain | 8/12/2008, 8:20 pm EST

I’m John McCain, and I approve this article.

Anonymous | 8/12/2008, 7:23 pm EST

sounds really cool!!

F.J. | 8/12/2008, 2:08 pm EST

You guys who think Sam’s Town is far better than Hot Fuss are drunk. Hot Fuss is a classic, great songs from beginning to end. Sam’s Town comes nowhere close.

Joe | 8/12/2008, 12:52 pm EST

I am all for Flowers’ aspirations to be the best band in the world. Why else do you join a band, anyway? If you start something, your goal is to be the best. His open admiration of Springsteen, U2 et al is alright with me.

Futebox | 8/12/2008, 12:44 pm EST

hot fuss was better than sam’s town, but sam’s town had some incredible songs. and it wasnt a concept album, wtf-

Mike | 8/12/2008, 12:00 pm EST

I agree that Sam’s Town was a better cd than Hot Fuss, but what I love about both albums is that they’re so different from each other. Depending on your mood you can put one or the other on and feel like you’re listening to a totally different band. I hope this new cd is just as different.

stupid Shitbird | 8/12/2008, 11:52 am EST

,,,why would anyone try to “ape” Springsteen? He sucks.

Shitbird | 8/12/2008, 10:45 am EST

If Flowers was trying to ape Springsteen on the last record, let’s hope he’s brought himself down to earth and come up with some more realistic expectations this time around… like aping Elton John.

Jungleland | 8/12/2008, 9:22 am EST

Sam’s Town is a FAR better record than Hot Fuss. I think it will be considered a missunderstood classic one day (like Pinkerton)Not sure why the US critics were so tough on this record (ok, maybe Flowers’ pre-release boasting was too much for them)

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