Sawdust is a collection of “B-sides and rarities” from Las Vegas band The Killers, and as such it ventures into some brave new territory. Veritable badass Lou Reed is on board for the opening track, “Tranquilize.” Reed’s softly wavering voice sounds good with Brandon Flowers’ soaring vocal delivery. “Romeo and Juliet” is reminiscent itself of a Velvet Underground tune, with Flowers half-singing/half-speaking the lyrics to a folksy, acoustic musical accompaniment.
Still, the Killers’ modern glam-rock style is infused in all of the tracks, which is not a bad thing at all. It’s interesting, though: after hearing the song featuring Reed, I started to notice little similarities between Reed’s and Flowers’ respective styles. Power of suggestion?
The cover of Joy Division’s “Shadowplay” is mighty fine. There have been some really awful Joy Division covers in the past few years (I hate to name names, but I'm talking to you Fall Out Boy), and it’s nice to hear a cover that retains a bit of the original spirit. The Killers’ treatment of “Shadowplay” is more upbeat and a bit more poppy than the original, but it really works. They bring their own style to the song without totally disregarding its origins. Flowers’ voice is appropriately haunting and ethereal.
There also is a dance-floor-friendly remix of “Mr. Brightside” that brings a different flavor to the grab-bag of offerings that is Sawdust. The techno treatment amplifies the juxtaposition of upbeat music and downtrodden lyrics, which is what made the original single so deliciously ironic and a bit gothy. The hidden track, fun and heavy on the brass, is worth waiting for.
The Killers have been a favorite of mine since “Somebody Told Me” first appeared on the airwaves. Their combination of modern rock and old-school strut-worthy glam is delicious. Maybe it’s the Vegas in them. Sawdust reflects a wide range of influences, but still comes off as a cohesive collection. From the modern feel of “Daddy’s Eyes” to post-punk nods like the fantastic “Where the White Boys Dance,” every track bears the Killers’ showy stamp. Sawdust is recommended for lovers of modern rock as well as for glam rock revivalists.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Nice review, Amanda.
What I like about the album is how it seems to bridge the gap between their first album and their second, with one foot in glam-rock, one foot in American rock-n-roll.
I caught them in concert this year, and I think they put on the best show I've ever seen. Simply amazing band.
P.S. Now I'm going to be listening for Reed's influence on all of their stuff!