A dustland fairytale...

The new, third studio album by Las Vegas quartet The Killers has something for just about everyone. In a follow-up to their highly regarded second album, Sam’s Town, The Killers take a few bold steps into funk dubs and spacey grooves while maintaining their rock roots. “Human”, the first single from the band’s third album Day & Age, starts in the realm of electronica and ends up on the edge of alternative rock. The second single, “Spaceman”, is pure alternative rock and one of the best singles of 2008; definitely a song for future jukebox heroes.

“A Dustland Fairytale” is an ever-building rock yarn with a dash of ballad and is by far my favorite on the album. The lyrics, by The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, were written specifically about the young romance of his mom and dad when they first met in their teens. Flowers describes his dad as “some kind of slick, chrome American prince.” This song ends with an orchestral flurry that leaves you screaming “ENCORE! ENCORE!”

A few other notable songs: The even groove “This Is Your Life”, the bold reverie “Neon Tiger” and the unbashful “Tidalwave”.

4.5 out of 5 Rucksacks

The Killers – Day & Age
$11