Neverending Mixtape #3

Artist: The Killers
Song: When You Were Young

Head Killer Brandon Flowers thinks his band's new album, Sam's Town*, is going to be the best album in 20 years. A major influence is Bruce Springsteen. In fact, at 1:50 in this song, there's a moment reminiscent of the breakdown in Springsteen's "Born to Run". And it works. This is a big song and a great single. Comparisons to the Boss don't mean to say that this song as good as his work, but that it's an influence. And that's okay.

Below is the video for the song, which I think demonstrates perhaps this band's biggest problem. They take themselves way too seriously. They are a fun fucking band. "Mr. Brightside" is a certified anthem. These songs are the soundtrack to good times with your pals. But then they had that lame song with the "Indie rock'n'roll is what I need" or whatever terrible lyrics. I know this song channels the Boss, and that's a good thing. But don't think you are the Boss, Brandon. After all, your last name is Flowers. Someone needs to teach him about the phrase "tongue-in-cheek". Unless he knows this, and the joke's on me. But have you seen this guy? Exactly.

The song, however, stands tall on its own legs. It's as anthemic as anything they've done. If I'm in the car and "When You Were Young" comes on the dial, I'll be turning heads, popping ear drums, and rupturing vocal cords. Hopefully I can keep both hands on the wheel.

But seriously, check out this video:



*Sam's Town is a hotel in Las Vegas, where the Killers formed. Isn't that just the perfect place for this band to be from?