Listened to West Hills on my way to work but honestly might put this album on pause until I’m either on my drive to VT tomorrow or able to listen after work with good headphones.
Mixed review from Pitchfork: The Killers: Pressure Machine I get what the reviewer is saying, but I also disagree that the album needed to explore more of the systemic problems that destroy small towns. I think I like it more that the characters just have these clouds over them and are trying to deal with, without necessarily thinking about why those clouds are there.
I'm by no means an expert, has he ever done vocals like that falsetto in t/t anywhere else? this discog or solo? I honestly had no idea he had that much control over his high range, it's a fucking breathtaking performance
Yeah, I thought that was an extremely odd take. Isn’t the whole point that these characters can’t find resolution? Providing “authorial” answers is a privilege most of them don’t have. That would sit with me a lot more uncomfortably as something Flowers did “several socioeconomic rungs removed,” rather than what’s presented. I’m actually impressed by his restraint.
Three people (including myself) have mentioned crying already to this album and have referenced three different songs. Pretty incredible
When they review it again in 10-20 years, they'll give it a 7+ cuz that's just what they do. Gonna listen to this Killers album now. I haven't listened to them since Hot Fuss. So let's see what all this "fuss" is about!
I like this a lot and respect them a ton for taking a pretty big risk on this. There's parts I think maybe make me wince but those were definitely intended and it's obviously meant to be an album the listener has to grapple with a bit. And while I agree with the Pitchfork review regarding the shift in Flowers' lyricism, I definitely don't agree with there needing to be more of a clear social commentary or anything. Isn't it pretty clear where he's coming from? Anything more than what's there would feel icky and "Hillbilly Elegy-ish" and literally no one wants that.
This is quite honestly instant classic type shit to me. The 51 minute runtime felt like less than 30. Floored by this.
I just cannot believe The Killers dropped their best two albums back to back this deep into their career.
Maybe its just me, but I feel like this is their Folklore. Surprise release of sorts that could end up being an all-timer. Just so good from top to bottom.
"In the Car Outside" making up the banger quotient for this album single-handedly. my god what a tune
Really enjoyed this, they're on such a streak now. Like everything else on I read on Pitchfork, I completely disagree with the review.