Already on course to be one of the year's biggest sellers, Only By the Night has sealed Kings of Leon's unlikely position as Britain's favourite American rock band. The Followill brothers (and cousin) have always been tagged as part of a southern rock tradition of family bands such as the Allmans and Lynyrd Skynyrd, a label they vehemently refuted. But the skinny lads certainly looked like a classic rock act, even as they took musical inspiration from indie contemporaries The Strokes and eighties new wave acts such as The Cure and New Order. Only By the Night is effectively a sequel to 2006's terrific Because of the Times, their third record and the first where they nailed their own sound, a striking amalgam of bluesy vocals and post-punk primitivism. In comparison Only By the Night consolidates rather than advances their style. The appropriately incoherent "Sex on Fire", already a chart topping single, is catchy but sounds lightweight next to songs like the fierce "Crawl" and the stadia-ready "Cold Desert" and "Manhattan". The dissonant, almost amateurish "17" is most out of place, though Caleb Followill still bawls it with the same passion he brings to even the clumsiest couplet. More notable are several sparse romantic pleas that often borrow licks from classic Southern soul. The yearning "I Want You" is little more than its title, but it certainly convinces, while "Revelry" and the vulnerable "Use Somebody" show signs of impending maturity. Only By the Night's simplicity certainly has a wide appeal. --Steve Jelbert

best of 2008, 15 Nov 2008
Best Album of 2008 so far.. (November!) Buy it, enjoy it love it. The only Kings of Leon track I've really enjoyed before was Red Morning Light. This Album has changed all that and I often listen to it on the way to work. I love it.
Buy Van Occupanther by Midlake at the same time for a change of pace and divine aural pleasure. Enjoy!

Album of the Year - so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 12 Nov 2008
In a word - "Brilliant"

My personal favourites are "Crawl" where the kings really rock out. "I want you" a heart wrenching ballad perfectly delivered by Calebs haunting estranged voice. "Manhattan" is excellent also.

Every song on the album is excellent with no fillers & no need to ever skip over a single track.


Do yourself a favour - unless you have not got ears go out and buy this album.

Cant wait to see them live in December

Album of the Year, 09 Nov 2008
This is absolutely the finest album I have purchased this year. Despite what some so called 'die hard' fans have said, KOL have struck gold with what is almost a masterpiece. Granted there are some weak points on the album (but show me an album without any weaknesses) however these are all overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of tracks such as 'Use Somebody' and 'Cold Dessert' - even the more low key tracks such as 'Revelry' are sublime. The production of this album is excellent and the musicianship far beyond the tender years of the band. Anybody buying this album cannot fail to be disappointed.

the greatest so far?, 09 Nov 2008
To compare this to any other cd this year, is very unfair on the opposition, this stands head and shoulders above anything, not sure just listen to cols desert, its a grower, but once you have heard it, you will agree, its up there with U2's - One, Oasis- Wonderwall, Killers- Mr Brightside, i can go on but you catch my drift.
i have got to say, i hated their early stuff, thought they were dreadful. But now that have taken a giant step in front of the opposition, and feel will be a top band for the next ten years, no go and beg, borrow or steal a copy, NOW, lol

Goosebumps, tears and a double purchase, 07 Nov 2008
I've always had a very eclectic taste in music although one constant element that runs through my collection is the heartfelt passion put into the recording by the artists. I want to hear some desire, hurt, anger, lust or loathing in the tracks I listen to. The KOL's have delivered this to me in spades with a piece of work I can put on repeat and never think twice of hitting the skip button. I downloaded the album on it's release date, and now find myself buying a hard copy as well. The goosebump inducing Sex on Fire getting to number one was only the start for this album, it has so much more to offer. Use Somebody, Manhattan and Be Somebody are all worthy top ten singles in their own right. The first time I heard Caleb sing the opening line of Use Somebody it brought me to tears. When music connects with you in that way theres nothing more that you need to do than close your eyes and absorb their genius. Don't listen to the negative comments, instead, buy one of the few remaining concert tickets on ebay and listen to the KOL's play these fantastic tracks live. You won't regret it.

best of 2008, 15 Nov 2008
Best Album of 2008 so far.. (November!) Buy it, enjoy it love it. The only Kings of Leon track I've really enjoyed before was Red Morning Light. This Album has changed all that and I often listen to it on the way to work. I love it.
Buy Van Occupanther by Midlake at the same time for a change of pace and divine aural pleasure. Enjoy!

Album of the Year - so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 12 Nov 2008
In a word - "Brilliant"

My personal favourites are "Crawl" where the kings really rock out. "I want you" a heart wrenching ballad perfectly delivered by Calebs haunting estranged voice. "Manhattan" is excellent also.

Every song on the album is excellent with no fillers & no need to ever skip over a single track.


Do yourself a favour - unless you have not got ears go out and buy this album.

Cant wait to see them live in December

Album of the Year, 09 Nov 2008
This is absolutely the finest album I have purchased this year. Despite what some so called 'die hard' fans have said, KOL have struck gold with what is almost a masterpiece. Granted there are some weak points on the album (but show me an album without any weaknesses) however these are all overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of tracks such as 'Use Somebody' and 'Cold Dessert' - even the more low key tracks such as 'Revelry' are sublime. The production of this album is excellent and the musicianship far beyond the tender years of the band. Anybody buying this album cannot fail to be disappointed.

the greatest so far?, 09 Nov 2008
To compare this to any other cd this year, is very unfair on the opposition, this stands head and shoulders above anything, not sure just listen to cols desert, its a grower, but once you have heard it, you will agree, its up there with U2's - One, Oasis- Wonderwall, Killers- Mr Brightside, i can go on but you catch my drift.
i have got to say, i hated their early stuff, thought they were dreadful. But now that have taken a giant step in front of the opposition, and feel will be a top band for the next ten years, no go and beg, borrow or steal a copy, NOW, lol

Goosebumps, tears and a double purchase, 07 Nov 2008
I've always had a very eclectic taste in music although one constant element that runs through my collection is the heartfelt passion put into the recording by the artists. I want to hear some desire, hurt, anger, lust or loathing in the tracks I listen to. The KOL's have delivered this to me in spades with a piece of work I can put on repeat and never think twice of hitting the skip button. I downloaded the album on it's release date, and now find myself buying a hard copy as well. The goosebump inducing Sex on Fire getting to number one was only the start for this album, it has so much more to offer. Use Somebody, Manhattan and Be Somebody are all worthy top ten singles in their own right. The first time I heard Caleb sing the opening line of Use Somebody it brought me to tears. When music connects with you in that way theres nothing more that you need to do than close your eyes and absorb their genius. Don't listen to the negative comments, instead, buy one of the few remaining concert tickets on ebay and listen to the KOL's play these fantastic tracks live. You won't regret it.

style over substance, 21 Nov 2008
I'm going to keep this brief. There was something quite joyful about The Killers performance at 2005's Glastonbury. Togged up in a white tuxedo jacket with a hint of eyeliner and poised behind his glittery keyboard like some kind of glamorous preacher Brandon Flowers cut quite a figure and stirred up the crowds with rousing renditions of hits from Hot Fuss. Sam's Town was a little more po-faced, the Springsteen sound and moustaches making him look like a slightly less glamorous preacher. So it should be good news that their new album sees a return of the synth pop.

But it's all gone a bit 80's. Fine when it's inoffensively Roxy Music like opening track 'Losing Touch'. Worrying when it's Wham (amongst others) on 'Joy Ride', which even contains a sax solo. And it's just plain baffling when the backing vocals on 'This Is Your Life' remind you of the 'a-wimba-way' from Tight Fit's 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. It sounds in places ('I Can't Stay') like Brandon's finger slipped on the keyboard and changed the setting of a song suddenly to marimba or steel drums or perhaps they wanted to showcase the full range of settings available on the latest Bontempi. 'Goodnight, Travel Well' eschews the 80's in favour of trying to sound like Radiohead which is better but probably best left to the boys themselves.

Lyrically there's plenty to worry about too. He may be referencing Hunter S Thompson but 'Are we human, or are we dancer?' still sounds like he's singing from a lyric sheet with a typo. 'A Dustland Fairtytale' couldn't be more cliched with Cinderella and the Devil amongst 'castles in the sky' and 'moon river'. Elsewhere there's lots of grand sounding statements to fit the grand sounding songs which are sure to please festival crowds once more and radio listeners alike. Unfortunately it all sounds a little hollow to me. However if you've enjoyed the latest from Kings of Leon and Keane (ooh, bit of a K thing developing here) then jump on board and enjoy the (joy)ride.

Lazy Uneducated reviews, 21 Nov 2008
The line are we human or are we dancers comes from a Hunter S. Thomson comment that America was raising a generation of dancers. Still don't understand?....... Think about it rather than putting ill informed reviews on here.

MEDIOCRITY AT ITS FINEST., 20 Nov 2008
Upon first listen you notice theres something not quite right; the guitars have gone and the Killers have gone from being a pop-rock band to being what they always threatened to become from their first outting; a synthesizer pop band pumping out bland, mediocre mainstream pop rubbish which no doubt will initially sell well based upon the strength of their first two albums but after you've listened to all of this for 3 times on the trot the only conclusion you can come to is that the Killers have lost the plot entirely on this one. The songs are weak and wishy washy, the power, melody and quirkinness of their former albums has been replaced by a dreary, monotonous, synth-pop weariness. Put simply; this is where they finally ran out of ideas, this is the hurdle they fell upon. Anyone giving this album any more than two stars obviously hasnt listened to Hot fuss and Sams Town which are both very fine albums. If you want rock'n'roll this Xmas do your self a favour and invest your hard earned cash in AC/DCs Black Ice. At least AC/DC rock and never ever disappoint. Day and Age is just a tedious, half-baked pop ramble from a band which should have known better than to serve this up to their adoring fanbase. A lowpoint which i hope the record buying public shall inform them about and which from i hope they can recover. The only reason i gave this album two stars is for effort. Sadly that effort has failed them. As for quality of material on this album; POOR.

Episode 134: In which rock music is dealt another painful blow, 20 Nov 2008
I think I can sum up my feelings for this album thus:
'Are we human or are we dancer?'
No wait, that doesn't mean anything at all. That's literally just some random words. Anyone? No, thought not.

As Adam & Joe said on their radio show the other day (after playing Human), we're returning to that 80s era of silly pompous stadium rock with really really really bad lyrics sung VERY seriously by very silly rock stars.

I'm trying hard to imagine anyone actually going into a shop and thinking they wanted to buy this. Don't you like your ears? Don't you and your ears get on very well? Or do you just not like music much? Was it toss up between this and the new Dido album? I mean, really, is this the album you've been waiting for?

N.B. Yes, I have heard it. Yes, all of it. My friend, for his sins, is a reviewer and had to sit through the whole album. I sat with him to make it more bearable. I don't think I succeeded.

Still, could be worse, it could be Razorlight. And that really is all I can say for it.

BRING ON THE ANGRY TEENAGERS WHO CAN'T SPELL!

An actual album review..., 20 Nov 2008
I got this last night, and have listened to it in full six times over the period since, I am probably disappointed.
I knew two songs already, the catchy fore-running single 'Human' - which for me was a grower, so I am hoping the album will be too and the fantastic 'Spaceman' which I'd say is the best this album has to offer.
More Sam Town's to Hot Fuss for me, certainly more American Springsteen than British New Order.

Losing Touch the opening track is for me a bit bland for an opener, certainly nothing on the previous openers with no real sense of forthcoming - maybe after a live outing this will change.

The aforementioned Human and Spaceman follow, my hope that the rest would follow this more upbeat and for me 'Killers' sound was short lived because Joy Ride the next track, whilst having a catchy background beat just did nothing for me - rattlesnakes and romance - when you chips are down - the Americanism's are for all to see, a quest for Stateside popularity to the same extent of here? Possibly.
The next track A Dustland Fairytale only compounds the point, this ballad is a pretty good track though and a certainly better than the next couple which are unfortunately fillers, just not up to normal Killers albums, again a bit waltzey and Latin American but just not top notch songs.
The next song Neon Tiger is more like it, back at their best and a potential future single.
The World We Live In takes the train off track again and they never find the way back, Goodbye, Travel Well particularly bad - so overall, more of the same, just not as good by half.
More ballads, more of an American feel (granted they are American but they became big on the Anglo-Influence) and less of the big, epic indie anthems - there is certainly no Mr Brightside or Somebody Told Me here. I can already here the silences at the O2 during the new tracks whilst everyone awaits the "Hits".
Still I've heard a lot worse records this year. 6.5 out of 10 just not the 9.5 of Hot Fuss or the 8.5 of Sam's Town. Almost 3 out of 5, but I gave them the benefit of 4 because of the hope of growing tracks!

The Snow Patrol we meet on A Hundred Million Suns is a band facing the same dilemma that Coldplay met on 2008's Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends; having conquered the world with a rousing, melancholy brand of MOR indie, where now? On the surface, A Hundred Million Suns seems to suggest, nowhere especially new: producer Jacknife Lee, who first worked with the band on 2003's Final Straw and went on to work with the likes of U2 and REM returns to the fold; and an opening brace of songs suggest that a successful formula--chiming guitars, gentle builds, and Gary Lightbody's quavering, tremulous vocal--persists. Still, "Take Back The City", a windswept, electronic-tinged rocker, rather does for this band what "Dakota" did for Stereophonics, proving that a spot of sleek, synthetic motorik is not beyond their grasp, and there's a new, bright optimism to Lightbody's lyrics that sets the likes of "The Planets Bend Between Us" in light relief to some of Snow Patrol's earlier work. If you want experiment, though, you'll have to wait until the closing "The Lightning Strike", a 16-minute track in three parts that investigates Phillip Glass-style minimalism and electronic beats with some aptitude. --Louis Pattison

best of 2008, 15 Nov 2008
Best Album of 2008 so far.. (November!) Buy it, enjoy it love it. The only Kings of Leon track I've really enjoyed before was Red Morning Light. This Album has changed all that and I often listen to it on the way to work. I love it.
Buy Van Occupanther by Midlake at the same time for a change of pace and divine aural pleasure. Enjoy!

Album of the Year - so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 12 Nov 2008
In a word - "Brilliant"

My personal favourites are "Crawl" where the kings really rock out. "I want you" a heart wrenching ballad perfectly delivered by Calebs haunting estranged voice. "Manhattan" is excellent also.

Every song on the album is excellent with no fillers & no need to ever skip over a single track.


Do yourself a favour - unless you have not got ears go out and buy this album.

Cant wait to see them live in December

Album of the Year, 09 Nov 2008
This is absolutely the finest album I have purchased this year. Despite what some so called 'die hard' fans have said, KOL have struck gold with what is almost a masterpiece. Granted there are some weak points on the album (but show me an album without any weaknesses) however these are all overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of tracks such as 'Use Somebody' and 'Cold Dessert' - even the more low key tracks such as 'Revelry' are sublime. The production of this album is excellent and the musicianship far beyond the tender years of the band. Anybody buying this album cannot fail to be disappointed.

the greatest so far?, 09 Nov 2008
To compare this to any other cd this year, is very unfair on the opposition, this stands head and shoulders above anything, not sure just listen to cols desert, its a grower, but once you have heard it, you will agree, its up there with U2's - One, Oasis- Wonderwall, Killers- Mr Brightside, i can go on but you catch my drift.
i have got to say, i hated their early stuff, thought they were dreadful. But now that have taken a giant step in front of the opposition, and feel will be a top band for the next ten years, no go and beg, borrow or steal a copy, NOW, lol

Goosebumps, tears and a double purchase, 07 Nov 2008
I've always had a very eclectic taste in music although one constant element that runs through my collection is the heartfelt passion put into the recording by the artists. I want to hear some desire, hurt, anger, lust or loathing in the tracks I listen to. The KOL's have delivered this to me in spades with a piece of work I can put on repeat and never think twice of hitting the skip button. I downloaded the album on it's release date, and now find myself buying a hard copy as well. The goosebump inducing Sex on Fire getting to number one was only the start for this album, it has so much more to offer. Use Somebody, Manhattan and Be Somebody are all worthy top ten singles in their own right. The first time I heard Caleb sing the opening line of Use Somebody it brought me to tears. When music connects with you in that way theres nothing more that you need to do than close your eyes and absorb their genius. Don't listen to the negative comments, instead, buy one of the few remaining concert tickets on ebay and listen to the KOL's play these fantastic tracks live. You won't regret it.

style over substance, 21 Nov 2008
I'm going to keep this brief. There was something quite joyful about The Killers performance at 2005's Glastonbury. Togged up in a white tuxedo jacket with a hint of eyeliner and poised behind his glittery keyboard like some kind of glamorous preacher Brandon Flowers cut quite a figure and stirred up the crowds with rousing renditions of hits from Hot Fuss. Sam's Town was a little more po-faced, the Springsteen sound and moustaches making him look like a slightly less glamorous preacher. So it should be good news that their new album sees a return of the synth pop.

But it's all gone a bit 80's. Fine when it's inoffensively Roxy Music like opening track 'Losing Touch'. Worrying when it's Wham (amongst others) on 'Joy Ride', which even contains a sax solo. And it's just plain baffling when the backing vocals on 'This Is Your Life' remind you of the 'a-wimba-way' from Tight Fit's 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. It sounds in places ('I Can't Stay') like Brandon's finger slipped on the keyboard and changed the setting of a song suddenly to marimba or steel drums or perhaps they wanted to showcase the full range of settings available on the latest Bontempi. 'Goodnight, Travel Well' eschews the 80's in favour of trying to sound like Radiohead which is better but probably best left to the boys themselves.

Lyrically there's plenty to worry about too. He may be referencing Hunter S Thompson but 'Are we human, or are we dancer?' still sounds like he's singing from a lyric sheet with a typo. 'A Dustland Fairtytale' couldn't be more cliched with Cinderella and the Devil amongst 'castles in the sky' and 'moon river'. Elsewhere there's lots of grand sounding statements to fit the grand sounding songs which are sure to please festival crowds once more and radio listeners alike. Unfortunately it all sounds a little hollow to me. However if you've enjoyed the latest from Kings of Leon and Keane (ooh, bit of a K thing developing here) then jump on board and enjoy the (joy)ride.

Lazy Uneducated reviews, 21 Nov 2008
The line are we human or are we dancers comes from a Hunter S. Thomson comment that America was raising a generation of dancers. Still don't understand?....... Think about it rather than putting ill informed reviews on here.

MEDIOCRITY AT ITS FINEST., 20 Nov 2008
Upon first listen you notice theres something not quite right; the guitars have gone and the Killers have gone from being a pop-rock band to being what they always threatened to become from their first outting; a synthesizer pop band pumping out bland, mediocre mainstream pop rubbish which no doubt will initially sell well based upon the strength of their first two albums but after you've listened to all of this for 3 times on the trot the only conclusion you can come to is that the Killers have lost the plot entirely on this one. The songs are weak and wishy washy, the power, melody and quirkinness of their former albums has been replaced by a dreary, monotonous, synth-pop weariness. Put simply; this is where they finally ran out of ideas, this is the hurdle they fell upon. Anyone giving this album any more than two stars obviously hasnt listened to Hot fuss and Sams Town which are both very fine albums. If you want rock'n'roll this Xmas do your self a favour and invest your hard earned cash in AC/DCs Black Ice. At least AC/DC rock and never ever disappoint. Day and Age is just a tedious, half-baked pop ramble from a band which should have known better than to serve this up to their adoring fanbase. A lowpoint which i hope the record buying public shall inform them about and which from i hope they can recover. The only reason i gave this album two stars is for effort. Sadly that effort has failed them. As for quality of material on this album; POOR.

Episode 134: In which rock music is dealt another painful blow, 20 Nov 2008
I think I can sum up my feelings for this album thus:
'Are we human or are we dancer?'
No wait, that doesn't mean anything at all. That's literally just some random words. Anyone? No, thought not.

As Adam & Joe said on their radio show the other day (after playing Human), we're returning to that 80s era of silly pompous stadium rock with really really really bad lyrics sung VERY seriously by very silly rock stars.

I'm trying hard to imagine anyone actually going into a shop and thinking they wanted to buy this. Don't you like your ears? Don't you and your ears get on very well? Or do you just not like music much? Was it toss up between this and the new Dido album? I mean, really, is this the album you've been waiting for?

N.B. Yes, I have heard it. Yes, all of it. My friend, for his sins, is a reviewer and had to sit through the whole album. I sat with him to make it more bearable. I don't think I succeeded.

Still, could be worse, it could be Razorlight. And that really is all I can say for it.

BRING ON THE ANGRY TEENAGERS WHO CAN'T SPELL!

An actual album review..., 20 Nov 2008
I got this last night, and have listened to it in full six times over the period since, I am probably disappointed.
I knew two songs already, the catchy fore-running single 'Human' - which for me was a grower, so I am hoping the album will be too and the fantastic 'Spaceman' which I'd say is the best this album has to offer.
More Sam Town's to Hot Fuss for me, certainly more American Springsteen than British New Order.

Losing Touch the opening track is for me a bit bland for an opener, certainly nothing on the previous openers with no real sense of forthcoming - maybe after a live outing this will change.

The aforementioned Human and Spaceman follow, my hope that the rest would follow this more upbeat and for me 'Killers' sound was short lived because Joy Ride the next track, whilst having a catchy background beat just did nothing for me - rattlesnakes and romance - when you chips are down - the Americanism's are for all to see, a quest for Stateside popularity to the same extent of here? Possibly.
The next track A Dustland Fairytale only compounds the point, this ballad is a pretty good track though and a certainly better than the next couple which are unfortunately fillers, just not up to normal Killers albums, again a bit waltzey and Latin American but just not top notch songs.
The next song Neon Tiger is more like it, back at their best and a potential future single.
The World We Live In takes the train off track again and they never find the way back, Goodbye, Travel Well particularly bad - so overall, more of the same, just not as good by half.
More ballads, more of an American feel (granted they are American but they became big on the Anglo-Influence) and less of the big, epic indie anthems - there is certainly no Mr Brightside or Somebody Told Me here. I can already here the silences at the O2 during the new tracks whilst everyone awaits the "Hits".
Still I've heard a lot worse records this year. 6.5 out of 10 just not the 9.5 of Hot Fuss or the 8.5 of Sam's Town. Almost 3 out of 5, but I gave them the benefit of 4 because of the hope of growing tracks!

1:55, 19 Nov 2008
I've always liked Snow Patrol but something has always held me back from loving them.

This is a good album - and there are some great moments if you dig deep. Engines 1:55 - sudden transformation into a beautiful melody. Does it for me driving to work in the morning.

'You know I love you like an ancient history brought to life' - nice line.

MD

Good Stuff!, 19 Nov 2008
Despite the pettines from other reviewers who have given this a bad review simply for being Snow Patrol, I actually think it's a good album.

I think they have provided a strong assortment of songs that follows on from Eyes Open. I wouldn't say this was an outstanding album but it is worth a listen. It is an album which requires a few listens before judging it.

The tracks which stand out are "Take Back The City," "Disaster Button" and "The Lighting Strike."

A hundred million open eyes , 18 Nov 2008
4.5 stars would be a more appropriate score for this album, but in good mathematical practice I have rounded up not down.

If you like Snow Patrol, this is a very good album. Any of the tracks could easily have come from their last album "Eyes Open", and the rockier ones could have been from "Final Straw". Does it have more of an accoustic or mellow balance than "Eyes Open"? A track by track by analysis may lead you to that conclusion, but I am not left with that impression having it on my ipod and in the car.

All of which is great, you know what you are getting. And if you played their last two albums to death because you loved them so much, you will be in heaven.

HOWEVER, the difference between a realy great band and a legendry one is their ability to evolve and draw their fans along with them into subtly different styles. If the Beatles has continued to knock out hits like Can't buy me Love and Help into the late 60s, they would not have reached iconic status. And Snow Patrol do know how to evovle (Don't waste your money on their first two album, no matter how cheap they are. Just download "Making Enemies" from iTunes and you'll have all you need from these albums)

So great, buy it, listen to it, love it. But come on guys, push the boat out a bit and take us somewhere we haven't been yet.

Meh, 07 Nov 2008
Eyes Open blew me away and most tracks remain in my iPod's most played list. I want to like this, but it's all a bit 'meh' - not one track stands out, either from being bad or good. The phased piano on the last track shows a bit of a nod towards Philip Glass or Steve Reich, and then part III picks up the energy - the best part of the album for me - a long time to wait for something that makes me take notice and a right royal pain in the bum for being the last section in an 11 minute track.

I'm wondering where all the tunes have gone. I think there's a lot more to be had from Snow Patrol, but it's not in this album.

Disappointing, but then I'm waiting for The Killers next album, so I'm not exactly a hardcore fan.

A million better songs, than this, 06 Nov 2008
Like real Stars that burn out, or implode. i was hoping that Snow Patrol would not be one of these. Apart from a few goods songs, i never quite see the point of Snow Patrol, giving rather plain songs. This album is no expection and is imensely plain. One of the greatest sadness, is that in bedsits around the world there are people writting better songs and lyrics than these, but of course, those people are totally annonomous, and may never to be found by record companies.
Track 1 & 2 are commercial and track two is good,as is track 5. But actucally, surprisingly, right at the end the three songs, merging into one track lasting over 14 minutes. For me these tracks appeare to be the real talent of Snow Patrol and offer a glimpse into where they should push themselves.These three songs are abstract, brilliant and haunting. They should devote their energy into these *new* sounds, which i find exciting pushing the listener to the edge of exploding dreams

Say what you like about BBC Radio 1, its DJs or its playlists, they're definitely getting one thing right through their commitment to live music--particularly with regards to the often quirky fruits that tumble forth from its Live Lounge. Volume 3 of the double CD collections from these sessions arrives packed with more than enough in the way of gems to offset the few inevitable run-of-the-mill single performances. Those justifying the format when modifying their own tracks include Kasabian working "Sympathy for the Devil" into "LSF", Duffy bringing some grit to a stripped down "Mercy", absent as she's trotted it out endlessly elsewhere, and a bare, emotional "Daddy's Gone" from Glasvegas. The real value of the set though is found in amongst Girls Aloud's sensitive version of "With Every Heartbeat" (originally by Robyn), Ida Maria's feisty "Sweet About Me" (Gabriella Cilmi), REM sketching "Munich" (Editors) out with mandolin refinement, Kate Nash absolutely owning a cute, giddy "Fluorescent Adolescent" (Arctic Monkeys), Goldfrapp's haunting "It's Not Over Yet" (Grace--made famous again by Klaxons), Santogold's paranoid and chilling take on "Hometown Glory" (Adele) and Bat for Lashes' pulsing, minimalist "Sweet Dreams" (Eurhythmics). If you're looking for one single convincing reason to own this though, look no further than Dizzee Rascal's bench-press solid, somersault swaggering, air-punching attitude-laden re-jigging of the Ting Tings' "That's Not My Name". It's enough to justify the licence fee. --James Berry

best of 2008, 15 Nov 2008
Best Album of 2008 so far.. (November!) Buy it, enjoy it love it. The only Kings of Leon track I've really enjoyed before was Red Morning Light. This Album has changed all that and I often listen to it on the way to work. I love it.
Buy Van Occupanther by Midlake at the same time for a change of pace and divine aural pleasure. Enjoy!

Album of the Year - so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 12 Nov 2008
In a word - "Brilliant"

My personal favourites are "Crawl" where the kings really rock out. "I want you" a heart wrenching ballad perfectly delivered by Calebs haunting estranged voice. "Manhattan" is excellent also.

Every song on the album is excellent with no fillers & no need to ever skip over a single track.


Do yourself a favour - unless you have not got ears go out and buy this album.

Cant wait to see them live in December

Album of the Year, 09 Nov 2008
This is absolutely the finest album I have purchased this year. Despite what some so called 'die hard' fans have said, KOL have struck gold with what is almost a masterpiece. Granted there are some weak points on the album (but show me an album without any weaknesses) however these are all overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of tracks such as 'Use Somebody' and 'Cold Dessert' - even the more low key tracks such as 'Revelry' are sublime. The production of this album is excellent and the musicianship far beyond the tender years of the band. Anybody buying this album cannot fail to be disappointed.

the greatest so far?, 09 Nov 2008
To compare this to any other cd this year, is very unfair on the opposition, this stands head and shoulders above anything, not sure just listen to cols desert, its a grower, but once you have heard it, you will agree, its up there with U2's - One, Oasis- Wonderwall, Killers- Mr Brightside, i can go on but you catch my drift.
i have got to say, i hated their early stuff, thought they were dreadful. But now that have taken a giant step in front of the opposition, and feel will be a top band for the next ten years, no go and beg, borrow or steal a copy, NOW, lol

Goosebumps, tears and a double purchase, 07 Nov 2008
I've always had a very eclectic taste in music although one constant element that runs through my collection is the heartfelt passion put into the recording by the artists. I want to hear some desire, hurt, anger, lust or loathing in the tracks I listen to. The KOL's have delivered this to me in spades with a piece of work I can put on repeat and never think twice of hitting the skip button. I downloaded the album on it's release date, and now find myself buying a hard copy as well. The goosebump inducing Sex on Fire getting to number one was only the start for this album, it has so much more to offer. Use Somebody, Manhattan and Be Somebody are all worthy top ten singles in their own right. The first time I heard Caleb sing the opening line of Use Somebody it brought me to tears. When music connects with you in that way theres nothing more that you need to do than close your eyes and absorb their genius. Don't listen to the negative comments, instead, buy one of the few remaining concert tickets on ebay and listen to the KOL's play these fantastic tracks live. You won't regret it.

style over substance, 21 Nov 2008
I'm going to keep this brief. There was something quite joyful about The Killers performance at 2005's Glastonbury. Togged up in a white tuxedo jacket with a hint of eyeliner and poised behind his glittery keyboard like some kind of glamorous preacher Brandon Flowers cut quite a figure and stirred up the crowds with rousing renditions of hits from Hot Fuss. Sam's Town was a little more po-faced, the Springsteen sound and moustaches making him look like a slightly less glamorous preacher. So it should be good news that their new album sees a return of the synth pop.

But it's all gone a bit 80's. Fine when it's inoffensively Roxy Music like opening track 'Losing Touch'. Worrying when it's Wham (amongst others) on 'Joy Ride', which even contains a sax solo. And it's just plain baffling when the backing vocals on 'This Is Your Life' remind you of the 'a-wimba-way' from Tight Fit's 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. It sounds in places ('I Can't Stay') like Brandon's finger slipped on the keyboard and changed the setting of a song suddenly to marimba or steel drums or perhaps they wanted to showcase the full range of settings available on the latest Bontempi. 'Goodnight, Travel Well' eschews the 80's in favour of trying to sound like Radiohead which is better but probably best left to the boys themselves.

Lyrically there's plenty to worry about too. He may be referencing Hunter S Thompson but 'Are we human, or are we dancer?' still sounds like he's singing from a lyric sheet with a typo. 'A Dustland Fairtytale' couldn't be more cliched with Cinderella and the Devil amongst 'castles in the sky' and 'moon river'. Elsewhere there's lots of grand sounding statements to fit the grand sounding songs which are sure to please festival crowds once more and radio listeners alike. Unfortunately it all sounds a little hollow to me. However if you've enjoyed the latest from Kings of Leon and Keane (ooh, bit of a K thing developing here) then jump on board and enjoy the (joy)ride.

Lazy Uneducated reviews, 21 Nov 2008
The line are we human or are we dancers comes from a Hunter S. Thomson comment that America was raising a generation of dancers. Still don't understand?....... Think about it rather than putting ill informed reviews on here.

MEDIOCRITY AT ITS FINEST., 20 Nov 2008
Upon first listen you notice theres something not quite right; the guitars have gone and the Killers have gone from being a pop-rock band to being what they always threatened to become from their first outting; a synthesizer pop band pumping out bland, mediocre mainstream pop rubbish which no doubt will initially sell well based upon the strength of their first two albums but after you've listened to all of this for 3 times on the trot the only conclusion you can come to is that the Killers have lost the plot entirely on this one. The songs are weak and wishy washy, the power, melody and quirkinness of their former albums has been replaced by a dreary, monotonous, synth-pop weariness. Put simply; this is where they finally ran out of ideas, this is the hurdle they fell upon. Anyone giving this album any more than two stars obviously hasnt listened to Hot fuss and Sams Town which are both very fine albums. If you want rock'n'roll this Xmas do your self a favour and invest your hard earned cash in AC/DCs Black Ice. At least AC/DC rock and never ever disappoint. Day and Age is just a tedious, half-baked pop ramble from a band which should have known better than to serve this up to their adoring fanbase. A lowpoint which i hope the record buying public shall inform them about and which from i hope they can recover. The only reason i gave this album two stars is for effort. Sadly that effort has failed them. As for quality of material on this album; POOR.

Episode 134: In which rock music is dealt another painful blow, 20 Nov 2008
I think I can sum up my feelings for this album thus:
'Are we human or are we dancer?'
No wait, that doesn't mean anything at all. That's literally just some random words. Anyone? No, thought not.

As Adam & Joe said on their radio show the other day (after playing Human), we're returning to that 80s era of silly pompous stadium rock with really really really bad lyrics sung VERY seriously by very silly rock stars.

I'm trying hard to imagine anyone actually going into a shop and thinking they wanted to buy this. Don't you like your ears? Don't you and your ears get on very well? Or do you just not like music much? Was it toss up between this and the new Dido album? I mean, really, is this the album you've been waiting for?

N.B. Yes, I have heard it. Yes, all of it. My friend, for his sins, is a reviewer and had to sit through the whole album. I sat with him to make it more bearable. I don't think I succeeded.

Still, could be worse, it could be Razorlight. And that really is all I can say for it.

BRING ON THE ANGRY TEENAGERS WHO CAN'T SPELL!

An actual album review..., 20 Nov 2008
I got this last night, and have listened to it in full six times over the period since, I am probably disappointed.
I knew two songs already, the catchy fore-running single 'Human' - which for me was a grower, so I am hoping the album will be too and the fantastic 'Spaceman' which I'd say is the best this album has to offer.
More Sam Town's to Hot Fuss for me, certainly more American Springsteen than British New Order.

Losing Touch the opening track is for me a bit bland for an opener, certainly nothing on the previous openers with no real sense of forthcoming - maybe after a live outing this will change.

The aforementioned Human and Spaceman follow, my hope that the rest would follow this more upbeat and for me 'Killers' sound was short lived because Joy Ride the next track, whilst having a catchy background beat just did nothing for me - rattlesnakes and romance - when you chips are down - the Americanism's are for all to see, a quest for Stateside popularity to the same extent of here? Possibly.
The next track A Dustland Fairytale only compounds the point, this ballad is a pretty good track though and a certainly better than the next couple which are unfortunately fillers, just not up to normal Killers albums, again a bit waltzey and Latin American but just not top notch songs.
The next song Neon Tiger is more like it, back at their best and a potential future single.
The World We Live In takes the train off track again and they never find the way back, Goodbye, Travel Well particularly bad - so overall, more of the same, just not as good by half.
More ballads, more of an American feel (granted they are American but they became big on the Anglo-Influence) and less of the big, epic indie anthems - there is certainly no Mr Brightside or Somebody Told Me here. I can already here the silences at the O2 during the new tracks whilst everyone awaits the "Hits".
Still I've heard a lot worse records this year. 6.5 out of 10 just not the 9.5 of Hot Fuss or the 8.5 of Sam's Town. Almost 3 out of 5, but I gave them the benefit of 4 because of the hope of growing tracks!

1:55, 19 Nov 2008
I've always liked Snow Patrol but something has always held me back from loving them.

This is a good album - and there are some great moments if you dig deep. Engines 1:55 - sudden transformation into a beautiful melody. Does it for me driving to work in the morning.

'You know I love you like an ancient history brought to life' - nice line.

MD

Good Stuff!, 19 Nov 2008
Despite the pettines from other reviewers who have given this a bad review simply for being Snow Patrol, I actually think it's a good album.

I think they have provided a strong assortment of songs that follows on from Eyes Open. I wouldn't say this was an outstanding album but it is worth a listen. It is an album which requires a few listens before judging it.

The tracks which stand out are "Take Back The City," "Disaster Button" and "The Lighting Strike."

A hundred million open eyes , 18 Nov 2008
4.5 stars would be a more appropriate score for this album, but in good mathematical practice I have rounded up not down.

If you like Snow Patrol, this is a very good album. Any of the tracks could easily have come from their last album "Eyes Open", and the rockier ones could have been from "Final Straw". Does it have more of an accoustic or mellow balance than "Eyes Open"? A track by track by analysis may lead you to that conclusion, but I am not left with that impression having it on my ipod and in the car.

All of which is great, you know what you are getting. And if you played their last two albums to death because you loved them so much, you will be in heaven.

HOWEVER, the difference between a realy great band and a legendry one is their ability to evolve and draw their fans along with them into subtly different styles. If the Beatles has continued to knock out hits like Can't buy me Love and Help into the late 60s, they would not have reached iconic status. And Snow Patrol do know how to evovle (Don't waste your money on their first two album, no matter how cheap they are. Just download "Making Enemies" from iTunes and you'll have all you need from these albums)

So great, buy it, listen to it, love it. But come on guys, push the boat out a bit and take us somewhere we haven't been yet.

Meh, 07 Nov 2008
Eyes Open blew me away and most tracks remain in my iPod's most played list. I want to like this, but it's all a bit 'meh' - not one track stands out, either from being bad or good. The phased piano on the last track shows a bit of a nod towards Philip Glass or Steve Reich, and then part III picks up the energy - the best part of the album for me - a long time to wait for something that makes me take notice and a right royal pain in the bum for being the last section in an 11 minute track.

I'm wondering where all the tunes have gone. I think there's a lot more to be had from Snow Patrol, but it's not in this album.

Disappointing, but then I'm waiting for The Killers next album, so I'm not exactly a hardcore fan.

A million better songs, than this, 06 Nov 2008
Like real Stars that burn out, or implode. i was hoping that Snow Patrol would not be one of these. Apart from a few goods songs, i never quite see the point of Snow Patrol, giving rather plain songs. This album is no expection and is imensely plain. One of the greatest sadness, is that in bedsits around the world there are people writting better songs and lyrics than these, but of course, those people are totally annonomous, and may never to be found by record companies.
Track 1 & 2 are commercial and track two is good,as is track 5. But actucally, surprisingly, right at the end the three songs, merging into one track lasting over 14 minutes. For me these tracks appeare to be the real talent of Snow Patrol and offer a glimpse into where they should push themselves.These three songs are abstract, brilliant and haunting. They should devote their energy into these *new* sounds, which i find exciting pushing the listener to the edge of exploding dreams


Woohoo!, 21 Nov 2008
Yes I do indeed love it! Although I have only listened to the first two tracks as the cd is in the car and only had a long enough journey to listen o the 1st two tracks but already I love them! Another great hit Radio 1 and of course I do bow down the the live lounge and its greatness!

Legend!

Get it!, 17 Nov 2008
Lets be honest...

The only song anyone really wants on this album is
Paramore's cover of "loves not a competition..."

Great album anywhoo

They call me rudeboy, they call me blad..., 09 Nov 2008
As always, the live lounge is a mixture of artists doing covers and their own songs. The best tracks on this year's cds are Dizzee Rascal doing the Ting Tings 'thats not my name' and the Script doing 'lose yourself'. Scouting for Girls kill their own song, and some covers are too close to the original song to really warrant doing it, if you know what i mean, but most tracks are great, and a select few are amazingly good. get this album.

where's Leona, 06 Nov 2008
i have been waiting for ages for this to come out, simply for Leona Lewis's cover of Snow Patrol's Run, and it isn't on there, i am really dissapointed, as i can't seem to get it anywhere else.

good as always but..., 22 Oct 2008
... where is the absolutely brilliant version of Run by Leona Lewis? Radio One were forever playing it after she came into the studio to do a Live Lounge session and I was convinced they would put it on their next album. I waited a year for the possibility of having it on this cd but it isn't here. The only real letdown. Good to see The Ting Ting's Standing in the Way of Control laced with Snaps's The Power! Awesome track. Buy this album for this alone!

Would it be outlandish to suggest that wholesome rugby-shouldered ruddy-faced English piano-pop boys Keane have spent the best part of their two-album career fanning the impression that they exist somewhere between an easy Mothers' Day gift and the album it's ok to give your girlfriend back when you split up, just in order to blow everyone out of the water like 80s neon-pop commandos with the boldness of their third? You know, utilising the element of surprise? Probably, but even though their debut (Hopes & Fears) and its follow up (Under the Iron Sea) may have been broader creative successes than many care to admit, it is true that Perfect Symmetry is a synth-brandishing Tyrannosaurus Rex next to those trundlingly melodic Trojan horses. From the moment "Spiralling", the single that made a nation choke on its Yakult, erupts like a Top of the Pops volcano with flashes of David Bowie, Talking Heads, Erasure, Prefab Sprout and James, amongst others--with the "WHOOOO!" interjections impacting like lava hitting an LA swimming pool and sending cocktails flying--the album is generally as taut, bulky and bronzed as a teen Arnold Schwarzenegger. Old habits die hard and there is still much in the way mid-paced melancholy, but they are sung with clarity and the songwriting stays tight with some deep lyrics and turns of phrase to balance out the vague and which presumably reflect Tom Chaplin's documented decent into addiction. "Playing Along", a beautifully arranged set of textures and gathering emotional bursts, is a particular high. --James Berry

best of 2008, 15 Nov 2008
Best Album of 2008 so far.. (November!) Buy it, enjoy it love it. The only Kings of Leon track I've really enjoyed before was Red Morning Light. This Album has changed all that and I often listen to it on the way to work. I love it.
Buy Van Occupanther by Midlake at the same time for a change of pace and divine aural pleasure. Enjoy!

Album of the Year - so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 12 Nov 2008
In a word - "Brilliant"

My personal favourites are "Crawl" where the kings really rock out. "I want you" a heart wrenching ballad perfectly delivered by Calebs haunting estranged voice. "Manhattan" is excellent also.

Every song on the album is excellent with no fillers & no need to ever skip over a single track.


Do yourself a favour - unless you have not got ears go out and buy this album.

Cant wait to see them live in December

Album of the Year, 09 Nov 2008
This is absolutely the finest album I have purchased this year. Despite what some so called 'die hard' fans have said, KOL have struck gold with what is almost a masterpiece. Granted there are some weak points on the album (but show me an album without any weaknesses) however these are all overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of tracks such as 'Use Somebody' and 'Cold Dessert' - even the more low key tracks such as 'Revelry' are sublime. The production of this album is excellent and the musicianship far beyond the tender years of the band. Anybody buying this album cannot fail to be disappointed.

the greatest so far?, 09 Nov 2008
To compare this to any other cd this year, is very unfair on the opposition, this stands head and shoulders above anything, not sure just listen to cols desert, its a grower, but once you have heard it, you will agree, its up there with U2's - One, Oasis- Wonderwall, Killers- Mr Brightside, i can go on but you catch my drift.
i have got to say, i hated their early stuff, thought they were dreadful. But now that have taken a giant step in front of the opposition, and feel will be a top band for the next ten years, no go and beg, borrow or steal a copy, NOW, lol

Goosebumps, tears and a double purchase, 07 Nov 2008
I've always had a very eclectic taste in music although one constant element that runs through my collection is the heartfelt passion put into the recording by the artists. I want to hear some desire, hurt, anger, lust or loathing in the tracks I listen to. The KOL's have delivered this to me in spades with a piece of work I can put on repeat and never think twice of hitting the skip button. I downloaded the album on it's release date, and now find myself buying a hard copy as well. The goosebump inducing Sex on Fire getting to number one was only the start for this album, it has so much more to offer. Use Somebody, Manhattan and Be Somebody are all worthy top ten singles in their own right. The first time I heard Caleb sing the opening line of Use Somebody it brought me to tears. When music connects with you in that way theres nothing more that you need to do than close your eyes and absorb their genius. Don't listen to the negative comments, instead, buy one of the few remaining concert tickets on ebay and listen to the KOL's play these fantastic tracks live. You won't regret it.

style over substance, 21 Nov 2008
I'm going to keep this brief. There was something quite joyful about The Killers performance at 2005's Glastonbury. Togged up in a white tuxedo jacket with a hint of eyeliner and poised behind his glittery keyboard like some kind of glamorous preacher Brandon Flowers cut quite a figure and stirred up the crowds with rousing renditions of hits from Hot Fuss. Sam's Town was a little more po-faced, the Springsteen sound and moustaches making him look like a slightly less glamorous preacher. So it should be good news that their new album sees a return of the synth pop.

But it's all gone a bit 80's. Fine when it's inoffensively Roxy Music like opening track 'Losing Touch'. Worrying when it's Wham (amongst others) on 'Joy Ride', which even contains a sax solo. And it's just plain baffling when the backing vocals on 'This Is Your Life' remind you of the 'a-wimba-way' from Tight Fit's 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. It sounds in places ('I Can't Stay') like Brandon's finger slipped on the keyboard and changed the setting of a song suddenly to marimba or steel drums or perhaps they wanted to showcase the full range of settings available on the latest Bontempi. 'Goodnight, Travel Well' eschews the 80's in favour of trying to sound like Radiohead which is better but probably best left to the boys themselves.

Lyrically there's plenty to worry about too. He may be referencing Hunter S Thompson but 'Are we human, or are we dancer?' still sounds like he's singing from a lyric sheet with a typo. 'A Dustland Fairtytale' couldn't be more cliched with Cinderella and the Devil amongst 'castles in the sky' and 'moon river'. Elsewhere there's lots of grand sounding statements to fit the grand sounding songs which are sure to please festival crowds once more and radio listeners alike. Unfortunately it all sounds a little hollow to me. However if you've enjoyed the latest from Kings of Leon and Keane (ooh, bit of a K thing developing here) then jump on board and enjoy the (joy)ride.

Lazy Uneducated reviews, 21 Nov 2008
The line are we human or are we dancers comes from a Hunter S. Thomson comment that America was raising a generation of dancers. Still don't understand?....... Think about it rather than putting ill informed reviews on here.

MEDIOCRITY AT ITS FINEST., 20 Nov 2008
Upon first listen you notice theres something not quite right; the guitars have gone and the Killers have gone from being a pop-rock band to being what they always threatened to become from their first outting; a synthesizer pop band pumping out bland, mediocre mainstream pop rubbish which no doubt will initially sell well based upon the strength of their first two albums but after you've listened to all of this for 3 times on the trot the only conclusion you can come to is that the Killers have lost the plot entirely on this one. The songs are weak and wishy washy, the power, melody and quirkinness of their former albums has been replaced by a dreary, monotonous, synth-pop weariness. Put simply; this is where they finally ran out of ideas, this is the hurdle they fell upon. Anyone giving this album any more than two stars obviously hasnt listened to Hot fuss and Sams Town which are both very fine albums. If you want rock'n'roll this Xmas do your self a favour and invest your hard earned cash in AC/DCs Black Ice. At least AC/DC rock and never ever disappoint. Day and Age is just a tedious, half-baked pop ramble from a band which should have known better than to serve this up to their adoring fanbase. A lowpoint which i hope the record buying public shall inform them about and which from i hope they can recover. The only reason i gave this album two stars is for effort. Sadly that effort has failed them. As for quality of material on this album; POOR.

Episode 134: In which rock music is dealt another painful blow, 20 Nov 2008
I think I can sum up my feelings for this album thus:
'Are we human or are we dancer?'
No wait, that doesn't mean anything at all. That's literally just some random words. Anyone? No, thought not.

As Adam & Joe said on their radio show the other day (after playing Human), we're returning to that 80s era of silly pompous stadium rock with really really really bad lyrics sung VERY seriously by very silly rock stars.

I'm trying hard to imagine anyone actually going into a shop and thinking they wanted to buy this. Don't you like your ears? Don't you and your ears get on very well? Or do you just not like music much? Was it toss up between this and the new Dido album? I mean, really, is this the album you've been waiting for?

N.B. Yes, I have heard it. Yes, all of it. My friend, for his sins, is a reviewer and had to sit through the whole album. I sat with him to make it more bearable. I don't think I succeeded.

Still, could be worse, it could be Razorlight. And that really is all I can say for it.

BRING ON THE ANGRY TEENAGERS WHO CAN'T SPELL!

An actual album review..., 20 Nov 2008
I got this last night, and have listened to it in full six times over the period since, I am probably disappointed.
I knew two songs already, the catchy fore-running single 'Human' - which for me was a grower, so I am hoping the album will be too and the fantastic 'Spaceman' which I'd say is the best this album has to offer.
More Sam Town's to Hot Fuss for me, certainly more American Springsteen than British New Order.

Losing Touch the opening track is for me a bit bland for an opener, certainly nothing on the previous openers with no real sense of forthcoming - maybe after a live outing this will change.

The aforementioned Human and Spaceman follow, my hope that the rest would follow this more upbeat and for me 'Killers' sound was short lived because Joy Ride the next track, whilst having a catchy background beat just did nothing for me - rattlesnakes and romance - when you chips are down - the Americanism's are for all to see, a quest for Stateside popularity to the same extent of here? Possibly.
The next track A Dustland Fairytale only compounds the point, this ballad is a pretty good track though and a certainly better than the next couple which are unfortunately fillers, just not up to normal Killers albums, again a bit waltzey and Latin American but just not top notch songs.
The next song Neon Tiger is more like it, back at their best and a potential future single.
The World We Live In takes the train off track again and they never find the way back, Goodbye, Travel Well particularly bad - so overall, more of the same, just not as good by half.
More ballads, more of an American feel (granted they are American but they became big on the Anglo-Influence) and less of the big, epic indie anthems - there is certainly no Mr Brightside or Somebody Told Me here. I can already here the silences at the O2 during the new tracks whilst everyone awaits the "Hits".
Still I've heard a lot worse records this year. 6.5 out of 10 just not the 9.5 of Hot Fuss or the 8.5 of Sam's Town. Almost 3 out of 5, but I gave them the benefit of 4 because of the hope of growing tracks!

1:55, 19 Nov 2008
I've always liked Snow Patrol but something has always held me back from loving them.

This is a good album - and there are some great moments if you dig deep. Engines 1:55 - sudden transformation into a beautiful melody. Does it for me driving to work in the morning.

'You know I love you like an ancient history brought to life' - nice line.

MD

Good Stuff!, 19 Nov 2008
Despite the pettines from other reviewers who have given this a bad review simply for being Snow Patrol, I actually think it's a good album.

I think they have provided a strong assortment of songs that follows on from Eyes Open. I wouldn't say this was an outstanding album but it is worth a listen. It is an album which requires a few listens before judging it.

The tracks which stand out are "Take Back The City," "Disaster Button" and "The Lighting Strike."

A hundred million open eyes , 18 Nov 2008
4.5 stars would be a more appropriate score for this album, but in good mathematical practice I have rounded up not down.

If you like Snow Patrol, this is a very good album. Any of the tracks could easily have come from their last album "Eyes Open", and the rockier ones could have been from "Final Straw". Does it have more of an accoustic or mellow balance than "Eyes Open"? A track by track by analysis may lead you to that conclusion, but I am not left with that impression having it on my ipod and in the car.

All of which is great, you know what you are getting. And if you played their last two albums to death because you loved them so much, you will be in heaven.

HOWEVER, the difference between a realy great band and a legendry one is their ability to evolve and draw their fans along with them into subtly different styles. If the Beatles has continued to knock out hits like Can't buy me Love and Help into the late 60s, they would not have reached iconic status. And Snow Patrol do know how to evovle (Don't waste your money on their first two album, no matter how cheap they are. Just download "Making Enemies" from iTunes and you'll have all you need from these albums)

So great, buy it, listen to it, love it. But come on guys, push the boat out a bit and take us somewhere we haven't been yet.

Meh, 07 Nov 2008
Eyes Open blew me away and most tracks remain in my iPod's most played list. I want to like this, but it's all a bit 'meh' - not one track stands out, either from being bad or good. The phased piano on the last track shows a bit of a nod towards Philip Glass or Steve Reich, and then part III picks up the energy - the best part of the album for me - a long time to wait for something that makes me take notice and a right royal pain in the bum for being the last section in an 11 minute track.

I'm wondering where all the tunes have gone. I think there's a lot more to be had from Snow Patrol, but it's not in this album.

Disappointing, but then I'm waiting for The Killers next album, so I'm not exactly a hardcore fan.

A million better songs, than this, 06 Nov 2008
Like real Stars that burn out, or implode. i was hoping that Snow Patrol would not be one of these. Apart from a few goods songs, i never quite see the point of Snow Patrol, giving rather plain songs. This album is no expection and is imensely plain. One of the greatest sadness, is that in bedsits around the world there are people writting better songs and lyrics than these, but of course, those people are totally annonomous, and may never to be found by record companies.
Track 1 & 2 are commercial and track two is good,as is track 5. But actucally, surprisingly, right at the end the three songs, merging into one track lasting over 14 minutes. For me these tracks appeare to be the real talent of Snow Patrol and offer a glimpse into where they should push themselves.These three songs are abstract, brilliant and haunting. They should devote their energy into these *new* sounds, which i find exciting pushing the listener to the edge of exploding dreams


Woohoo!, 21 Nov 2008
Yes I do indeed love it! Although I have only listened to the first two tracks as the cd is in the car and only had a long enough journey to listen o the 1st two tracks but already I love them! Another great hit Radio 1 and of course I do bow down the the live lounge and its greatness!

Legend!

Get it!, 17 Nov 2008
Lets be honest...

The only song anyone really wants on this album is
Paramore's cover of "loves not a competition..."

Great album anywhoo

They call me rudeboy, they call me blad..., 09 Nov 2008
As always, the live lounge is a mixture of artists doing covers and their own songs. The best tracks on this year's cds are Dizzee Rascal doing the Ting Tings 'thats not my name' and the Script doing 'lose yourself'. Scouting for Girls kill their own song, and some covers are too close to the original song to really warrant doing it, if you know what i mean, but most tracks are great, and a select few are amazingly good. get this album.

where's Leona, 06 Nov 2008
i have been waiting for ages for this to come out, simply for Leona Lewis's cover of Snow Patrol's Run, and it isn't on there, i am really dissapointed, as i can't seem to get it anywhere else.

good as always but..., 22 Oct 2008
... where is the absolutely brilliant version of Run by Leona Lewis? Radio One were forever playing it after she came into the studio to do a Live Lounge session and I was convinced they would put it on their next album. I waited a year for the possibility of having it on this cd but it isn't here. The only real letdown. Good to see The Ting Ting's Standing in the Way of Control laced with Snaps's The Power! Awesome track. Buy this album for this alone!

Why purchase the Latest iPods? Get it here for Next ta Nada!, 19 Nov 2008
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reg-ister and s|ign onto the love = film no commitments D|V|D R|ental promo

Many items to choose from; iPods, iPhones, Macbooks, iMacs, Mac Minis and loads more...

They send your iPod Touch to you Gratis of charge!
Have a Gratis Christmas :)
Enjoy!

Finally a return to goodness., 19 Nov 2008
It may have taken a while, but they have finally returned back to writing great songs. After a poor second album Keane have returned with a really strong third album. From start to finish this is an outstanding album which has catchy tracks such as "Spiralling" and "Better Than This."

It does take a few listens before you can really appreciate it, but with every listen it is growing on me, and I only bought it last week!

I've only given it four stars because I feel it should only have five stars if it is really outstanding!

Fantastically Different, 19 Nov 2008
It's great to hear a band bold enough to try something different with a third album rather than let it be a marker of their steady decline (e.g. Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight). With 'Perfect Symmetry' Keane pulls off a welcome and surprisingly different return.

The 80's feel is apparent but the album avoids becoming a pastiche. The album makes you think of Queen, Bowie and other greats, but the strong vocals and melodies make it unmistakably Keane. Tempo is generally upbeat throughout, tinged with retro drum machines and synths and unashamedly pop, which is no bad thing.

Production is slick and tight as with the previous two albums. This wont be a Keane album for everyone, but for some it's an outstanding return. Recommended!



The Killers copy, 07 Nov 2008
Once again Keane has failed to come up with the goods. After a fabulous first album and a disaster with Under the Iron Sea, Perfect Symmetry slips between the two with several tracks sounding like a second rate Killers tribute band. Why didn't they stick to the distinctive sound of Hopes and Fears instead of diluting their appeal by emulating the top Indie band.

The 80s sucked first time around! , 07 Nov 2008

Really poor effort from keane (and im a fan of all their previous work). Terrible 80s synth sounds topped off with poor quality lyrics and boring arrangements made this album totally wash over me.

Disappointing.

best of 2008, 15 Nov 2008
Best Album of 2008 so far.. (November!) Buy it, enjoy it love it. The only Kings of Leon track I've really enjoyed before was Red Morning Light. This Album has changed all that and I often listen to it on the way to work. I love it.
Buy Van Occupanther by Midlake at the same time for a change of pace and divine aural pleasure. Enjoy!

Album of the Year - so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 12 Nov 2008
In a word - "Brilliant"

My personal favourites are "Crawl" where the kings really rock out. "I want you" a heart wrenching ballad perfectly delivered by Calebs haunting estranged voice. "Manhattan" is excellent also.

Every song on the album is excellent with no fillers & no need to ever skip over a single track.


Do yourself a favour - unless you have not got ears go out and buy this album.

Cant wait to see them live in December

Album of the Year, 09 Nov 2008
This is absolutely the finest album I have purchased this year. Despite what some so called 'die hard' fans have said, KOL have struck gold with what is almost a masterpiece. Granted there are some weak points on the album (but show me an album without any weaknesses) however these are all overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of tracks such as 'Use Somebody' and 'Cold Dessert' - even the more low key tracks such as 'Revelry' are sublime. The production of this album is excellent and the musicianship far beyond the tender years of the band. Anybody buying this album cannot fail to be disappointed.

the greatest so far?, 09 Nov 2008
To compare this to any other cd this year, is very unfair on the opposition, this stands head and shoulders above anything, not sure just listen to cols desert, its a grower, but once you have heard it, you will agree, its up there with U2's - One, Oasis- Wonderwall, Killers- Mr Brightside, i can go on but you catch my drift.
i have got to say, i hated their early stuff, thought they were dreadful. But now that have taken a giant step in front of the opposition, and feel will be a top band for the next ten years, no go and beg, borrow or steal a copy, NOW, lol

Goosebumps, tears and a double purchase, 07 Nov 2008
I've always had a very eclectic taste in music although one constant element that runs through my collection is the heartfelt passion put into the recording by the artists. I want to hear some desire, hurt, anger, lust or loathing in the tracks I listen to. The KOL's have delivered this to me in spades with a piece of work I can put on repeat and never think twice of hitting the skip button. I downloaded the album on it's release date, and now find myself buying a hard copy as well. The goosebump inducing Sex on Fire getting to number one was only the start for this album, it has so much more to offer. Use Somebody, Manhattan and Be Somebody are all worthy top ten singles in their own right. The first time I heard Caleb sing the opening line of Use Somebody it brought me to tears. When music connects with you in that way theres nothing more that you need to do than close your eyes and absorb their genius. Don't listen to the negative comments, instead, buy one of the few remaining concert tickets on ebay and listen to the KOL's play these fantastic tracks live. You won't regret it.

style over substance, 21 Nov 2008
I'm going to keep this brief. There was something quite joyful about The Killers performance at 2005's Glastonbury. Togged up in a white tuxedo jacket with a hint of eyeliner and poised behind his glittery keyboard like some kind of glamorous preacher Brandon Flowers cut quite a figure and stirred up the crowds with rousing renditions of hits from Hot Fuss. Sam's Town was a little more po-faced, the Springsteen sound and moustaches making him look like a slightly less glamorous preacher. So it should be good news that their new album sees a return of the synth pop.

But it's all gone a bit 80's. Fine when it's inoffensively Roxy Music like opening track 'Losing Touch'. Worrying when it's Wham (amongst others) on 'Joy Ride', which even contains a sax solo. And it's just plain baffling when the backing vocals on 'This Is Your Life' remind you of the 'a-wimba-way' from Tight Fit's 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. It sounds in places ('I Can't Stay') like Brandon's finger slipped on the keyboard and changed the setting of a song suddenly to marimba or steel drums or perhaps they wanted to showcase the full range of settings available on the latest Bontempi. 'Goodnight, Travel Well' eschews the 80's in favour of trying to sound like Radiohead which is better but probably best left to the boys themselves.

Lyrically there's plenty to worry about too. He may be referencing Hunter S Thompson but 'Are we human, or are we dancer?' still sounds like he's singing from a lyric sheet with a typo. 'A Dustland Fairtytale' couldn't be more cliched with Cinderella and the Devil amongst 'castles in the sky' and 'moon river'. Elsewhere there's lots of grand sounding statements to fit the grand sounding songs which are sure to please festival crowds once more and radio listeners alike. Unfortunately it all sounds a little hollow to me. However if you've enjoyed the latest from Kings of Leon and Keane (ooh, bit of a K thing developing here) then jump on board and enjoy the (joy)ride.

Lazy Uneducated reviews, 21 Nov 2008
The line are we human or are we dancers comes from a Hunter S. Thomson comment that America was raising a generation of dancers. Still don't understand?....... Think about it rather than putting ill informed reviews on here.

MEDIOCRITY AT ITS FINEST., 20 Nov 2008
Upon first listen you notice theres something not quite right; the guitars have gone and the Killers have gone from being a pop-rock band to being what they always threatened to become from their first outting; a synthesizer pop band pumping out bland, mediocre mainstream pop rubbish which no doubt will initially sell well based upon the strength of their first two albums but after you've listened to all of this for 3 times on the trot the only conclusion you can come to is that the Killers have lost the plot entirely on this one. The songs are weak and wishy washy, the power, melody and quirkinness of their former albums has been replaced by a dreary, monotonous, synth-pop weariness. Put simply; this is where they finally ran out of ideas, this is the hurdle they fell upon. Anyone giving this album any more than two stars obviously hasnt listened to Hot fuss and Sams Town which are both very fine albums. If you want rock'n'roll this Xmas do your self a favour and invest your hard earned cash in AC/DCs Black Ice. At least AC/DC rock and never ever disappoint. Day and Age is just a tedious, half-baked pop ramble from a band which should have known better than to serve this up to their adoring fanbase. A lowpoint which i hope the record buying public shall inform them about and which from i hope they can recover. The only reason i gave this album two stars is for effort. Sadly that effort has failed them. As for quality of material on this album; POOR.

Episode 134: In which rock music is dealt another painful blow, 20 Nov 2008
I think I can sum up my feelings for this album thus:
'Are we human or are we dancer?'
No wait, that doesn't mean anything at all. That's literally just some random words. Anyone? No, thought not.

As Adam & Joe said on their radio show the other day (after playing Human), we're returning to that 80s era of silly pompous stadium rock with really really really bad lyrics sung VERY seriously by very silly rock stars.

I'm trying hard to imagine anyone actually going into a shop and thinking they wanted to buy this. Don't you like your ears? Don't you and your ears get on very well? Or do you just not like music much? Was it toss up between this and the new Dido album? I mean, really, is this the album you've been waiting for?

N.B. Yes, I have heard it. Yes, all of it. My friend, for his sins, is a reviewer and had to sit through the whole album. I sat with him to make it more bearable. I don't think I succeeded.

Still, could be worse, it could be Razorlight. And that really is all I can say for it.

BRING ON THE ANGRY TEENAGERS WHO CAN'T SPELL!

An actual album review..., 20 Nov 2008
I got this last night, and have listened to it in full six times over the period since, I am probably disappointed.
I knew two songs already, the catchy fore-running single 'Human' - which for me was a grower, so I am hoping the album will be too and the fantastic 'Spaceman' which I'd say is the best this album has to offer.
More Sam Town's to Hot Fuss for me, certainly more American Springsteen than British New Order.

Losing Touch the opening track is for me a bit bland for an opener, certainly nothing on the previous openers with no real sense of forthcoming - maybe after a live outing this will change.

The aforementioned Human and Spaceman follow, my hope that the rest would follow this more upbeat and for me 'Killers' sound was short lived because Joy Ride the next track, whilst having a catchy background beat just did nothing for me - rattlesnakes and romance - when you chips are down - the Americanism's are for all to see, a quest for Stateside popularity to the same extent of here? Possibly.
The next track A Dustland Fairytale only compounds the point, this ballad is a pretty good track though and a certainly better than the next couple which are unfortunately fillers, just not up to normal Killers albums, again a bit waltzey and Latin American but just not top notch songs.
The next song Neon Tiger is more like it, back at their best and a potential future single.
The World We Live In takes the train off track again and they never find the way back, Goodbye, Travel Well particularly bad - so overall, more of the same, just not as good by half.
More ballads, more of an American feel (granted they are American but they became big on the Anglo-Influence) and less of the big, epic indie anthems - there is certainly no Mr Brightside or Somebody Told Me here. I can already here the silences at the O2 during the new tracks whilst everyone awaits the "Hits".
Still I've heard a lot worse records this year. 6.5 out of 10 just not the 9.5 of Hot Fuss or the 8.5 of Sam's Town. Almost 3 out of 5, but I gave them the benefit of 4 because of the hope of growing tracks!

1:55, 19 Nov 2008
I've always liked Snow Patrol but something has always held me back from loving them.

This is a good album - and there are some great moments if you dig deep. Engines 1:55 - sudden transformation into a beautiful melody. Does it for me driving to work in the morning.

'You know I love you like an ancient history brought to life' - nice line.

MD

Good Stuff!, 19 Nov 2008
Despite the pettines from other reviewers who have given this a bad review simply for being Snow Patrol, I actually think it's a good album.

I think they have provided a strong assortment of songs that follows on from Eyes Open. I wouldn't say this was an outstanding album but it is worth a listen. It is an album which requires a few listens before judging it.

The tracks which stand out are "Take Back The City," "Disaster Button" and "The Lighting Strike."

A hundred million open eyes , 18 Nov 2008
4.5 stars would be a more appropriate score for this album, but in good mathematical practice I have rounded up not down.

If you like Snow Patrol, this is a very good album. Any of the tracks could easily have come from their last album "Eyes Open", and the rockier ones could have been from "Final Straw". Does it have more of an accoustic or mellow balance than "Eyes Open"? A track by track by analysis may lead you to that conclusion, but I am not left with that impression having it on my ipod and in the car.

All of which is great, you know what you are getting. And if you played their last two albums to death because you loved them so much, you will be in heaven.

HOWEVER, the difference between a realy great band and a legendry one is their ability to evolve and draw their fans along with them into subtly different styles. If the Beatles has continued to knock out hits like Can't buy me Love and Help into the late 60s, they would not have reached iconic status. And Snow Patrol do know how to evovle (Don't waste your money on their first two album, no matter how cheap they are. Just download "Making Enemies" from iTunes and you'll have all you need from these albums)

So great, buy it, listen to it, love it. But come on guys, push the boat out a bit and take us somewhere we haven't been yet.

Meh, 07 Nov 2008
Eyes Open blew me away and most tracks remain in my iPod's most played list. I want to like this, but it's all a bit 'meh' - not one track stands out, either from being bad or good. The phased piano on the last track shows a bit of a nod towards Philip Glass or Steve Reich, and then part III picks up the energy - the best part of the album for me - a long time to wait for something that makes me take notice and a right royal pain in the bum for being the last section in an 11 minute track.

I'm wondering where all the tunes have gone. I think there's a lot more to be had from Snow Patrol, but it's not in this album.

Disappointing, but then I'm waiting for The Killers next album, so I'm not exactly a hardcore fan.

A million better songs, than this, 06 Nov 2008
Like real Stars that burn out, or implode. i was hoping that Snow Patrol would not be one of these. Apart from a few goods songs, i never quite see the point of Snow Patrol, giving rather plain songs. This album is no expection and is imensely plain. One of the greatest sadness, is that in bedsits around the world there are people writting better songs and lyrics than these, but of course, those people are totally annonomous, and may never to be found by record companies.
Track 1 & 2 are commercial and track two is good,as is track 5. But actucally, surprisingly, right at the end the three songs, merging into one track lasting over 14 minutes. For me these tracks appeare to be the real talent of Snow Patrol and offer a glimpse into where they should push themselves.These three songs are abstract, brilliant and haunting. They should devote their energy into these *new* sounds, which i find exciting pushing the listener to the edge of exploding dreams


Woohoo!, 21 Nov 2008
Yes I do indeed love it! Although I have only listened to the first two tracks as the cd is in the car and only had a long enough journey to listen o the 1st two tracks but already I love them! Another great hit Radio 1 and of course I do bow down the the live lounge and its greatness!

Legend!

Get it!, 17 Nov 2008
Lets be honest...

The only song anyone really wants on this album is
Paramore's cover of "loves not a competition..."

Great album anywhoo

They call me rudeboy, they call me blad..., 09 Nov 2008
As always, the live lounge is a mixture of artists doing covers and their own songs. The best tracks on this year's cds are Dizzee Rascal doing the Ting Tings 'thats not my name' and the Script doing 'lose yourself'. Scouting for Girls kill their own song, and some covers are too close to the original song to really warrant doing it, if you know what i mean, but most tracks are great, and a select few are amazingly good. get this album.

where's Leona, 06 Nov 2008
i have been waiting for ages for this to come out, simply for Leona Lewis's cover of Snow Patrol's Run, and it isn't on there, i am really dissapointed, as i can't seem to get it anywhere else.

good as always but..., 22 Oct 2008
... where is the absolutely brilliant version of Run by Leona Lewis? Radio One were forever playing it after she came into the studio to do a Live Lounge session and I was convinced they would put it on their next album. I waited a year for the possibility of having it on this cd but it isn't here. The only real letdown. Good to see The Ting Ting's Standing in the Way of Control laced with Snaps's The Power! Awesome track. Buy this album for this alone!

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Have a Gratis Christmas :)
Enjoy!

Finally a return to goodness., 19 Nov 2008
It may have taken a while, but they have finally returned back to writing great songs. After a poor second album Keane have returned with a really strong third album. From start to finish this is an outstanding album which has catchy tracks such as "Spiralling" and "Better Than This."

It does take a few listens before you can really appreciate it, but with every listen it is growing on me, and I only bought it last week!

I've only given it four stars because I feel it should only have five stars if it is really outstanding!

Fantastically Different, 19 Nov 2008
It's great to hear a band bold enough to try something different with a third album rather than let it be a marker of their steady decline (e.g. Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight). With 'Perfect Symmetry' Keane pulls off a welcome and surprisingly different return.

The 80's feel is apparent but the album avoids becoming a pastiche. The album makes you think of Queen, Bowie and other greats, but the strong vocals and melodies make it unmistakably Keane. Tempo is generally upbeat throughout, tinged with retro drum machines and synths and unashamedly pop, which is no bad thing.

Production is slick and tight as with the previous two albums. This wont be a Keane album for everyone, but for some it's an outstanding return. Recommended!



The Killers copy, 07 Nov 2008
Once again Keane has failed to come up with the goods. After a fabulous first album and a disaster with Under the Iron Sea, Perfect Symmetry slips between the two with several tracks sounding like a second rate Killers tribute band. Why didn't they stick to the distinctive sound of Hopes and Fears instead of diluting their appeal by emulating the top Indie band.

The 80s sucked first time around! , 07 Nov 2008

Really poor effort from keane (and im a fan of all their previous work). Terrible 80s synth sounds topped off with poor quality lyrics and boring arrangements made this album totally wash over me.

Disappointing.

Enter the Fireless, Gummy, Whiny Dragon, 20 Nov 2008
Stereophonics are one of those cynical and unenlightened band's that leave you flabbergasted that they've achieved ANY success at all.
They have nothing about them.
They're from Wales for one thing, and there not much you can point to in that woefully tiny country's honour's list during the last 50 years - in fact it's been a disaster. Lousy football team, dreary anthem, beautiful but dying language and in the face of all this, appalling rot dished up by futile nuggets like Tom Jones, the unbelievably talent-less Cerys Matthews, drab Funeral for a Friend, embarrassing Goldie Looking Chain and finally, at the top of the tree, overcast, bland, disinterested Stereophonics.
You know you're in trouble when 'A Decade in the Sun' is the best they can come up with by way of a greatest hits compilation, and, as sure as day follows night, it's completely worthless on every front. Banal, sub-Rod Stewart MOR, car music, (or at least, the nodding dog in the back window) cover versions, slow, untimely grinding; 'Have a Nice Day', 'Handbags and Gladrags', 'Mama Told Me Not To Come' (with Tom Jones, a genuine contender for the Worst Single Ever Released.) - petty, listless background tomfoolery. Synthetic, demoralizing and grey.
Their biggest problem is, that there's no talent anywhere in the group. Basic song writing skills are sadly AWOL, no hooks to snag you, no witty or clever lyrics to engage you. They seem to get by using the well suspect, and monstrously overused deceit of the obscene 'Rock Anthem' - the last bombed-out refuge of pop 'musicians' who transparently have nothing at all to say. Mosh-pit diving, fist clenching standards - but even here, the last refuge of the truly non-descript, they dismayingly fail.
They're not even truly awful, (that'd be a blessing - it would make writing about them much easier) they're not really worth words, emotions, any depth of thought or argument. They're just sort of there, plant-pots to a man, peripatetically moseying around, solidly locked into all the music genre clichés feared most.
Yes, black leather vests and shades, clinging to the insignificant torsos and bonces of clueless, safe, Welsh rock-being's. With a conformist non-style that makes a nest of tables look dynamic and a sound that's almost cylindrical and definitely over-secure, Stereophonics are getting away with a heinous amount of cultural crime. They are the Norris Cole's of modern pop, the Vauxhall Vectra's of rock. They make the similarly perfidious Super Furry Animals (and I think I'm beginning to twig why they all have naff names..) sound like Oscar Wilde.
Ten years of these par-boiled leeks then - ten years of the orthodox and the ordinary.


Almost..., 11 Nov 2008
How can you miss out T-shirt Suntan, arguably the best pop song since Teenage Kicks? Still, not a bad collection from the Cwmaman boys.

Not so sure, 10 Nov 2008
I love the band, I love the albums. Not a massive fan of this release. It's got the songs which you will hear on the radio, but to the fans who love the albums as albums, its not a great investment. Starting with the most popular songs and going down pretty much. Not how I would have ordered it, if anything, start with the oldest and then show the audio progression in the sound. The new songs are good, however, as anyone who has the You're My Star single, they will tell you that the b-side is their preferred track! Forever should be on there, and it isn't!

A good christmas present for a casual fan who likes hearing their stuff on the radio, massive fans, make your own playlists!

Stereophonics at their best!!!, 09 Nov 2008
20 amazing tracks here!!! every track is amazing! Dakota, Maybe Tomorrow, Have a Nice Day! plus 17 more!! or even better buy it 40 track edition!

Best of.......Oh Yes !!!, 08 Nov 2008
You really do not need to say too much about this band, they have spoken for themselves over the years and, I might add, in a slightly understated way that has not been too much in our face, which is how it should be. One of the best and most balanced bands the UK has seen.

A great album packed full of great songs. To Stereophonics fans they will know what they are getting and will, I hope, buy this out of respect of the pleasure that Kelly and Co. have given us over the years. If you have had your head in the sand all this time and want to hear what the boys can offer then the 40 tracks that this album offers what what must be one of the best value music buys this ....decade !!

And the 2 new tracks "You're my star" and "My Own Worst Enemy" do not dissapoint with the latter being a great unexpected surprise in my opinion.

Trying to put a compilation together from such a back catalogue is never going to be easy and you are never going to get the exact choice to suit exactly everyone's taste. There are 40 songs there...to knock the album because it does not contain a couple of certain tracks that certain people might want is a little blinkered.

After cockily shrugging off the difficult second album challenge with their hugely successful Yours Truly, Angry Mob, the Kaisers deliver yet another collection of blistering rock-pop in the shape of Off with Their Head. Producer Mark Ronson returns the band to the distilled pop potency of 2005's Employment as well as providing an all-star cast of guests: Lily Allen provides backing vocals on "Always Happens Like That", classical starlet David Arnold adds strings to "Like It Too Much" and UK grime aficionado Sway does a star turn on the unlikely yet winning "Half the Truth". Yet this is definitely the Kaiser's own show, as evinced on the wonderfully woozy "Tomato in the Rain," the catchy "Good Days, Bad Days", the feisty "You Want History" and the lovely--and somewhat surprising--finale "Remember You're a Girl". Musically, Off with Their Heads ain't rocket science, and the band's insights into contemporary urban life are superficial at best--but the Kaisers still manage to mostly hit the spot. --Danny McKenna

best of 2008, 15 Nov 2008
Best Album of 2008 so far.. (November!) Buy it, enjoy it love it. The only Kings of Leon track I've really enjoyed before was Red Morning Light. This Album has changed all that and I often listen