The Killers (2.5 stars)
Hot Fuss
Hot fuss couldn't be more appropriate a name for the Killers' debut album. The band's brief career, beginning with trudges through the abysmal Vegas live venue scene, has been highlighted by plenty of buzz. The group, born in Las Vegas but bred in its spiritual and musical home of Great Britain, has returned to the U.S. with its first full-length release, serving up their signature sound: an update of '80s synth-pop and '90s Brit-pop with a (pun alert) killer twist.
But, in contrast to their glammed-up shows, Hot Fuss leaves something to be desired. As a whole, it doesn't stand up to the energy of its three strongest tracks: "Somebody Told Me," "Mr. Brightside" and "Midnight Show." All showcase Mark Stoermer's John Taylor-style bass lines, Ronnie Vannucci's frenetic drumming, David Keuning's kinetic guitar lines and the pained, maudlin vocals of Brandon Flowers. Outside of that, the album often meanders through synth-heavy ballads, with "All These Things That I've Done" going so far as to include a gospel choir.
There's no denying the strength of their performance or songwriting prowess. But the Killers might have to be experienced in person to be appreciated; their act is all about showmanship, and though well-produced (over produced in the case of "All These Things"), the band's kinetic energy and the nascent androgynous sexual energy of frontman Flowers doesn't quite bleed through the speakers on Hot Fuss.
Brian Wilson (3 stars)
Gettin' In Over My Head
"How can we still be rockin' after all those times?" is the question posed on the opening track of Brain Wilson's first new studio album in six years.
Of course, as the genius in the Beach Boys, Wilson secured a reputation as being among the greatest producers, songwriters and arrangers in popular music history. Eventually, pressures, personal and professional, also made him among the great burnouts of the '60s. From his weight to drug abuse to nutty therapist, few believed Wilson would ever return to music.
Recently though, he has toured with surprising consistency, and now with Gettin' In Over My Head, he has written and produced an album sure to delight old fans. Of course, Brian Wilson today is not the person he was almost 40 years ago, and the burning brilliance and sonic ambition of his past have been replaced by a spirit of gentle and loving good cheer. But Wilson's voice, use of harmonies and trademark songs still have that familiar stamp that has defined summer for generations of teenagers. It also helps that Wilson's peers, such as Elton John, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney, show up. Unless you are still expecting Wilson to make SMILE, Gettin' In Over My Head is sure to put a smile on your face.