The Killers and Lou Reed

I think The Killers are a fantastic singles band - most of the the singles off 'Hot Fuss' were ace and 'Bones' is possibly the best thing they've done so far. The Tim Burton directed vid wasn't too shabby either. So it was pretty weird to discover that they've released an iTunes only single, in the form of a duet with Lou Reed - you know "oh it's such a perfect day". Or I guess you might know him from some tiny band called The Velvet Underground. The song will be on a soon-to-be released b-sides and rarities compilation entitled 'Sawdust'. Admittedly, I wasn't expecting much from 'Tranquilize' (digital only singles can be a bit pap, although 'Stockholm Syndrome' by Muse was superb) but the interesting mish-mash of styles on offer make for an unexpected direction and great return.

The song is a bit morose to say the least and adding Lou Reed's vocals only adds to that. Not that Lou Reed's the only non-Killers vocalist on the track with a squeaky kid (or kids?) making an appearance mid-song. 'Tranquilize' moves through pulsating, trancey keyboard bits to a folky chorus with the verses plodding along the way (although this helps emphasise the sentiment of the song). There's even a Joy Division-esque intro, although that's hardly the most surprising thing ever as they've done a cover of 'Shadowplay', also be appearing on the forthcoming album. All in all, a goodie.

The Killers - Tranquilize [right click, save as]//[Sendspace link]

n.b considering this is a bit naughty, the mp3s will be removed by the weekend-ish. Get it now basically. And if you've come here too late, head over to iTunes and buy it.

'Sawdust' will be released on November 12th

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A couple of other things now; firstly, thanks again for voting in the BT DMA's if you did, this is the 44th best music blog in the universe apparently [link]. A bit down from last year but not bad going at all! Congrats to my fellow bloggers who made the list too.

Secondly, my friends at Oops! are putting on a gig at one of my favourite London venues, Nambucca with Keep Hope Inside fave, Nic Nell. He's amazing live! And if that isn't good enough for you there's lots of other bands on the bill, including secret headliners. Ooh. That's all happening on October 23rd, for more details, head to their [MySpace].

Bloc Party In A State Of Flux

You've probably already got the studio version but this is a live version of the new Bloc Party single that's been making the rounds over the last few days. The radio rip is fairly different to this version, from the American TV show 'Late Night With Conan O'Brien'. Although that's mainly because the vocals in this version are a bit rubbish - they are meant to be a bit vocodered but that doesn't come off great here. It doesn't help that Kele doesn't sing into the mic at the start.

Anyways, if you haven't heard it already, the new non-album single 'Flux' is erm, an electro ballad?! It's a bit weird. Reminds me of when Stereophonics came up with something a bit different (and surprisingly good) out of the blue with 'Dakota'. I suppose 'The Prayer' had a similar vibe, away from "vintage" Bloc Party. The jury seems to be out on 'Flux' however, with ardent fans championing it and others claiming it sounds "like Sash". Some are in between and disgruntled about Jacknife Lee's (who also produced 'A Weekend In The City') production, and also feel the band are moving in the wrong direction.


Photo courtesy of NBC.com

On the other hand, I like it for its poppiness. Then again, I also liked Sash. It is radio-friendly and I would have thought its purpose was simply to generate interest in 'AWITC', which seems to have been suffering flagging sales. But they could have just released 'Waiting For The 7.18' which would have done the job just as well really. Unless someone is thinking electro is "in" and now's the time to grab people's attention...

Bloc Party - Flux [right click, save as]//[Sendspace link]

'Flux' will be released on November 12th, with 'Emma Kate's Accident' and 'The Once And Future King' as b-sides. Bloc Party will be doing a handful of UK dates in December.
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Thanks for voting in the BT DMAs if you did, god knows what the results were as they don't seem to be doing a Top 50 like last year. We can only hope I beat Lemar's blog this time around at least. Consider my new podcast as a present, download here [link].

Oh and wowzers at the rugby today, have you ever actually seen Paul Sackey and Kele Bloc Party in the same place together? Multi talented bloke.