Sawdust (compilation album) by The Killers

I love Sawdust. I can understand why some don't care for it, but I get the impression some don't understand what this album is. It's virtually an EP plus a collection of covers and unreleased rarities. Kind of a bonus compilation. So it shouldn't be compared to the rest of their discography in the same way.

From Pastiche 08/02/2015 00:31

6.5/10

I had heard The Killers several times on radio, and actually thought pretty good about them, without noticing any specific song-titles. My first impression was that they must be British, reminding me a lot about groups like Blur and Starsailor. It was only when I heard The Killers' version of "Romeo and Juliet" that I became seriously interested. A fantastic version that deservedly brought new focus to one of Dire Staits' best songs.

When I searched on the net I also discovered that the group had recorded a new interpretation of the classic "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town", which for me clearly surpassed previous versions. I had to find out where these numbers could be found on CD . It proved to my luck to both songs are found on "Sawdust, " which is a collection of outtakes and assorted oddities that have not found their way into the official albums. The music is recorded in the period 2003-2007.

Fortunately, and of course, there are also many great songs among The Killers' original material. Being brought forward deserves alternate version of "Sam's Town", a great song. The opening track "Tranquilizers", which features guest appearance by Lou Reed is another of the pleasant surprises - having both Bowie and Sparks elements. The same can probably said about "Where the White Boys Dance", an outtake from "Sam's Town".

Brit- and Indie-Pop is focused on "Glamerous Indie Rock and Roll" - could well have been a Blur song.

Magnificent but more traditional is "Daddy's Eyes". Solid straightforward rock can be found on "Change Your Mind ".

A beautiful and a worthy final to the set is "Mr Brightside", which in glimpses contains techno elements.

Finally "Show You How" which, with its catchy guitar theme is a song must return to. A very fine CD which actually works fine as a whole - a real album.

From Defago 09/29/2012 23:40

Tranquilize and Indie R&R are (the only) good tracks.

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Wasn't bad, you sacrifice quality for quantity. Favs; Indie rock n roll, Ruby...town.

This is a B-sides album where there is good reason for the songs being B-sides. Not many good tracks to speak of here. Best tracks: Sam's Town (Abbey Road Version), The Ballad Of Michael Valentine, Tranquilize, and their cover of Romeo and Juliet.