Sawdust Review

Release Date: Nov 13, 2007
Label: American Recordings
Genres: New Wave/Post-Punk Revival, Alternative Pop/Rock
Number Of Tracks: 17
Sawdust being a compilation of other albums, with only 4 completely new songs, is tough to compare to the other albums.

Sound:	7.3
Lyrics:	6.7
Impression:	7.3
Overall rating:	7.1
Users rating:	8.2
Comments:	36

overall: 5

Featured review by: iamaguitarfish, on january 09, 2008

Sound: It will not come as a surprise to fans of the band that Sawdust is a mix of synth rock, guitar riffs and catchy vocal tunes. This album's sound provides no surprises or changes to the last two albums but then again with CDs selling millions of copys why change your sound? The only difference which I can see is that this album is (and this really is the only way to describe it) more boring than the last, the tunes are not quite as catchy and you can't really dance to it. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: Brandon Flowers' vocals are as competent as ever but unfortunatly his songwriting is not, many of the songs are cover versions so obviously I cannot comment on their lyrics but I must say that the cover versions' lyrics are much more impressive than the self written songs which do not have the excelence of the past two albums. Overall the lyrics are not very impressive. // 4

Impression: Well if you were wanting another Hot Fuss you will be sorley disapointed, this album is, as the astute among you have noticed, a collection of b-sides. However from any other band these songs would be acceptable as album tracks if not singles in their own rights. Despite the fact that the songs in this album are perfectly acceptable, from the killers they seem a bit of an anticlimax as many fans were expecting the CD to rival it's predecesors. If you liked the past albums by the killers and are thinking of buying this one don't bother get something new and exciting instead. I suggest the klaxons. // 5

overall: 6.7

Reviewed by: PRWNDWIA, on january 17, 2008

Sound: Its The Killers so expect the same jangly, droning, cow boy esque, american sound. This may be a b sides collection but the quality of the recordings is excellent and anyone of the songs could have made it onto an album, well infact they all have, right now funnily enough. So yeh sound is nothing new or startling. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: Bit hit and miss really, some of the songs have great lyrics like the first part in the murder trilogy (Leave The Bourbon On The Shelf) but some aren't really that special (White Boys Dance). Also in some of these songs I just hate brandons voice, this is mostly more of the older stuff though and in songs like Sams Town (Abbey Road version) is voice is just amazing. // 7

Impression: As most reviews are saying yes for a B sides collection this is pretty good, but at times you forget it's a B sides collection, and this is when you realise that some of the songs aren't really that strong, which is why they are B sides, and maybe should have been left that way (white boys, michael valentine), but the brand new songs more than make up for this, after hearing opener tranquilize you really can't wait to hear the killers next offering. The covers are also really good, with romeo and juliet being the stand out, as well as en excellent cover of Joy Divisions "Shawdow Play". To be honest I wouldn't actully buy this again giving the chance instead I would just download the cover songs and tranquilize as that's really all I got the album for with the hope there might be something else there, but even after a few weeks listen I find myself getting frustrated with it. This is no sams town or Hot fuss, but then again it was never meant to be, it's just a stop gag, and damn good one too, but it's not worth the money unless your a real fan, or it's going cheap (which it actually is at the moment in some online stores). So as a stop gag 9 out of ten but as an album a very low 7. // 7

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: Greg Man, on november 14, 2007

Sound: From their indulging synthesizers, to their catchy acoustic riffs, to their classic power chord buffets, Sawdust is truly one of the greatest mish-mashes of B-side rarities I've ever heard. If you are so fortunate to fall into that small category of indie lovers, get ready for the ride of your musical life. The sound is incredibly captivating, you'll listen to every song and love it. Though most of the songs have already been on previous albums and singles, the presentation of this album is really something. Even though I've only listened to Sawdust a handful of times so far, I'd say this sound is truly unique and special. This is indie rock at it's best. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: If you are a fan of The Killers, you'll know they don't always come out and say what they mean. They speak in riddles and metaphors. I for one love it. Brandon Flowers is an incredibly talented and odd singer. His voice is captivating, he's not your generic singer, you really want to listen to the lyrics and not just his voice. Though Brandon doesn't always for the high notes, it was never really The Killers style anyways. Brandon's voice and the sound of Sawdust go hand-in-hand, I couldn't imagine any other voice to carry the music of The Killers. // 9

Impression: Sawdust being a compilation of other albums, with only 4 completely new songs, is tough to compare to the other albums. But the overall presentation of the album is magnificant. I've heard most of the songs before, yet they seem new through Sawdust. With more synthesizers than Sam's Town, The Killers have seemed to dig back to their roots, but with more experience. One of my favourite songs has to be Tranquilize, which is also the single released a month before the album. Listening to this song longer than the others, I feel more attached to it's strange and compelling lyrics and sound. Another song I really like is the new version of Sam's Town, which is composed almost only of a beautiful grand piano and Brandon Flowers. I love this entire album and you should too. I am appauled that these are considered "B-sides" since some of them are their best work. If this album was lost or stolen, I would definately go buy a new copy. This is The Killers at their greatest, please do yourself the favor of listening to this album. // 10

Comments

[mdsmith1]

sounds pretty cool. brandon flowers is a mormon, like me! kind of...

[CLaSH88]

Are you sure you don't mean moron?

[TaV0]

Well, Just got the album today and I believe it's really good, some of those b-sides are already well known, some other tracks are new to me. But still a very enjoyable album, specially if you're a fan of this amazing band, like me

[AerialOverdrive]

All of there melodies seem so natural.
I've always been a fan.
Good to see they're keeping up with the hype :

[ZeppelinruleZ]

im hesitant to buy this because there are so many songs already on the other cd's

[ZeppelinruleZ]

anyone bought it yet? help me out

[Phoenix_24Leas]

CLaSH88 wrote:

Are you sure you don't mean moron?

haha WIN

[the.spine.surfs]

Eigh, you don't have to *buy* it..you can always sample it...

[stumaster18]

Pointless release. just a way to make more money. I have both of their CDs, but I definitely won't pick this one up.

[TheCoffinRobber]

I'll be running to Wal-Mart to pick it up later... not being an avid collector of B-sides and rarities, I've only heard "White Boys" and "Pretty Faces" so far from this album, and am quite looking forward to what Brandon Flowers can bring.

[CLaSH88]

stumaster18 wrote:

Pointless release. just a way to make more money. I have both of their CDs, but I definitely won't pick this one up.

So true

[Amroth]

If they have two cd's out.. Then why the hell release a compilation? This smells of greed like little else.

[FordingtonField]

Shadowplay completes the Glastonbury video and the version of Sam's Town is a treat. Ruby just shows that the boy can sing along with Romeo and Juliet. If you don't like The Killers, you'll hate it. If you like them, get a listen and decide which tracks you like. If you adore everything they do then this just fills those nicks and crannies to give a total view of the boys. It's got me ready for the Live DVD (come on it's about time) and the new collection of 12 numbers.

[sad.rock.444]

Are you sure you don't mean moron?

That was unnecessary. You don't have to put down someone's way of life to be funny.

Otherwise, I like the CD after first listen.

[Greg Man]

FordingtonField wrote:

Shadowplay completes the Glastonbury video and the version of Sam's Town is a treat. Ruby just shows that the boy can sing along with Romeo and Juliet. If you don't like The Killers, you'll hate it. If you like them, get a listen and decide which tracks you like. If you adore everything they do then this just fills those nicks and crannies to give a total view of the boys. It's got me ready for the Live DVD (come on it's about time) and the new collection of 12 numbers.

Right on, I'm glad there are others who like it.

[CLaSH88]

That was unnecessary. You don't have to put down someone's way of life to be funny.

Otherwise, I like the CD after first listen.[/quote]

Lol mate all humour is unnecessary, but with out it we'd all just be avergage joe smiths (see if anyone gets the reference)

[Fatally Jon]

The remix of "Mr. Brightside" not only makes the song listenable, but makes it incredible.
Overall, this is a magnificent collection.

[emoleafsfan]

i have hot fuss, and have only heard the singles from sam's town. is sam's town and this better than hot fuss? because i never found that one amazing, but its still an alright cd.

[derekwm2001]

I never thought Hot Fuss stood up as an album in its entireity. You had a hand full of good songs, but all of them weren't that great. Yes, Sam's Town and Sawdust are definitely, in my opinion, better than Hot Fuss.

[djostreet]

I'd say Sam's Town and Sawdust are definetly the best. I picked it up right away and it is great.

[jv_music]

Cool stuff! I'm happy I preordered it and got it the day it came out.

Hot-Fuss was Synth-Rock and Sawdust is more like the good old Rock & Roll. I haven't heard much of Sam's Town yet. Gotta get that. But no doubt Sawdust is my favorite. Their cover of Shadowplay sounds so funky when semi headbanging to.

[That-Funny-Guy]

killers ****in rock i have their entire catalouge and listen to it as often as possible
sawdust pwns

[slann101]

That-Funny-Guy wrote:

killers ****in rock i have their entire catalouge and listen to it as often as possible
sawdust pwns

tbh dude, theyve only released 2 albums. hardly a hardship to get the whole cataloge is it???

[Roland_Casey]

I doubt when I heard they will release a b-sides compilation. Not only because they just got 2 albums, but 2 albums got different styles. but when i put the disc to cd player, it blew me away!!.. they did a new recordings for many songs, not just put it together. trust me for good music or save money to buy other crap.

[Ledcraft]

don't get sam's town jv_music man, it's so bad compared to hot fuss.... haven't heard sawdust yet, I'll have to pick it up...

[jv_music]

already bought it hahaha. i like it, but it's not as good as hot fuss and sawdust. it just doesn't get me singing and moving like those two albums, but it's still pretty good.

[mansell863]

i love it all apart from the bonus tracks from hot fuss, ther to...yerno "pop"

[auron599]

This Cd's amazing and obviously a band who keeps pulling further from the mainstream in order to make better music despite constant media bashing isn't "doing it for the money" These tracks are amazing and it would be a real loss for fans to miss out on any of them, so stop bitching, if you don't like the killers get off their board, if you do, buy the cd. And yes I'm a fanboy so suck it

[gothkitty20]

I think it is a great cd...fantastic, solid songwriting and incredible vocals by brandon..almost as good as their regular releases! love the lou reed song as well...Brandon reminds me of bono on the Joshua Tree CD

[TheAngryMob875]

I think that there are a few songs on Hot Fuss, (Jenny, Brightside, Somebody told me, All these things, Smile, On Top, Midnight show) that were compeltely off the charts. however, andy youre a star and everything is alright were kind of fillers. Natalie was a good song, but not the first killers song i would go to on my Ipod. However, on Sam's town, there were no filelrs. All through the cd the songs are incredible. However, the style is different, more old fashioned rock, and sometimes u can miss the keyboards of jenny and great riffs of Mr. Brightside. I believe they are equal. both are 10 out of 10. I love Sawdust. It's a great b-side and rarities album. You cant expect it to be as great as the other records, but it is. And i find it hilarious it was 12th on the charts, when it was just songs they scrapped together as b-sides. Michael Valentine, Under the gun, tranquilize, white boys. all great.

[benjidude945]

ok ok
Hot Fuss has no filler tracks to speak of
yes even everything will be alright, which is a great song
Sam's Town was good but had one awful song, Uncle Johnny (worst killers song ever!)
But this has some fantastic tracks with only minor filler. Tranquilize blows me away!!!
Shadowplay is a neat cover
but Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf is truly what everyone needs from this one.
It is one of their best songs, better than almost all of Sam's Town.
No joke.

[Dan"leftiebass"]

Sawdust to me is showing the beginnings of Killers, like "leave the bourbon on the shelf" (in daves apartment- look at the insert of the album) reminds me of practice with my mates starting with a stupid idea and turning it into something original and great.
And you can't forget the ending of the "Mr Brightside" remix; ...'he's a captain' (you'll know if you've got the album) -a simple short riff like the interlude on Sam's Town.
Sawdust can only be appreciated if you want to know the full story of the Killers, and what i think, the true style of the Killers

[Dan"leftiebass"]

Sawdust to me is showing the beginnings of Killers, the B-sides like "leave the bourbon on the shelf" (in daves apartment- look at the insert of the album) reminds me of practice with my mates starting with a stupid idea and turning it into something original and great.
And you can't forget the ending of the "Mr Brightside" remix; ...'he's a captain' (you'll know if you've got the album) -a simple short riff like the interlude on Sam's Town.
Sawdust can only be appreciated if you want to know the full story of the Killers.

[guitarmack1]

the Killers are homos

[kfizzle77]

let me say that this album is by far the best... bash my opinion all you want. The killers other two albums were amazing as well but Sawdust seems to portray a side so different from the other albums. The guitar playing and flow of words give off such a new rock and roll sound and one that i believe to the best out there.

Let me also add that with the dramatically horrible path the sound of rock and roll is taking(HINDER, BUCKCHERRY,FINGER 11, and NICKLEBACK.....)music like that of the killers is quite a relieving.

[charco]

Heard them a couple of years ago at a place called the ambassador in Dublin and they were really great live, then saw them at oxygen festival and they were really terrible... But I like that song with Lou Reed, it's pretty good