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March 14, 2007

1083: Brusha! Brusha! Brusha!

For the record, I don't like the Killers.

I can't quite figure out why, but I know it's not borne out of any lame, contrarian desire to hate something so many people obviously enjoy. I don't mind their music, to be fair, although something about it seems engineered to burrow itself into the human brain and stay there for extended periods of time like some sort of musical larvae. (Knock on wood that some Killer's single doesn't gestate in there and come rocketing out like an alien.)

One thing in particular that annoys me about the Killers is how they're compared to everyone -- particularly bands I feel very strongly about. Did everyone who got a non-rap record deal in the past 5 years have to sign some sort of document in which they'll claim to (or at least not present anything to the contrary) worship the Smiths? Or were all these Smiths fans just sitting around, doing nothing until recently? I read a review of "Sam's Town" that seemed like a laundry list of influences -- Duran Duran? The Cure? Yeah, I can kinda-sorta see that -- but also, kinda-sorta not. Also, who cares? There's a lot of crappy bands in the world who claim to be influenced by a lot of bands and people I like. Am I BFF with every single person at a Morrissey concert? Nah. So why do I feel obliged to give the Killers a shot just because they (intentionally or not) rode the "OMG I love the Smiths, too!" train into town? I don't honestly know.

I think my major issue with them is that everything they do seems so calculated and soulless -- harsh, I know, but it's my impression. However skilled the execution, it just manages to come out seeming a little false. It's just so studied and careful that something about it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I'm sorry if that offends anyone. Actually, I don't anticipate hearing any protests on this because whenever I've mentioned the Killers to people, I've never gotten a solid "Whoa, you just insulted my favoritest band ever!" reaction. If anything, I've had a number of people admit to being disappointed with them and sharing my sentiments.

In any event... damn the Killers for throwing in a little green monster cutie:

How can I resist that?!

Edited to add: To wash that icky feeling away... an influencer with heart to spare.

Posted by ashley at March 14, 2007 11:19 AM

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