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Over the past week or so, I’ve entered very volatile territory, as I’ve let this one particular song infiltrate my brain, and there’s absolutely no way I can get it out.

The Killers are back and Human is a stunning track through and through. You know you’re in ‘earworm territory’ when you play a song 15 times in a row and it gives you the same feeling the first play and the last. Wow, just wowwwwwww…

If you’re wondering what it may be similar to, think Read My Mind from Sam’s Town - the best song on the record methinks - but a little bit dancier. I simply love the crescendos/piano melody/buildups/drum pattern/synth development. A lot of the credit would have to go to Stuart Price who produced it (the same guy who did the Thin White Duke remix of Mr. Brightside.) That remix was a big hit in dance pockets, and I remember it was received quite well by fans and I think the band really enjoyed that kind of sound as well. This song is almost like a remix in itself.

The Killers are a force - they are making good on something I remember them saying before their first album went huge - that they wanted to be this generation’s U2. Those are big shoes to fill, and they still have miles to go, but they’re trying (hit after hit after hit implies trying) and I love them for it.

I’ve also begun to notice as an engaged fan that Brandon’s lyrics are mostly simple, but his couplets are very good for imagining things and kind of disappearing into one’s own world. Simple yet powerful metaphors are a strong way to engage a large group of fans, so props have to go to Brandon for really honing this ability.

Lastly, but maybe most importantly, I believe that the guitarist with the mop-top who never says anything and seems like the shyest guy in the world (Dave Keuning) is the one who comes up with all these beautiful melodies and guitar riffs. You know what they say about the silent ones - watch out! I hear the song is already doing well at radio, and I hope it’s a staple on MuchMusic when the video comes out.

I also hope the album is consistent with this song, because unlike their first album Hot Fuss - which has to be considered one of the best debuts of the decade - Sam’s Town was a little thin after When You Were Young and Read My Mind. They’re already ahead of the curve though, with undoubtedly one of the earworms of the year.

Listen: The Killers - Human

Posted on Friday, October 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm by Paco G. and is filed under Music & Videos.

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