The Killers: Direct Hits

This time of the year has been, and is continuing to be, huge for mainstream artists. Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Eminem, 1D, and Justin Timberlake have all released (or will release) albums in the recent weeks or months. But another band,  famous in their own right, are releasing their first Greatest Hits album to celebrate the 10 years that have passed since their first UK show many moons ago. Now I am a HUGE fan of this Las Vegas based band - The Killers. They garnered much mainstream success following their first two - very well-received - albums: 2004's Hot Fuss and 2006's Sam's Town. Their sound has tones of 80's rock, electronica, pop, and indie just to name a few. The Killers have something for everyone. Now they might not have created the headlines like Miley, the international epidemic like One Direction, or changed the face of Hip-Hop like Eminem, but that being said, the opening bars to 'Mr. Brightside' are instantly recognizable - arguably iconic. We've all heard about that '...Boyfriend who looked like a girlfriend that I had in February of last year." And what about the repetitive "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier"? Yes, The Killers, led by frontman Brandon Flowers, have created some critically acclaimed and celebrated anthems of their own. 
   After a hiatus following 2008's Day & Age, the four boys from Nevada took some time to focus on their solo careers and families. They then came back with a bang last year with Battle Born.  Today they have just released a Greatest Hits album titled Direct Hits, containing an arsenal of their most celebrated tunes, along with a couple new ones to tide the fans over until they release their next new album. Of course I bought it, despite owning nearly all the songs on its track listing already. Now how did they do with their choices? Were some of their bigger hits snubbed? How did some lackluster songs make the cut? As long as their earlier anthems made it on, I knew I would be a happy girl. So am I? You betcha. (Even if Jenny Was a Friend of Mine was rudely left off the album). Are their two new songs any good? Yessiree. And a little 'something special' for those who should feel so inclined as to purchase the deluxe edition of the album is the original demo of the band's signature track Mr. Brightside. It's a little rough around the edges, missing some of that studio refinement, but it's got a great rock vibe to it that definitely makes it worth a listen. Overall, it's a fun album for fans who have been waiting for something more from their beloved band, providing a nice collection of tracks to listen to on repeat until the boys from the desert give us more insta-classics.
   The Killers - who have even earned comparisons to the likes of Coldplay and U2 and have been deemed our generations great rock band - are proving that they are still relevant in today's British Boy band, forgettable bubblegum pop dominated music scene. Don't lose hope music fans, The Killers matter. Give 'em a listen, you just might be impressed.
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Rachel Ruecker