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Flowers & co.: Chips, not feathers, on shoulders? / Photo by Erik Weiss
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Killers on New Single: "It's Pet Shop Boys Meets Johnny Cash"
Singer Brandon Flowers defends "Human," the dance-y hit off the Las Vegas quartet's new album Day & Age.
By Larry Fitzmaurice 10.31.08 10:05 AM
Flowers & co.: Chips, not feathers, on shoulders? / Photo by Erik Weiss
Killers frontman Brandon Flowers certainly isn't one to shy away from speaking his mind. And now the flamboyant singer has a new topic to tackle -- his band's synth-driven and dance-y new single "Human" (Watch on YouTube), whose lyrics and sound have come under fire from fans.
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While speaking to MTV News about a grammatical controversy concerning the song's chorus ("Are we human / Or are we dancer?"), Flowers took the defensive: "It's taken from a quote by [author Hunter S.] Thompson…'We're raising a generation of dancers,' and I took it and ran. I guess it bothers people that it's not grammatically correct, but I think I'm allowed to do whatever I want."
More interestingly, Flowers explained the origins of the electro-heavy tune, the lead single off the band's forthcoming record, Day & Age. "It was around for [the band's 2007 B-sides collection] Sawdust," he explained. "Me and [guitarist] Dave [Keuning] are more on the Pet Shop Boys side of the band, and they were an influence, definitely… the idea I had was, 'I think it's a cross between Johnny Cash and the Pet Shop Boys, if that's possible.'" One thing's for sure: It sounds a lot better than the Killers meets Lou Reed.
As someone who's not a Killers fan I have to say that Flowers is right about having the right to present his lyrics however he sees fit. The whole pseudo-flap reeks of that Alanis Morissette "Ironic" controvery some 10 years ago. Nonsense. I also applauded Flowers' take on Fall Out Boy and the like a few years back as mirroring their peers. As Marge Simpson would say, "It's true, but you shouldn't say it!" BTW: Johnny Cash meets Pet Shop Boys?How about Killers meets Killers. Not a terrible song but let's not overthink it fellas.
I am highly disappointed in the level of journalism that I came across in this simple news article. I would appreciate that if you were ever permitted to write for this magazine again you would pay a little more attention to your writing.
First, "flamboyant" is poor word choice because of the connotation it carries with it.
Second, what is wrong with The Killers and Lou Reed collaborating? "Tranquilize" was actually a very strong song that presented some of the band's deepest lyrics to date as well as showcasing Brandon Flowers' range more so than previous material.
This is a news article, not an editorial. Keep your bias out next time, please.
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