The Killers began their 2009 North American tour at the University of Denver’s 8,000-person capacity Magness Arena Saturday night. And though the show was plagued by sound issues and got off to a shaky start, the night ultimately proved the tour will be remembered for its dazzling production and the Las Vegas quartet's anthemic tunes.

What? Mercury Rev will release their seventh and eighth albums September 30 in two very different ways. Hailed by critics as a return to form, Snowflake Midnight, the act's proper full-length release, showcases Mercury Rev's brand of dreamy, psychedelic pop while delivering poetic and accessible lyrics that feel timeless in their flow and delivery.

This show was raw. I don't mean delicate and tasty "sushi raw," I mean "day old hamburger that's been sitting by the grill all night," raw. The kind of raw your momma didn't want you going anywhere near. It's mean, retching from the gut rock'n'roll, and it's delivered with passion.