Sawdust - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
With only two studio releases behind them, it might surprise some to hear that the Killers had enough material to release a b-sides and rarities CD only five years after forming, but this is definitely no all-filler/no-killer collection, instead containing a mittful of legitimately strong and worthwhile songs. There are four never-before-released Killer songs on Sawdust, including "Tranquilize," featuring rock legend Lou Reed on half of the vocals, a number that is filled with a Queen-affected operatic touch. The previously unreleased "Shadowplay"--a Joy Division cover--unfortunately pales compared to the original, while "Leave Your Bourbon at the Door" is easily the summit of the CD; a longtime live favorite, the song's despair and urgency is a must-have for any Killer fan. Also noteworthy is an outtake from the Hot Fuss sessions called "Under the Gun," a driving melody with a memorable chorus that feels like a Killers classic. Lesser-known tracks gathered together on this compilation include "Move Away"--first heard on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack--which is straight-up U2-circa-Vertigo era, but still exciting to listen to. Some previously released b-sides are cover tunes that provide musical whimsy, but not much more: the trad-country "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," which was made famous by Kenny Rogers, while the impassioned "Romeo and Juliet" tune--written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame--is nearly mimicked by Flowers, and serves little more purpose than providing homage to a wonderfully written melody and tale. --Denise Sheppard

Album Description
Sawdust includes "All The Pretty Faces" (which was the b-side of "When You Were Young"); two movie soundtrack tunes, "Shadowplay" (a Joy Division cover from Control, Anton Corbijn's biopic of Ian Curtis) and "Move Away" (from Spiderman 3); as well as a cover of Kenny Rogers & The First Edition's "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town" (written by Mel Tillis)

The collection will also contain songs which weren't completed for Hot Fuss and Sam's Town. The Killers recently went back into the studio to finish the tracks, including "Tranquilize" featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lou Reed.

Album Description
Import pressing of the Las Vegas band's 2007 collection of B-sides and rarities includes one bonus track: 'Change Your Mind'. Pulled from singles and import releases, Sawdust also features a pair of new cuts: 'Shadowplay' (their cover of the Joy Division track, pulled from the Control soundtrack) plus 'Tranquilize', their duet with Lou Reed which is the first single pulled from Sawdust. Island.

Customer Reviews: Read 51 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Sometimes leftovers can be just as sweet November 14, 2007
23 out of 24 found this review helpful

The killers are such a talented and innovative synth rock group that every song they touch is potential gold. Their Midas touch is apparent on this album, which is a collection of unreleased tracks from previous albums, b-sides, covers, remixes, and one terrific new track.

Seventeen tracks make for a long and enjoyable listening experience, starting with the new track and first single "Tranquilize" which was recorded with Lou Reed. This is simply one of the best songs I've heard in a while, and has been playing (loudly) on "repeat" as I write this.

Covers: Shadowplay (originally by Joy Division); Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town (The First Edition, which included Kenny Rogers); Romeo and Juliet (Dire Straits).

B-sides and remixes: All the Pretty Faces; Under the Gun; Where the White Boys Dance; Show You How; Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll; Who Let You Go?; The Ballad of Michael Valentine; Daddy's Eyes; Sam's Town; Mr. Brightside, Questions with the Captain (very short, very hidden track).

Previously unreleased tracks: Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf; Sweet Talk.

Other: Move Away (remix of track from Spiderman 3).

It's almost impossible to recommend specific tracks, but if I was forced to choose, I'd go with:

Tranquilize
Sweet Talk
Shadowplay
Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
Mr. Brightside

Try the samples on Amazon, and then if you agree with me, buy the album or at least these tracks - they're more than worth the price.

Amanda Richards, November 14, 2007

3 out of 5 stars

The Raw And The Cooked. December 14, 2007
18 out of 21 found this review helpful

I own numerous b-side compilations from many different artists. I also own both of The Killers cds "Hot Fuss" and "Sam's Town". Generally speaking, b-side compilations tend to be on the average side--unfinished, rough drafts of songs that didn't quite make the cut. Every once in a while I find a b-side compilation that contains a-sides, or songs that should have made the Top 40. Case in point, Pet Shop Boys 1995 b-side compilation "Alternative". More often than not, however, b-side compilations are a mixed blessing such as Tears For Fears' "Saturnine Lunatic & Marshal" or Cake's "B-Sides & Rarities". Even U2's second discs from "Best Of U2 1980-1990" and "Best Of U2 1990-2000" were hit and miss.

So what about "Sawdust"? Well, there are some good songs like their cover of Joy Division's "Shadowplay", their cover of Kenny Rogers' "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town"(although Cake's version is equally as good), and their cover of Dire Straits' "Romeo & Juliet". Other reasonably good songs include the remix of "Mr. Brightside", the Abbey Road version of "Sam's Town", "Who Let You Go?", "Where The White Boys Dance", "Under The Gun", "Leave The Bourbon On The Shelf", "All The Pretty Faces" and "Glamorous Indie Rock And Roll" and maybe even "Move Away". The other songs felt average to me. I was particularly disappointed with "Tranquilize" and Lou Reed. I've heard much better from Reed and The Killers and "Tranquilize" felt like such a waste of a potentially great moment.

I agree with some of the other reviewers here that with only two cds The Killers are pushing it here. Most artists don't put out a b-sides until they have at least 5 or 6 albums out, sometimes much more. Yet, I see the Gorillaz have done the same thing with their "D-Sides" after only two cds (which I will review next week). Overall, "Sawdust" is fifty-fifty. There's some good songs and some not-so-good songs. I didn't feel there were any great songs here. "Hot Fuss" and "Sam's Town" contain some great songs surrounded by some good songs. "Sawdust" is just a stop-gap between albums, and a chance for The Killers and the record company to cash in at the holiday time.

3 out of 5 stars

Leftovers from the Sawmill November 21, 2007
8 out of 14 found this review helpful

I find it kind of amazing that a band only two albums into their career is at the point where a batch of leftovers constitutes a new CD. But hey, it is the holiday season, and I guess The Killers need to strike while their collective iron is still hot. After all, last year's genius (the terrific Sam's Town) could be next year's has been.

From the sounds of the material on "Sawdust," that is a fate I doubt will befall Brandon Flowers and company anytime soon. The two new songs here shore up the maturation apparent on "Sam's Town" and the demos/B-sides chronicle the evolution from post-new wave Hot Fuss ravers to Springsteen disciples in the band's relatively short existence. The main attraction is "Tranquilize," a duet with eternally cranky and creaky Lou Reed, who sounds so natural here that it's downright spooky. Reed and Flowers trade off verses and sound so in-synch with each other that you can almost miss the fact that it's a duet.

The Killers' contribution to the Ian Curtis bio-pic, "Control," is also revelatory. Taking on Joy Division's "Shadowplay" is daunting enough, and the band makes it sound like a tribute and not at all like the karaoke you dreaded might be lurking in the background. The other two cover tunes are telling, as well. Playing Kenny Rogers' "Ruby (Don't Take Your Love To Town)" as a bit of a lark is good fun to hear, but the reverent version of Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet" (recorded live at Abby Road in a very subdued fashion) shows a facet of the band that's pretty darn sweet. Same goes for slowed down piano take on "Sam's Town," which really shores up those Springsteen ambitions.

After that, the songs range from pretty good ("Where The White Boys Dance") to demos that still needed work ("Daddy's Eyes") to unnecessary (a who-cares remix of "Mr Brightside"). Unless you're deeply into The Killers, you can probably pass on this and wait to see where Flowers' muse leads him next.

5 out of 5 stars

"Take me to the place where the white boys dance..." November 28, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

The Killer's Sawdust contains b-sides and rarities, and one new track called Tranquilize featuring Lou Reed. To my delight, Sawdust is an enjoyable album, the unreleased tracks have great melodies and interesting lyrics. Some of the tracks I have heard before like The Ballad of Michael Valentine, Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll, and Under the Gun from the Hot Fuss Special Edition LP. Some of my favorite songs from Sawdust include: Sweet Talk, All The Pretty Faces, Move Away, Who Let You Go?, Romeo & Juliet, Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf, Daddy's Eyes, Where the White Boys Dance, and Sam's Town (Abbey Road Version). Hard to believe some of these songs didn't make it on their last two studio albums, The Killers continue to churn out pop/rock masterpieces. Get Sawdust today!

5 out of 5 stars

Great Compilation from an Outstanding Band November 14, 2007
5 out of 7 found this review helpful

Since my purchase of Sawdust, I have not been able to stop listening to it. Many of b-sides are just as good (some even better) as songs that have appeared on the Killers two studio albums. Saying that, the album does have a few low points (i.e. "Show You How" and "Who Let You Go?"). There are a lot of outstanding songs to be found here, like the new single "Tranquilize" which is a duet with Lou Reed and "Romeo and Juliet," a Dire Straights cover. Fans of the Killers are more likely to appreciate this compilation rather than the casual listeners. Definitely worth the purchase and will hopefully hold us fans over until the release of their next studio album.

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