10. Somebody Told Me
When The Killers released this their first single in 2004, Rock & Roll had seen better days. (Uh, Evanescence, Linkin Park? No thanks.) In fact, the early 2000s were pretty boring all around for Rock. But like a stocky casino bouncer dressed in black, this synth-rock track put the rock game in a choke hold. And the band that wrote it has yet to let go.
Smooth Harold is the official blog of Blake Snow, a freelance writer and media consultant living the good life with a wife and kids. Among other things, he is writing a book on finding offline balance in an increasingly online world. He can be reached by email.
How can I help you? No really, is there something specific I can assist you in? Ask me anything self-employed, writing, design, or life related, and I'll gratuitously reply (usually same day) or put you in contact with someone who can. The Smooth Harold Helpdesk is at your service!
Over the years, I've benefited both personally and professionally from kind and intelligent individuals over lunch. Yes, good people still exist. So if you're ever in the greater Salt Lake area (all are welcome) and want to grab a friendly bite, don't hesitate to ask.
October 6th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
How can this be a Killers top ten without Midnight Show, or Move Away in there?
October 6th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Believe you me, Micah, Midnight Show was 11 or 12.
October 7th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Hm. I don’t know tons of Killers songs, but the few I know — I like.
I’m going to take a minute and comment on the “bigger than Led Zeppelin or Nirvana” idea, though. I will start by saying that I like the Killers. But so much of their sound and looks remind me of the good things about other (past) bands. I don’t think that is the makings of a great, great band. People remember Led Zeppelin and Nirvana because they changed the whole sound of music at the moment they entered the music scene.
I know that’s debatable, but I just don’t think the Killers have enough originality to be that big.
June 28th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Very good list man, on most of the lists you will find Mr. Brightside as the number one. I would just like to say you missed Uncle Johnny, one of their edgiest and best songs. Also Jenny was a Friend of mine is one of their best, but I agree with you on #1. “I got soul but I’m not a soldier!”. Oh and lastly I picture them as the new Police or U2 more than Nirvana or Zeppelin, personally I prefer The Killers than Nirvana or Zep.
March 24th, 2011 at 1:47 am
I’m surprised no one has Bling on any of their lists. That’s my favorite Killers song I think
April 5th, 2011 at 11:00 am
Thank you for seeing that A Dustland Fairytale is one of their greatest. Nobody else seems to put it on their list, which always surprises me because, like you said, the lyrics are like poetry. They’re completely amazing.
I’m also glad to see Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll on your list. Brandon has openly admitted that it’s his least favorite Killers song, but I think that for the subject The Killers managed to hit the nail right on the head both lyric and beat wise. Fantastic.