November 2013 ~ How hard can it be?

Today, we start a new topic on our blog, because music, like traveling, is the sense of our life. We simply can’t imagine our lives without music. Because, as Lou Reed said, “Music is all”.

A few days ago The Killers released the best of album. Is this album really necessary? Probably not, because everyone who knows The Killers is familiar with all those songs. The Killers have been playing together since 2003 and they have recorded only four studio albums. After 10 years, the band decided to compile their 15 best songs and put them on one album called Direct Hits. That is not the last album of the band as many people suggested, it is just a summary of their 10 years together, to close one chapter and start another.

The album was released on 11st Nov. 2013 in 2 versions:

CD Album

Deluxe CD Album

Tracks:

1. Mr. Brightside

(Hot Fuss), written by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning.

released on 29th September 2003.

That was the debut single of the band. The song is about a man who is jealous of a girl. Lyrics is inspired by Brandon Flowers’s story with his ex girlfriend and his friend (probably MGG).

The Killers - Mr. Brightside

Favourite line:
“It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss”

2. Somebody Told Me
(Hot Fuss), written by Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci.

released in The UK on 15th March 2004

The second single and second big hit. There was a lot of controversy about the video which is very similar with New Order video to Crystal.

The Killers - Somebody Told Me

Favourite line:
“It's not confidential, I've got potential
A rushing, rushing around”

3. Smile Like You Mean It
(Hot Fuss), written by Brandon Flower and Mark Stoermer.

released in The UK on 2^ndMay 2005

That’s one of my favorite song on the album.

The Killers- Smile Like You Mean It

Favourite line:
“Save some face, you know you've only got one
Change your ways while you're young”

4. All These Things That I've Done

(Hot Fuss), written by Brandon Flowers.

released in The UK on 30^thAugust 2005

The band recorded the song with a gospel choir.

The Killers - All These Things That I've Done

Favourite line:

“I got soul, but I'm not a soldier”

5. When You Were Young
(Sam’s Town), written by Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci.

released in The UK on 18^thSeptember 2006

The music video was filmed in Mexico and was inspired by 2 Mexican movies. For me this song is really special because that was my first The Killers song I have ever heard.

The Killers - When You Were Young

Favourite line:

“And sometimes you close your eyes
And see the place where you Used to live
When you were young”

6. Read My Mind
(Sam’s Town), written by Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer.

released in The UK on 13th February 2007

The video was filmed in Tokyo, Japan. On the last concert in Europe the band played the acoustic version of the song, fans were truly excited about that.

The Killers - Read My Mind

Favourite line:

“Oh well, I don't mind, you don't mind
'Cause I don't shine if you don't shine”

7. For Reasons Unknown
(Sam’s Town), written by Brandon Flowers.

released in The UK on 25th June 2007

When I saw it for the first time I thought that the video id really weird :/ Now I love it. When the band plays it live, the bassist Mark Stoermer plays the guitar and Brandon Flowers plays the bass.

The Killers - For Reasons Unknown

Favourite line:

“But my heart - it don't beat, it don't beat the way it used to
And my eyes - they don't see you no more”

8. Human
(Day & Age), written by Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci.

released in UK on 12nd September 2008

That was the first single from the third album – Day and Age. I was shocked when I watched it for the first time. Why? Because everything was different. the Music, the band, the video… just everything…

Different The Killers? Why not!

The Killers - Human

Favourite line:

“Are we human? Or are we dancer?”

9. Spaceman
(Day & Age), written by Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci.

released on 4^thNovember 2008

I simply love the suit ;)

The Killers - Spaceman

Favourite line:

“The star maker says, "It ain't so bad"
The dream maker's going make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
Its all in your mind"

10. A Dustland Fairytale

(Day & Age), written by Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci.

released in UK on 10^thJune 2009

This song has a personal background, it’s about Brandon’s parents. Big and emotional song, especially live.

The Killers - A Dustland Fairytale

Favourite line:

“Now Cinderella don't you go to sleep
It’s such a bitter form of refuge
Ah don't you know the kingdoms under siege
And everybody needs you
Is there still magic in the midnight sun
Or did you leave it back in sixty-one
In the of the cadence in the young man’s eyes
And were the dreams roll high”

11. Runaways
(Battle Born), written by Brandon Flowers.
released on 17^th September 2012

The Killers came back after 4 year brake with this song. The song received positive review from the critics, who said that this is the most powerful single, one of those everyone wants to hear.

The Killers - Runaways

Favourite line:
“There's a picture of us on our wedding day
I recognize the girl but I can't settle in these walls”

12. Miss Atomic Bomb
(Battle Born), written by Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci
released on 23^rdOctober 2012

The Killers filmed two videos to this song, the first one was made by G. Testi and shows images from The UK tour. The seconds one is the continuation of the story from Mr. Brightside. The main female character was played by Polish actress Isa Miko.

Live video by Giorgio Testi:

The Killers - Miss Atomic Bomb

Animated video shoot by Warren Fu:

The Killers - Miss Atomic Bomb (2)

Favourite lines:
“You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone”

13. The Way It Was
(Battle Born), written by Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci

This song wasn't a single, so, to be honest, I have no idea why it is on the album. Maybe The Killers feel sentimental about that song?

The Killers -The Way It Was

Favourite line:
“Darling! Darling!
If we go on. Can it be (can it be) the way it was
When we met
Did you forget all about them golden nights?”

14. Shot at the Night
(New), written by Brandon Flowers

Brilliant, especially live!

Live:

The Killers - Shot at the Night

The official video:
The Killers - Shot at the Night (2)

Favourite lines:

“Once in a lifetime”
“Give me a shot at the night
Give me a moment, some kinda mysterious”

15. Just Another Girl
(New), written by Brandon Flowers

The Killers - Just Another Girl

Favourite line:
“Then why can't I sleep at night?
And why don't the moon look right?”

3 additional songs on the deluxe album:

16. Mr. Brightside (original demo)

17. When You Were Young (Calvin Harris Remix)
----------------------------------No Idea ---------------------------------
Never heard and never will

18.Be Still
(Battle Born), written by Brandon Flowers, Lanois

Now, you know exactly what is on the cd. The band has chosen 3 to 4 songs from every album and, except “The way it was”, all of those songs were singles. I think the whole idea is great, and rhe album is a good opportunity for new fans to get to know The Killers music.

The band's music had changed over the years. They began with Hot Fuss album which was very British in style. There are four songs from that album: “Mr. Brightside”, “Somebody Told Me”, “Smile Like You Mean It”, “All These Things That I've Done”. It’s hard to pinpoint my favourite of those, As they are all different. Mr. Brightside” and ““Somebody Told Me” are rhythmic song with big recognizable chorus. “Smile Like You Mean It” is a little bit slower. I have found the beauty of that song after watching the video which is perfect. “All These Things That I've Done” has the most famous line from all the lyrics on that album: “I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier”. This 4 songs should appear on the album, but I definitely miss "Jenny was a friend of mine”. I know that it wasn’t a single but it is the most popular song among The Victims (The Killers fans).

2 years after Hot Fuss, the band released their second album called Sam’s Town, which is totally different from the first one. From Sam’s Town we have got 3 songs: “When You Were Young”, “Read My Mind”,” For Reasons Unknown”. The Killers changed their image, added to their music more rock sound and stronger vocal. “When you were young” was the first single from this album and I’ve got a big sentiment for that song, because as I wrote before, that was the first The Killers song I have ever heard. I was totally impressed by it. Everything is perfect, guitars, drums and Brandon Flowers' voice. “Read My Mind” has a funny video, but the lyrics is serious and motivating. As the third song from the album the band has chosen “For Reason Unknown”. That song has a different bass sound because it isn’t played by Mark Stoermer but by Brandon Flowers. Sam’s Town is my favourite The Killers album so I missed a lot of songs like “Sam’s Town”, Bling (confession of a king), “Uncle Johny” and “The river is wild”. We couldn’t have everything so I forgive them this small mistake ;)

The third album is/was Day & Age. To be honest, I have a big problem with it. There are few very good songs and some which I don’t get. On Direct Hits there are: “Human”, “Spaceman” and “A Dustland Fairytale”. “Human” is probably the most well-known The Killers song, you could hear it everywhere, even in Polish shops. I was shocked when I heard it and watched the video for the first time. I liked it but I couldn’t believe that was The Killers ;) “Spaceman” - this song shows you that everything is possible - the success only depends of your mind. My favorite song from Day and Age is definitely “A Dustland Fairytale”. It's a Very personal song and you can hear it in every verse. Big emotions and big lyrics. I only miss one song from this album: “The World That We Live In”. It was a single, not very popular but the song has a specific character.

“Runaways”, “Miss Atomic Bomb”, “The Way It Was” and “Be Still” are from the newest studio album called Battle Born, which was released a year ago. “Runaways” was the first single after 4 years break. I remember waiting for that song, because we didn’t know what to expect. Great rock song! That was a short come back to Sam’s Town era. “The Way It Was” is a great song but only played live. The second part has a strong verse beginning with the words: “Darling, darling….” On the deluxe version you will find a song titled “Be Still”. Calm ballad with beautiful lyrics.

The Killers recorded 2 brand new songs for the album: “Shot at the Night” and “Just Another Girl”, which were written by Brandon Flowers during The Battle Born World Tour.

I’m sure that every Victim will buy The Killers new album. Because, as fans, they just want to have it and of course for two new songs. I bought it too, I went to a music shop in Manchester where there were playing the whole album and simply felt that I should had it. If you don’t know The Killers music and if you are The Victim – buy it! It’s worth to spend your money on. You really should consider buying the deluxe version, as it includes the best song of that album - a demo version of “Mr. Brightside”.

Aaaaand here's part 2 of the guide!!! ;)

7. Miso soup and tsukemono (pickles)

I hate soups. I know it's bad to start a paragraph on a soup with that sentence, but yeah, I hate soups. There are only a few I enjoy, and miso is one of them. It's not a difficult soup to make, really. The best thing about it is the taste - rich, salty flavour with great mix of spices - Miso is the best way to start a meal in Japan!

6. Mochi

That is one weird, but tasty experience! Mochi is basically steamed rice pounded into a solid, sticky mass with different filling inside (most traditional ones are red bean paste, black sesame and green tea). They are extremely popular in Japan and in other Asian countries. Though none of the traditional flavours seem attractive, you must try mochi! It definitely is a different take on sweets!

5. Katsudon or Oyakodon (rice dish with pork/chicken cutlet and egg)

One hell of an awesome one-pot wonder! Oyakodon and katsudon are usually served in those little hole-in-the-wall restaurants with electronic food ordering machines. They are done within 5 minutes from you placing the order, and are served steaming hot;) a pretty tasty deal!

4. Sushi normal style

There is nothing better in the world than sushi in Japan. Nothing and nobody can beat that taste! The thing is, sushi in Japan js pretty inexpensive. And served with the freshest ingredients!

3. Tonkatsu

I come from a country where tonkatsu is an every day dish ;) But our tonkatsu is definitely different from the Japanese one. The original tonkatsu is flavourful, juicy and crispy, usually served with a salad or cabbage. It is one of the cheapest meals you can get in Japan, and one of the best!

2. Sushi conveyer belt style

There is one place in Tokyo that is a must - Sushi Zanmai in Akihabara district ( (すしざんまい), Yodobashi Akiba 1F/8F). The first floor outlet is a traditional chef and counter operation, the eighth floor is a more foreigner-friendly "conveyor belt"-style. Plates ¥98-628.

1. Onigiri (rice balls with filling)

Onigiri are, what I like to call, surprise food. Why? Cuz my Japanese reading skills are non-existent, so I never know what I'll get in my rice ball. The inside is a big mystery and it is actually fun to eat - you can play the guessing game with your friends trying to guess what exactly is inside your onigiri :) And, to be honest, onigiri is my favourite food from Japan - fun, creative, handy... Beats sushi just because it's great to eat during travelling :)