The Killers Adopt a New Sound, For Reasons Unkown

Released in 2006 under Island Universal, "Sam's Town" is the Killer's curious follow up to their 2004 explosive debut, "Hot Fuss".


Shifting gears completely, the boys ditch their eyeliner and sequined coats for a somewhat grittier sound. Unlike the infectious pop perfection of "Somebody Told Me", the title track of "Sam's Town" has a tad more substance as it attempts to serve as some sort of commentary, on what, is not quite clear. Small town America, breaking free? This is the problem with "Sam's Town", its melodies and flawed vocals give the impression that the Killer's are singing with great purpose, what that purpose is, however, is absent. In this sense the album is a rebel without a cause.

In terms of formality, "Sam's Town", "When You Were Young", and "Read My Mind" are essentially three versions of the same musical concept, tested on three different plot scenarios; a reflection of adolescence embodied in an angst ridden tune. Lucky for them, "This River is Wild" is certainly a redeeming (and successful) track, offering nice imagery in the lyrics, and a catchy fast tempo carrying the verses along, the latter being something the Killers are particularly good at.

Aside from the unnecessary cry for a serious audience, "Sam's Town" is actually an enjoyable album, when not dissected. All things considered, it deserves three stars for trying.

Music Makes Me Lose Controllll

Music is created with the intention of soliciting some sort of reaction, be it positive or negative. Songs that fail to do so, are merely sound. That being said, there were three songs that I've found, have indeed, struck a chord.

My first selection is "The Times They Are A-Changin'" By Bob Dylan. Partly because I'm a sucker for anything acoustic, but mostly because no matter when or where I here this song it hits me with the same intensity each time. I heard it growing up, I've heard it used in commercials, I've listened to lectures on why it is progressive for its time (on more than one occasion), and so forth. But each time I here that opening chord and raspy voice, I can't help but want to start swimming.

"Eight Miles High" By the Byrds was another song that seems to stand out. I really enjoyed the combination and trade off of a more forceful guitar and then simple strumming, plus the solo in the middle is quite impressive and certainly a trademark of the times. Another reason it stood out was more obscure, but the title reminded me of a line in "American Pie" By Don Mclean where he says "eight miles high and falling fast". I always found this to be an odd number seeing as eight miles isn't all that high, but now it makes more sense.

And lastly, "The Wind" By Cat Stevens. Right off the bat it sounded, and felt honest. Something that is extremely rare to find in popular music, particularly in recent times. It seems interesting to me that a lot of the folk rock was very socially conscious. It's clearly a reflection of the times and society, but it makes me wonder, well worry, what people will think listening to our popular music decades from now. What will it, and what does it say about us? Also, the lyrics aren't totally obscure, but they still maintain a complexity that keeps it interesting and pleasant to listen to. On a separate note, I've found that I enjoy the works of Cat Stevens over Yusuf Islam, whatever that implies.

Lit Circle Responses Part Deux

Section A-

What I find most interesting about the book, is the idea the good and evil cannot exist as only one or the other, and that we must embrace that humans are inherently both. It's extremely interesting to think about, because it also affects how the reader view the main character, Alex. There's all sorts of mixed emotions because he's not really a likable, but it's difficult to not sympathize at some points. I do enjoy this book, but only for the big picture. It's hard to read all of the "ultra-violence" and enjoy it, because that's kind of awkward.

Some Themes that I've Noticed:
-Good & Evil (as discussed above)
-The Nature of Violence

which are actually very much intertwined themes.

Section B-

Small Question: What are the historical origins of the "nadsat slang"?

Big Question: How does the treatment change the way the reader views Alex's character?


Section C-

In terms of important quotations, one that seems to stand out for me is the quote:

"Is a man who chooses the bad perhaps in some way better than a man who has the good imposed upon him?"

Though this isn't really a statement, it kind of infers that perhaps good that is imposed is not truly good at all. This is important to the idea of good and evil, and how increasingly much they seem to have in common. It also impacts the way we view Alex.

water analysis

4a.

Of the five Samples taken in Mexico, it is easiest to say that the similarities between the first three can be chalked up to the fact that they were taken from the same source, while the last two were taken from separate locations. Sample #1 was described as having low turbidity, which makes sense given that it was taken from the part of the water that had vegetation growing, meaning that it obviously was capable of sustaining life (no matter how minimal that life might be). Samples #2 and #3 however, were taken from the edge of the body of water, where the water does not receive any circulation, and lays stagnant, allowing any bacteria to fester. Sample #2 had the highest level of nitrates (15) and was also the one described as having a layer of “goop”. Samples #1, #4, and #5 all had neutral pH levels of 7, however, Samples #2 and #3 had pH levels of 6.6 and 6.5, slightly below what is considered neutral and consumable. This is due to the fact that they were taken in the locations with no circulation. However, all five samples had a dissolved oxygen level of 4ppm, and had relatively close temperatures, ranging from 20 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius.



4d.

Mexico Sample # 5, collected in the estuary area, is most similar to that of Sample #3 and Sample #5 of Famosa Slough. This is because Samples #3 and #5 were both taken within the closest proximity of the Famosa Slough itself. Some of the apparent similarities would be the DO levels, Mexico Sample #5 and Famosa Sample #3 both exhibiting a DO level of 4ppm (Famosa Sample #5 close with a DO level of 3.5ppm). As mentioned previously, Famosa sites #3 and #5 had lower levels of dissolved oxygen, presumably due to the fact that these areas had the most flowing water. The same can be said about Mexico Sample #5. Also, both Famosa Sample #1 and Mexico Sample #5 were described as having birds near by. This is made possible because of their neutral pH levels (7pH). Interestingly enough, the Mexico Sample had lower nitrate levels than those of the Famosa Slough. This may be because the soil in the Slough of the United States could be enriched with certain fertilizers and etc. that would produce a higher level of nitrates.

4e.

Mexico Sample #4 and the sample extracted from the San Diego Bay were actually extremely analogous, each statistic only being a fraction of a percent different. Both with neutral pH levels, Mexico with 7ph, San Diego Bay at 7.17 pH, and both with equivalent dissolved oxygen levels (4ppm). The neutral pH levels of the Mexico Sample were to be expected, considering it was taken from a beach where locals often went clamming. What’s interesting is, geographically speaking; a beach and a bay are rather different, one being a direct source, while the other is more of an inland pool of water with minimal circulation. However, the statistics taken from the beach and Mexico, and the San Diego Bay, did not reflect this polarity.

Citations!

Lapper, Richard. "World- US Migrant Workers Send Home $62.3 Bn." Financial Times. 15 Mar. 2007. 05 Sept. 2007 <http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f94e4d5c-d32b-11db-829f-000b5df10621.html. >

"City of Carslbad Evicts Migrant Workers." Migrant Housing Issue. 21 Nov. 2001. La Prensa San Diego. 02 Nov. 2007 <http://www.laprensa-sandiego.org/archieve/november21/MIGRANT.HTM. >

"Interview with Roberto Martinez." Border Operations/Migrant Life/ Organizing for Human Rights. 2007. 02 Nov. 2007 <http://www.inmotionmagazine.com/hrcr/rm2001a.html. >

Fotos

Stress.

There is no doubt I have been neglegent with the blog recently. Last week was absolute mayhem with all the fires and uncertainty. I'm glad it's over, but I now realize all the catching up on blog posts I have to do.

I'll start with baby steps considering there is much work to be done elsewhere.

Today in chemistry we learned about polyatomic ionic compounds, which was very interesting, and difficult.

Also, Vanessa, Mari, and I have yet to locate the interview tape from our expert interview source which is very distrubing and a great source of stress right now. However, we were productive with our work time today and completed the narration part of the video.