The Killers music

Bibliographic Information:
The Killers (Music artists). (2004 - 2008). Various songs. Island Records.

Summary:
For this review I listened to seven songs performed by The Killers. The first song is Human released in 2008. Written in the key of Bb it is intended to be a dance song with the beat corresponding to the chorus. The second song is Spaceman, also released in 2008. In this song, the singer discusses his abduction by aliens. He sings about being ripped from his bed, having his blood type taken and the aliens leaving something in his head. The third song is A Dustland Fairytale released in 2009. Cinderella and her prince can be found in this song. The fourth song is Mr. Brightside released in 2004. In this song the narrator always looks on the bright side even though the girl he was with takes off with another guy. The next song is Somebody Told Me released in 2004. In this song the narrator accuses the girl he likes of dating a guy who used to be a girl. The sixth song is All These Things That I’ve Done released in 2004. The last song is Read My Mind released in 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_(The_Killers_song)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceman_(The_Killers_song)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dustland_Fairytale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Brightside
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_Told_Me
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_these_things_i've_done
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Read_My_Mind_(song)

Critical Evaluation:
These are great songs. They have a good beat and could easily be used for dancing, though you won’t catch me dancing in public. Most of the lyrics are fairly easy to learn with only a few phrases that need clarification from a web search. My family listens to these songs in the car on the way to and from school. The three of us, my daughter, my son and I, sing along with the CD. I must admit that I bop my head along with the music as well as direct with one hand. The lyrics are pretty benign and shouldn’t cause much contention with most parents. Teens will enjoy listening to these songs and those who aren’t self-conscious will find themselves dancing along. It is difficult to listen to this music without moving to the beat in some way.
http://www.elyrics.net/song/k/killers-lyrics.html

Reader's Annotation:
This band plays alternative rock inspired by music from the ‘80s.

Information about the artists:
The group is composed of Brandon Flowers, Mark Stoermer, Dave Keuning, and Ronnie Vannucci. Brandon is the lead singer; he also writes some of the songs. Mark plays the bass. Dave plays lead guitar. Ronnie is the drummer. They are from Las Vegas. The band was formed in 2002
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Killers

Genre: Music

Curriculum Ties: Physical education; music

Booktalking Ideas:
• Read through the lyrics.
• Dance to the music.
• Pick a song. What is the song discussing? What makes you think this?
• Which song do you like the most? Why?

Interest Level:
This music would interest all age groups, from elementary aged students to adults.

Challenge Issues:
Alien abduction; smoking; implied sex; poor grammar; transgender concept

If the music is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the lyrics.
• Show positive reviews of the music.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the music:
• Request that the complainant read the lyrics, if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
• Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
o Positive reviews
o Selection policy
o Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
I selected the Killers music because both my husband and I, forty-somethings, enjoy their music. Our children, a 10 year old and a 5 year old also enjoy it. In addition, a co-worker has a son in high school. They both enjoy the music and went to the concert when The Killers were played here in San Diego. The Killers have been nominated for 71 awards and have won 17.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_The_Killers