Artist The Killers

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The Killers

In contrast to all of the hoopla that preceded The Killers’ second record, 2006’s Sam’s Town—due in part to leader Brandon Flowers’ ill-advised pre-release proclamation that it was one of the best albums of the past two decades—2008’s Day & Age emerged with what felt like a whimper. Which said nothing about the album’s contents: Day & Age is yet another collection of exquisite, to-the-point pop nuggets, though this time around the Vegas showmen don’t seem to be taking themselves quite as seriously. Mixed in with the expected ’80s-esque retro-rock is everything from Postal Service electro-pop to world-music flourishes to some Bon Jovi-style arena movements. It won’t woo any of the haters, but fans have to be impressed with the band’s explorations.

Updated 08/19/2009