Kings of Leon – Because of the Times

As my girlfriend’s uncle Todd said a few months ago about the Kings, “they have a sound, but they have no songs.” His assessment was spot-on. Their sound is distinctive and thrilling, but I’d be hard-pressed to name a particular song of theirs. And even if I could name a song or two, I couldn’t hum the tune. And even if I could hum the tune, I certainly don’t know the words. But as anyone who bought Aha Shake Heartbreak can tell you, that isn’t a huge problem. That album was one of my favorites of 2006 (it came out in late 2005, but I didn’t discover it until March) because it felt so goddamn REAL. They combined everything good about the Strokes (retro-simple melodies, good drumming, a fondness for guitar fuzz) with Southern soul and genuine emotion.

Their new album, Because of the Times, won’t help them in the song department. There isn’t a single here, and there isn’t even really a song that sticks in my head. But I thoroughly enjoyed this album anyway. With the exception of “Charmer”, which is rendered unlistenable by singer Caleb Followill’s grating scream that begins each line of the lyric, I liked every song. The album is darker, more brooding and introspective than Heartbreak, but it doesn’t suffer for it. The real growth here is in the vocals. On Heartbreak, I felt that the vocals were included just so that the songs wouldn’t be instrumentals; Caleb Followill’s voice was just another instrument. On Because, the songs seem tailored around his voice and lyrics, and he’s doing more with both. His voice is raspy (to the point that I picture him smoking 100 cigarettes at once,) and he uses that to good effect.

The best part is that I’ve liked the album more each of my 3 times through it. That’s always a good sign.

Mika – Life in Cartoon Motion

This is a pop album. Let’s get that out of the way now. If you’ve heard his single “Grace Kelly” you have some idea. If you haven’t, imagine an ice cream sundae. Now dump a bowl of sugar and some Laffy Taffy on top. The confections on this album are very sweet (almost saccharine) and are unpalatable if you’re not prepared for them. Also, too much isn’t good for you. (OK, I think I’ve driven this metaphor into the ground...)

I love this album. I love that Mika makes pop music unapologetically. I love his nothing-exceeds-like-excess production approach. I love his voice. (Apparently when Freddie Mercury died, the falsetto gods gave the pop half of his gift to Mika. Justin Hawkins of the Darkness got the rock half.)

I’m a little disappointed that “Grace Kelly” is the single that’s putting him on the map, however, as it’s my 3rd or 4th-favorite song here. “Relax (Take it Easy)” is my fave, even though it was already released as an underperforming single. The song reminds me of some 1990s Euro-clubby pop hit, but I can’t put my finger on it. My next favorite is “Lollipop”, which has a 60s throwback feel to it initially because the production is intentionally minimal. Interestingly, there’s no snare drum in this song, save for a few-measure coda toward the end. Supposedly, it’s a song warning his niece not to lose her virginity too soon, but it could be about elephants and silly putty. I also like the song “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)” for how its clever song structure and relentless enthusiasm overcame my initial No Fat Chicks reaction.

This record isn’t for everyone, but give those songs a listen and see if they appeal to you. The rest of the album isn’t as wonderful – there are a few pretty ballads and some other filler tracks – but none of it sucks.