The Killers

The Killers' lead singer and songwriter Brandon Flowers' grandiose and often egotistical proclamations make his band an easy target of derision and, frankly, so did their last record, 2006's Sam's Town. Sawdust, a B-sides and rarities collection, handily sheds most of the last album's baggage. Forget that a compilation like this seems a bit premature given that they only have two proper albums to their name. Lou Reed's monotone but impassioned vocal contribution to superb lead track "Tranquilize" almost excuses the contemptible cover of Joy Division's "Shadowplay." The irony is that everything on Sawdust from their Sam's Town sessions eclipses their electro-Americana sophomore effort, especially the flat out Thin White Duke-era Bowie homage, "Where The White Boys Dance." Sawdust plays — for the most part — as Flowers without the bravado, and the band are far better for it.