RISS&ENTERTAINME Killers Make a Hot Fuss A message for the masses Steph Smith, OP Contributor The Killers are Las Vegas to the core. This was evident in every part of the stage setup, from the silver backdrop with The Killers logo emblazoned across it to the silver slip covers on the moni- tors, to vocalist and keyboardist Brandon Flowers’ rhinestone covered keyboards. Dressed all in suits and ties, they were glitzy, glamorous, and on top of the world! The lights dimmed and the crowd screamed and the show began. They opened with the opening track of their Hot Fuss disc, “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine.” A pretty rocking track the crowd got into it early, jumping, singing, and dancing. The Killers kept up that pace and by the time they got to “Somebody Told Me,” even the press box was danc- ing. The Killers played every single song from their album, and also included two b-sides, “Under the Gun” and “Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll,” both of which were huge crowd pleasers. They ended the show in a different way than I thought they were going to. They came back out for the encore, claimed they were going to play a song they had only done a few times, and broke into the somber album closer, “Everything Will Be Alright.” For this song, bassist Mark Stoermer and drum- aeditor@gmail.com mer Ronnie Vannucci gave up their usual posts for keyboard roles to play what was probably the highlight of the night. It’s a beautiful song on the album, and it was even more so done live. After that, they turned the rock back on and did a pretty good cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream.” They ended the show with their latest single, “All These Things That I’ve Done” to the delight of the crowd, who belted it out at the top of their lungs. Usually I don’t care for when large groups of people sing like that, but the song itself is very anthemic so the crowd singing fit well and sounded fabulous. The concert of course was not with- out a hitch. The crowd of 13-year-old girls surrounding me made me nervous and annoyed. It’s not often that I hear such gratuitous use of the word “like,” and I can honestly say that I was not impressed. I also had to endure the secu- rity for the venue coming up and shining his flashlight to tell them to stop dancing in the stairwell on more than a few occa- sions. Also, since I was higher up in the crowd, I got to look down on all the cra- zies who think that crowd surfing during a synth-pop 80s style bands concert is supercool. From where I was, it was not. It looked stupid, painful, and strangely hypnotic, but maybe I’m old. There was even an appearance of the ever-popular lighter during a slow song. I'll make an exception, because even though they are no Journey, the one song warranted it. However, I don’t know about you, but I think it is just bizarre to see cell phones being held up and waved slowly in lieu of a lighter. I suppose that’s technology for you. Plus, I suppose you don’t burn your finger...but where is the fun in that? Guitarist Dave Kuening won the award for best dance move of the night: a fancy spin/arm flail that resulted in his guitar falling off, him getting stuck in it, and him stumbling about. Congrats. All in all, it was a very good show. They have a good stage presence and a good lump of songs. This was the final show on this leg of a seemingly never- ending tour, and The Killers are studio bound shortly. Expect some new materi- al in the new year. Four Concerts to Get You Laid Kevin Lalonde, OP Contributor Let’s just get to it. You’re trying to woo a girl, but don’t know how to do it. Movies are boring, roses are expen- sive, and you don’t know shit about wine. But don’t worry man, we’ve got you covered. No girl can resist swaying her hips to some good old live pop music, so take her to a show. It’s probably your best chance. That said, we humbly present to you a guide: Four Upcoming Concerts to Get You Laid-the Ben Gibbard-less edition. October 26—Richard’s—American Analog Set Frankly, this is probably your best shot, son. A new cohort of the Arts & Crafts family, AmAnSet just released their sixth studio release, titled Set Free. Shy, ten- der vocals, softly brushed percussion, and fuzzy, ambi- ent keyboard and organ make this Texas-born project a sure bet to get your girl’s hips swaying in your arms romantically. While there’s been no opener announced, show up early to find a decent spot near the stage to engage in that pesky, obnoxious Public Display of Affection action. She'll thank you for this one, guaran- teed. Recommended beverage of choice: Tall vodka and cranberry with a splash of soda. October 27—Red Room—Controller.Controller w/ Magneta Lane OR: Media Club—Okkervil River This is a tough one. You'll have to ask yourself: Is she the kind of girl who likes to dance her feet sore, or the kind of girl who likes to bop her head while non- chalantly smiling at herself? If she’s a dancer, grab her by the hand and skip on over to the Red Room for Toronto dancepunk crafters Controller.Controller. Spicy, sometimes-sensuous vocals by Nirmala Basnayake, backed by poppy, high-tempo drumbeats cause a rau- cous of fun, twitchy body shaking that can be resisted only by the occasional deaf llama. Some chicks that had a video on MuchMusic will be playing the role of “sup- port.” Recommended beverage of choice: Anything that glows bright- ty under a black light. However, if you and your potential lover are more the type to sit back and toe-tap through a mix of thoughtful, meaningful almost-alt-rock balladry and poppy, medium-paced rock with lovely, engaging vocals and upbeat percussion (and intermittent tambourine), roll on up to the Media Club to see Okkervil River. They’re touring in support of last spring’s Black Sheep Boy. Frontman Will Sheff strains as he belts out notes that sound far too big for such a small voice, but never loses the meaning of each line. Fuck man, there’s even an occasional the occasional horn in there once in a while, who can resist? You'll be going home holding each other, that much is for sure. From then on, it’s all up'to you, chief. «Recommended beverage of choice: A pint of dark-mild beer. Better make it two, actually. November 2i—Commodore Ballroom—Stars You might notice that I skipped the Metric w/ Most Serene Republic show taking place on October 30, also at the Commodore. I don’t recommend that show sim- ply for the reason that if you were to go, you'll end up spending more time staring at Metric front-woman Emily Haines than your girlfriend. Instead, go with your buddies. "Nuff said. But Stars, oh yes, you'll be wanting to drag your gal to this one. Another fabulous Arts & Crafts attention- grabber from back in the Canadian East, this orchestral pop band climbed to new heights with last year’s Set Yourself on Fire. Catchy, soaring synth and percussion, coupled with understated, unobtrusive vocals from Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell carry Stars through voy- ages of heartbreak, loss, almost-love, and regret. But it’s not sad and depressing like you might think. Instead, big, engrossing orchestral arrangements on tracks like “Ageless Beauty” and “Set Yourself on Fire” forcibly drop a dopey smile on your face as you triumphantly play tonsil hockey with your delighted girlfriend. And no matter how cold it is outside, don’t wear a sweater. You'll regret it. Recommended beverage of choice: Tequila Sunrise. And remember, if all else fails, you could always try asking her what she wants to do this weekend. Or find- ing a new girlfriend.