Sawdust

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Indie sweethearts' songs are poetic, but harmless.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while there are references to sex, violence, and drugs on this popular band's CD, they're subtle. The lyrics are very poetic, and most of the intense or iffy stuff will go over kids' heads. That said, younger kids might get frustrated that they don't "get" the songs.

  • Not applicable.
  • Some images in several songs, but not obviously harsh: "The teenage queen, the loaded gun" or "And you shake and you bleed while I sing my song."
  • A wee suggestive: "Oh don't be shy/let's cause a scene like lovers do on silver screens."

What's the story?

SAWDUST puts this award-winning indie foursome back at the top of their game -- albeit with some predictability -- after last year's sophomore misfire, Sam's Town. Taking a little time off to compile B-sides and assorted rarities seems to have paid off for The Killers. Noteworthy songs include the Dire Straits cover "Romeo and Juliet," "Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf," and "Who Let You Go?"


Is it any good?

 

This CD from The Killers adds some depth (and length --18 songs!) to their music catalog. Their attitude still simmers, especially on the 10-minute-long song "Read My Mind," but so do some of the dramatic harmonies that make The Killers' musical stylings so appealing.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about releasing an album with B-sides -- or songs that didn't make it on the original album. Why do bands put out something like this? Does it get more hype than a regular LP? Is it a ploy to sell more or just have your work heard? Or, is it both? Families can also talk about the interesting album cover. Is it a broken tree branch or a dismembered arm on the cover? Is it both? And what does it mean?


This review was written by Maria Dinoia
Kid, 12 years old
February 23, 2011
 
One vague sex reference, two alcohol references, 8+
I listened to Sawdust shortly after it came out because my mum bought it. I liked it but don't think it's as good as Hot Fuss (see my reviews). There's one vague sex reference and two alcohol references but nothing else iffy. Don't know what he means, there is no F word on this album. Mabye it's on a special edition or something. Quite typical. Standard Killers. Good but nothing amazing. Good if you like indie rock.

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Teen, 17 years old
December 25, 2008
 
I luv this album
ok CSM, first u put Sam's Town songs on there, second, these songs suprised me taht some r b-sides, like Leave The Bourbon on the Shelf, All the Pretty Faces, and so many others, and they keep up the classic Killers style, i just bought the album, THE KILLERS 4 EVERS!!!

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Teen, 15 years old
October 22, 2010
 
all ages
I love this album!! I love Sam's Town too, and yes, the ten minute long song is not Read My Mind, it is Mr. Brightside remix. This album is a wonderful collection of B-sides I do not think the sexual references are that noticeable... what is so wrong with saying lover? i do not think that should stop any kid from listening to this, The Killers are fabulous music for all ages which makes them so special :)

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
a lovely album
this album is just really sweet! i mean, idk, in most albums there is usually some sort of story line or theme or something and theres always drama and so much emotion (which is a good thing) but this is just a bunch of random songs that dont have anything to do w/ eachother! its like listening 2 an album when ur younger, just a bunch of random songs! its a really refreshing album w/ tunes like glamorous indie rock and roll, romeo and juliet, and the ballad of valentine. at first i was kinda disapointed since it wasnt really an alubm, but now i really like it!

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
For Diehard Fans
While this album isn't fantastic, it has some great pieces. Some tracks are obvious why they didn't make the final cut, but the first few tracks- especially "Tranquilize" and "Shadowplay"- are your best bets despite the darker undertones that differ from previous songs by The Killers.

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Kid, 11 years old
May 7, 2012
 
OK
Not my most fave...but I like!!! C-

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This review was written by Maria Dinoia
Artist:The Killers
Release date:November 13, 2007
Label:Island
Genre:Indie Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Maria Dinoia
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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