New Music Update - Kings of Leon

It seems like it's been awhile since I've heard an album that I can recommend to everyone I know. Examining the past few months' littany of disappointments (Anberlin, Armor For Sleep) I've been craving a new musical opiate. Not since The Arcade Fire's album have I been so engrossed in an album that I can't put it down. That Album is "Aha Shake Heartbreak" by The Kings of Leon.

The Kings are that sort of twangy southern-drawled rock made famous by Credence Clearwater Revival, but without the political twist, which is surprising given that the lead singer is the son of well-known southern baptist minister. If the religious reference has you shaken a bit, you can rest assured, the Kings have enough cussin' to make daddy pull out the leather strap. Having owned both Kings of Leon albums prior to this (Holy Roller Novocaine EP and Of Youth and Manhood), I can safely say the new album is better - not quite so grating on the ears.

As for the album, it's twangy. It's drawly. It's ugly. And it just works. The new album is injected with a healthy dose of pathos. But with the Kings, this is the difference between Martha Stewart and the overpriced Self-help guru from Saved played by Patrick Swayze. Songs focus on woman troubles, others on Rodeo. Problems with the opposite sex are the most prominent theme, but this is hidden deep within the insanely giddy overdriven guitars, fresh riffs, and vocals so torn open and raw that they make you think of that pair of torn jeans you love to wear even though they are uglier than hell. The effect is singular - generally sounding cooler than hell. The closest comparison I can make is to The Strokes, who while I enjoy, are not my favorite band because they lack the Mick Jaggerish Edge that I so often crave in rock.

"Aha Shake Heartbreak" is already getting some radio airplay (the Kings are opening for U2) and a single off their previous album is being featured in a Mitsubishi commercial or some such nonsense. If these trends continue, prepare for The Kings of Leon to be the first gigantic album of 2005. The Kings may finally have fulfilled the garage band prophecy, and in my opinion, are the heirs apparent to the Jaggerish wail of the new generation.
Today's Music
The Kings of Leon - Velvet Snow