Brandon Flowers of the Killers has a new solo album out; and it’s proudly stamped I’m from Las Vegas. Maroon 5 was practically everybody’s favorite breakout band some six years ago, and their third studio album promises to further consolidate their popularity.
Brandon Flowers — Flamingo (MCA Music). Musically, more in the vein of Sam’s Town than Day and Age (the last two Killers studio albums), Flamingo is frontman Brandon Flowers tribute to his hometown Las Vegas. Never one to shrink or self-deprecate, Flamingo is a chest-thumping array of stadium-friendly tunes that show off his indulgence, and yet manages to please and surprise. Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts and Was It Something I Said were my immediate favorite two tracks; and the Deluxe Edition has four bonus tracks of which Jacksonville and Right Behind You are the choice additions. On some tracks, it’s like Bruce Springsteen donned a gold lame jacket and strolled down a Las Vegas boulevard. Some weak tracks, but by and large, an impressive solo outing.
Maroon 5 — Hands All Over (MCA Music). While recorded in Switzerland, this L.A. band never strays too far from its roots; and on this third studio album, they show just how polished, sleek and muscular a band they’ve evolved into. Some may say there’s something of a spark missing, and Maroon is too slick a product, but that may not necessarily be a fault when you have a CD as solid and consistent as this one — eminently listenable, but memorable? The Deluxe Editon even has covers of Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You and Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Of the new tracks, beyond Misery (which is good, even if rather predictable), I liked I Can’t Lie and Get Back In My Life. The collaboration with Lady Antebellum had me wondering Why?; but could be their next hit.