Today's Youth Advisory Board CD reviews are from George Cox and Nina L. While George took on The Killers, a band that is literally unavoidable if you are young and out at night in the UK, Nina went a little more old school with kitschy karaoke favorites The B-52′s. Remember you can contact our board directly via email at youthadvisoryboard at ypulse.com.

YAB Reviews: The Killers 'Day & Age;' The B-52′s, 'Funplex'

The Killers, Day & Age - George Cox

When I first came across The Killers I was not a fan. But over time they grew on me and have since become one of my favorite bands.

As the follow up to two stellar albums, it is easy to see why Day & Age sold so quickly in the UK. At the same time, with such high expectations set by those earlier albums (though it should be said that Hot Fuss was too obsessed with '80s synth rock, and Sam's Town got a little ridiculous with the whole Americana theme), The Killers had their work cut out for them with their latest release.

In an attempt to keep the magic alive, it seems the band opted for style over substance, embracing some over the top sounds and writing songs about alien abductions etc. At times in the past, it seemed like The Killers wished to be seen as a serious rock band, but this is simply not the case. Their sound is melodramatic pop. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

All in all, The Killers create an album of very pleasing melodies and interesting lyrics, which is definitely worth a listen, especially for Killers fans just looking for their next fix. And though it may hold some appeal to new fans as well, it probably wouldn't be quite as enjoyable if you haven't listened to Sam’s Town or Hot Fuss.

The B-52′s, 'Funplex' - Nina L.

Although most of my friends probably wouldn't recognize it if I put it on, "Love Shack" is probably in my top 50 favorite songs. I love the pop/dance beat, the lyrics, and the overall sound. Until I was offered the chance to review Funplex I just assumed that the B-52′s were a one-hit wonder. It turns out I wasn't too far off — all of the songs on Funplex sounded similar to "Love Shack."

By far, my favorite song was "Funplex." It started with this great guitar intro with some quiet background music, and had a great beat throughout the entire song. It just sounded like they were having so much fun, and that automatically made me enjoy the music.

On the other hand, "Eyes Wide Open" was not my cup of tea. I liked the funky techno beat at the beginning, but Schneider's sprechgesang somewhat ruined it for me. It was very repetitive, although I did adore the part where the girls sing "I don't wanna clash/ I don't want to rehash the past." I could easily listen to those two lines over and over again. Having 10 year old sisters, I've been subjected to The Jonas Brothers quite a bit and the beginning of The B-52′s song "Love In The Year 3000″ sounded surprisingly a lot like The JoBros' "Year 3000," which was a little funny. All in all The B-52′s '3000′ was a good dance song, but not much more.

Funplex would be a great CD to play at a dance, but I personally wouldn't buy it, unless you were a big B-52′s fan. Just buy "Love Shack" and "Funplex" on iTunes, and you'd be set.

About George Cox

Classic private school educated, tea adoring, dry-humored Brit. George enjoys school, more for the people than the work, but has a genuine interest in his chosen subject, even if he isn’t the brightest pupil. Having not been to America, and keeping away youth culture that is designed by adults and preferring to stick to true youth culture, he foresees an interesting future here. However the general insanity of day to day life and the crushing work load thrown upon his shoulders will certainly destroy his feeble mind at certain points and therefore he apologizes in advance.

About Nina L.

Nina is a freshman in high school in Washington state. She plays the flute in the school band. Even though she's not as writing inclined as the other board members, Nina is the youngest of the group and may share an opinion with a younger audience. Nina is very interested in fashion, new technology and teen culture. Having three and a half sisters (an exchange sister for the year) she knows a lot about how teenage girls interact with each other and their parents. Nina ‘s biggest love is music, either classical or contemporary, it doesn’t matter. She cares about all of it.

Categorized under: Movies & Music, Youth Advisory Board

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