the 31 best of 2007 – 14: Kaiser Chiefs – Yours Truly, Angry Mob

I am sure that more than a few of you are surprised by this next pick, the Kaiser Chief’s second album, Yours Truly, Angry Mob.I will admit that I didn’t expect their album to strike me in quite the way it did when I first heard the single Ruby, but after a few listens, I had to pick up the album. Upon my initial listen, I was not only impressed, but I was surprised at how much they reminded me of Blur, who happen to be one of my all time favorite groups. Admittedly, they aren’t always as quirky as Blur can be, but they definitely have similar rock sensibilities that made me fall so deeply in love with Blur.

The best thing about the Kaiser Chiefs album, is they really channel this indie-punk rock that gets you into the music, and has you bobbing your head from beginning to end. They give you fantastic performance after performance, and most of these songs are so catchy, that they will definitely get stuck in your head. On this record, the Kaiser Chiefs are doing something similar to what other indie-punk type bands like Bloc Party, the Killers, and Modest Mouse are also currently doing; but their sound has a more raw, street-ready quality to it. It also definitely borrows a pinch or two from the sound of older punk rockers like the Ramones, but takes that sound, and makes it a little more punk-glam.

Overall, this record was a huge, and well received, surprise for me. I am definitely a fan of rock and roll, and I am even more of a sucker for a killer guitar riff. As I said before, it was the single Ruby that brought me to the table, but the upbeat rhythms, and passionate performance from the charismatic front man (who is definitely the hotness) really got me hooked. This record more than satisfies my appetite for something rock, and as I mentioned before, gives me a little bit of a Blur fix as well (seriously, Try Your Best sounds like it should have been on Leisure, my favorite Blur album – except KC sink the riff from Ruby in there, and bring the record full circle… brilliant.). Some of the songs, like My Kind of Guy, have a quality that would put them solidly in the quirky column with Blur, but they take it back to the rock with that killer riff (seriously, that riff is amazing; I can’t listen to that song and not get all “air guitar” while I am listening).

After falling in love with this CD, I went out and got their debut as well, which I will say that I don’t like as much, but I think that it is because I like Yours Truly, Angry Mob so freaking much. As a fan of British bands, and rock and roll, I can definitely say that the Kaiser Chiefs are one of the bands that are doing it right; as I am not really a fan of those other three that I mentioned earlier (British or not). There is something that they have got that is different, and whatever it is, I love it. This is a really, really great CD; there is absolutely nothing bad I can say about it.

Also, make sure you get the extra tracks, specifically From The Neck Down; which really shows that these guys have a sense of humor.

Favorite tracks from Yours Truly, Angry Mob:
My Kind Of Guy
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/kc-mykindofguy.mp3]
The Angry Mob
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/kc-theangrymob.mp3]
Everything Is Average Nowadays
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/kc-everythingisaverage.mp3]
Ruby, Learnt My Lesson Well, and Loves Not A Competition (But I’m Winning). (links on songs are youtube videos)

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