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Because Of The Times | Kings Of Leon
RCA Records | March 31st

Review by Jigantor

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RCA Records
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Sounds like ... the bastard spawn of the Pixies and Charlie Daniels, with extra filth.

The Kings Of Leon reek of knife fights in back alleys, flannel shirts and Louisiana dirt. They will not seduce you, make love to you and treat you nice like Ol' Blue Eyes or Mickey Bubble. They will take you behind the church shed, and you will like it, and you will beg for more. Now you're knocked up, but it's okay, because Caleb don' care 'bout nothin' and he's gonna stay with you, all down that long, lonely, open road.

Indie kids, be warned. This is not Aha Shake II. This is no collection of wham-bam-you're-fucked jumpalong garage scum rock with the occasional slower number so you can tell your Brunswick St trendster friends the band has 'depth'. This is a wild rodeo through the dark, a Southern ghost train, a sonic molestation that is at times jubilant, bitter, energetic and relaxed. There are discordant shrieks, 50's pop 'ooh's, mournful guitars, driving distortion, sparse arrangements and walls of noise. There is open-road cruising, traditional rock, sinister power ballads, honesty and heartbreak. There is alcoholism, rape, love and fast cars. There is Caleb Followill's voice. Knocked Up is a glorious road trip tinged with regret, Camaro is a reminder of the Kings of old, The Runner makes you cry. Black Thumbnail is arena rock for the Devil, Fans is perfection and Arizona takes you home.

The Kings may be sons of a preacher man, but they are not pure. They will rip your heart out and call it love because they know no better. They pick you up, knock you round, screw you over, beg your forgiveness and never let you go. The Kings of Leon thank God for this album. And so do we.

9 out of 10