7-27-11A_FEATURE
Video Premiere

Big Talk is the real deal

July 27, 2011 2 Comments

The Killers’ drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. continues to build quite a case for himself as the synthpop band’s secret weapon.

Recording as Big Talk while The Killers were on hiatus, Vannucci released preview singles “Getaways” and “The Next One Living” in May and June, respectively. Last week, the self-titled Big Talk album arrived, featuring proper first single “Replica,” another Cars-like tune, this one packing a bit of The Boss’ gear in the trunk.

Not veering too far from The Killers’ lane, no? The sonic evidence on Big Talk seems to indicate that Vannucci, not frontman Brandon Flowers, has been in the driver’s seat all these years.

The “Replica” music video hitches a ride on the well-traveled road trip script, with requisite hitchiking damsel, desert landscapes, and diner visit, but with a surprising climax.

Purchase Big Talk – “Replica” via iTunes.

  • AM P

    “The sonic evidence on Big Talk seems to indicate that Vannucci, not frontman Brandon Flowers, has been in the driver’s seat all these years”

    How can you say this? Have you ever read the credits on their cd’s?
    In 33 original songs from the first 3 albuns Flowers wrote:
    12 songs alone
    5 songs in collaboration with Mark Stoermer
    4 songs in collaboration with David Keuning
    1 song  in collaboration with Ronnie Vannucci
    6 songs in collaboration with Mark Stoermer, Dave Keuning and Ronni Vannucci
    4 songs in collaboration with Mark Stoermer and Dave Keuning
    1 song  in collaboration with Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci

    Flowers is credited in all the songs and Ronnie is credited only in 8 songs
    Flowers also  wrote the lyrics of all their songs

    Hot Fuss
    1. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
    (Flowers/Stoermer)
    2. Mr Brightside
    (Flowers/Keuning)
    3. Smile like you mean it
    (Flowers/Stoermer)
    4. Somebody Told me
    (Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer/Vannucci)
    5.All These things that i’ve done
    (Flowers)
    6.Andy, you’re a star
    (Flowers)
    7. On Top
    (Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer/Vannucci)
    8. Change your mind
    (Flowers/Keuning)
    9. Believe me Natalie
    (Flowers/Vannucci)
    10. Midnight Show
    (Flowers/Stoermer)
    11. Everything will be alright
    (Flowers)

    Sam’s Town
    1.Sam’s Town
    (Flowers)
    2.Enterlude
    3. Whwn you were young
    (Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer/Vannucci)
    4.Bling
    (Flowers/Stoermer)
    5. For reasons unknown
    (Flowers)
    6.Read my mind
    (Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer)
    7.Uncle Jonny
    (Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer)
    8.Bones
    (Flowers/Stoermer/Vannucci)
    9.My List
    (Flowers)
    10. This river is wild
    (Flowers/Stoermer)
    11.Why do i keep counting
    (Flowers)
    12.Exilitude

    Sawdust
    1.Tranquilize
    (Flowers)
    2. Shadowplay
    cover
    2.All the pretty faces
    (Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer)
    4.Leave the bourbon on the shelf
    (Flowers)
    5. Sweet talk
    ((Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer/Vannucci)
    6.Under the gun
    (Flowers/Keuning)
    7.Where the white boys dance
    (Flowers)
    8.Show you how
    (Flowers)
    9. Move away
    (Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer)
    10. Glamorous indie rock and roll
    ((Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer/Vannucci)
    11. Who let you go
    ((Flowers/Keuning/Stoermer/Vannucci)
    12.The Ballad of Michael Valentine
    (Flowers/Keuning)
    13. Ruby don’t take your love to town
    cover
    14. Daddy’s eyes
    (Flowers)
    15. Sam’s town
    (Flowers)
    16. Romeo and Juliet
    cover
    17. Mr Brightside
    remix

    Day & Age
    All songs by The Killers

    • http://www.popservations.com Johnathan Pop

      Thanks for that comprehensive list. I knew what I said might raise an eyebrow, admitting taking a bit of creative license — all borne from the surprise that The Killers’ drummer (outside of the band, mostly working alone) has delivered an album that hits so many of the same notes.