Kaiser Chiefs

Mark Ronson is certainly the most prolific producer in Britain right now, with his hits that contain modern artists channeling a song from the days gone by. And his talent was most evident by making living trainwreck, Amy Whinehouse, a stunning soul singer with their hit "Valerie." All this makes this project all the more strange. It's certainly a departure for the band, yet it keeps all their classic elements.

Probably the song that's already got an instant place on the best-of is my current theme song, "Never Miss A Beat." It also serves as the highlight, containing "I Predict A Riot" youth revolution-type lyrics, with "Ruby" type beats, and the song fits perfect in the trio. "Good Days, Bad Days" has great beats, and a unique chorus, while "Always Happens Like That" completely satisfies with its catchy arrangements and hooks.

For a prime example of the experimentation, look no further then "Like It Too Much," which sounds like Franz Ferdinand with violins. And while I'm not certain it quite works, "You Want History" on the other hand will remind listeners heavily of VHS or Beta, with their dance-funk.

"Addicted To Drugs" might be the front-runner in the 'strangest song of the year' category, because I don't know of many a chorus that say, "You might as well face it, you're addicted to drugs." "Tomato In The Rain" however might be in the running for 'strangest song title of the year,' with its obviously quirky lyrics, which strangely work. "Spanish Metal," and "Remember You're A Girl" bring the album in and out on rather low and uneven notes.

Overall, is the band's best? As in their most differentiated, varietal album, yes. In their most artistic album, yes. But, there was no absolute classic song that I found in "Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning)." In this fact, it was not their best album. But it is a great step in the right direction though, and I praise the band for mixing it up. The album is simply going a million directions at once, and there's no clear theme or goal, making it more of a mix-tape, which also hinders the buying power here. And though it may sound like I don't like the album, I do like it, I'm just not loving it. A mixed bag from our favorite musical Chiefs, it brings them that much closer to greatness, but they're still not there yet. The album also runs a bit short as well.

Ok so since I am a fan of Kchiefs, I had little expectation from there 3rd attempt. The album is built very nicely with 4 live songs as well as their 12 studio songs. My favorites are addicted to drugs, tomato in the rain, remember the girl and half the truth. Now this album is a format of new wave, punk rock and alternative rock. In the end, I have to say that this is best album I have heard this year after Oasis, Keane and Bloc party. Proud to say guys nailed this attempt too. Hats off to Mark Ronson for producing such a great album.

Ok, so maybe they should have waited a little bit longer before churning out another record. There are no songs on "Off With Their Heads" that are as satisfyingly catchy as the best stuff from last year's "Yours Truly...". But are you going to be the one to tell them that their latest batch of pop is just pretty good instead of exceptional? This may not be a perfect album, but it's a very good one. Every song is full of the Kaisers' relentelss energy and hummable melodies. Songs such as Good Days, Bad Days, Tomato in the Rain and Never Miss a Beat are the highlights here but the rest of the bunch are pretty good too. This album probably won't ignite the riot that they predicted back on 2005's "Employment", but it will do until that day arrives.

It's another winner from these guys. Lots of energy, good melodies and lyrics. One of the best of 2008!!!

Kaiser Chiefs stormed onto the UK music scene with their irresistible "I Predict A Riot" single from the excellent 2005 "Employment" album, and things grew from there. Last year's album "Yours Truly, Angry Mob" was perhaps not as great as "Employment" but with the "Ruby" single, which became a worldwide sing-along success, they continued their winning ways. Now already comes the band's third album.

"Off With Their Heads" (11 tracks, plus 2 bonus tracks; 45 min.) is interestingly co-produced by now omni-present and uber-producer Mark Ronson (this guy seems to be everywhere these days), who covered Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" on his own album ("Version") last year. After a tentative opener "Spanish Metal", the album really crashes in with "Never Miss a Beat" (1st UK single), as good as the band has been. The energy of the album then doesn't let up, with great song after song. Other stand-outs include " Good Days and Days", "Tomato in the Rain", and the sing-along tongue-in-cheek "Addicted to Drugs" (which sounds to me like another single in the waiting. The album I bought came with 2 bonus tracks: "Sooner or Later", a nice B-side sounding track, and an unnecessary remix of "Never Miss a Beat", which sounds nothing like the original song. Lily Allen is credited with backing vocals on 2 tracks ("Never Miss a Beat" and "Always Happens Like That"), but truth be told, I relistened to these tracks, and could never hear it.

In all, "Off With Their Heads" continues the winning streak of Kaiser Chiefs. If you liked the first 2 albums, you will like this one as well. Nothing groundbreaking, just great songs. I saw Kaiser Chiefs in concert earlier this year at Coachella, and they put on a tremendous energy-filled set, just like would have expected them. While Kaiser Chiefs remain under the radar screen here in the US, these guys are now HUGE in their native UK.

The Kaiser Chiefs have certainly carved out their stake in the Brit Rock arena, driven by their hooks and catchy lyrics, the band only seems to get better with age. In their sophomore effort, driven by the catchy power rocker, "Ruby," the band puts out their most complete release yet, but they're still not all the way there. A little bit more variety could have been used, but they still can crank out a stunner when least expected.

If you've not heard "Ruby" yet, then you're doing your ears a great disfavor, but warning be given, it's very catchy. "Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning)" may be the band's best, coming out of nowhere to sock you a chorus that'll blow you away, with its subtle but deadly approach. The words, vocals and music all speak perfectly for themselves, and they speak emotional impact.

"I Can Do It Without You" boasts some impressive hooks. "Everything Is Average" speaks truth in its lyrics, and provides some catchy rock to go along with it. "Learnt My Lesson Well" takes some bouncy cues from the pop rock genre, but could've taken the concept further. "Try Your Best" also has a surprising amount of depth in it, although it takes a bit too long to find it. "Retirement" also finds its spot toward the end of its run.

The rest of the tracks however are not bad per say, but they are safe and predictable, with few elements to distinguish themselves from one another, although each does have positive elements. If you love the sound, then you'll by all means love the whole album. I was just looking for a little bit more shuffle and mixing it up.

Call them the modern day "The Turtles," or a more radio-friendly version of Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs is slowly staring to come along in their musical journey. It may be a bit slow and predictable, but along the way there are flashes of genius sure to stick with you for a long time. Let's hope the band finds more of a sticking point in their third effort.

The Kaiser Chiefs' debug Employment was one of the brighter spots in the recent wave of British indie bands. Acclaimed for their comments on British lower-middle-class life and their tongue-in-cheek love songs, the Kaiser Chiefs spent most of the time in between Employment headlining festivals, touring, and battling comparisons to `90s Brit-Poppers Blur. It didn't help that singer Ricky Wilson was the victim of a hit-and-run and spent much of 2005 in a plaster cast.

Their second album, Yours Truly, Angry Mob, was released in the U.K. back in February and was their first #1 album. Although they don't have the kind of recognition here that they do back in the motherland, there is nothing in the album itself that should prevent it from selling thousands here. It's a finely crafted Brit-pop record that is at once familiar yet new and intriguing for American listeners.

First single "Ruby" starts off the album in typical Kaiser Chiefs fashion, with a jaunty guitar propelling the song and a series of very British "ah-ah-aaahs" harmonizing. The song has a chorus that could easily move stadium crowds to sing-a-longs, although the lyrics are fairly simple. The next song, "The Angry Mob," is one of the best tunes on the album. The drums and ominous guitar provide an angular rhythm that complements the excellent crowd chanting near the rising climax.

Yours Truly, Angry Mob's songs can be easily divided into two sections: songs of love lost and won, and commentaries or philosophizing on society. Of the former, the Chiefs have nearly perfected their craft. "Heat Dies Down" and "Love's Not a Competition, But I'm Winning" strike out at ex's and laments failed relationships.

"Heat" sounds like a second single, all Britpop melodies and a hard-to-forget chorus, while "Competition" is one of a very few acoustic songs the Chiefs have attempted. They pull it off well, with piano, guitar, and an ending that slowly fades away with a kind of delicate beauty.

The Chiefs reflections on society fare only a little worse, although they give it a solid shot. Although "The Angry Mob" and closer "Retirement," are excellent songs, a few fail to go anywhere.

"Highroyds," while having some choice lyrics ("They let in all the girls from the year below / No need for ID's with those dresses") lacks a memorable musical structure and Wilson struggles to sound tough. "Try Your Best" is a slow song in the mold of "Competition," but relies too much on drums and a nearly ambient guitar line, as well as being bogged down by vague lyrics.

Another sign of a future change in the Chiefs' musical sensibilities can be found on "Boxing Champ/Learnt My Lesson Well," which inexplicably was combined into one song on the American release. "Boxing Champ" features just an uplifting piano line and the vocal stylings of drummer Nick Hodgson, the band's principal songwriter. Hodgson's honest, earnest pipes nearly make this song the best on the record, but sadly it is little over a minute long.

"Boxing Champ" immediately segues into "Learnt My Lesson Well," which is heralded by a pounding tom rhythm and a menacing guitar part. Although lyrically it is a bit trifling, the band's energetic gusto makes up for it.

While lacking the fiery, urgent energy of a band attempting to distinguish themselves that Employment offered in spades, Kaiser Chiefs' latest still has enough hooks and melodies to power a summer of singalongs.

A read of the UK site suggests that the angry mob didn't like this second album as much as its predecesor. From my point of view, its hard to fault, except perhaps that the delivery is a little too tightly crafted--I'd have liked a little more instrumentation and a little less verse-chorus-verse. Their live shows they have the chops and its time they used them. Still, a very good album and one that hasn't been out of my car stereo for a week now.

This CD has some strong material. If you are looking for songs that glorify the German Empire, look elsewhere because the Kaiser Chiefs are a British band specializing in pop/rock and various medical procedures. Top songs include: Ruby, Highroyds, Retirement, My Kind of Guy. I have recommended this CD to my business associates.

This is one of the best albums that I bought last year. Its probably in my top ten of the decade. I was hooked the first time I heard Ruby on the radio. After I got the cd, I listened to it incessantly for weeks. This is a great album to rock out to while driving or whatever you do while listening to music. Lots of great guitar and bass work in the songs too, especially on Hyroids and I Can Do It Without You. Very solid cd, lots of fun songs and catchy melodies. I highly recommend picking this cd up.

I don't know where I was when this album came out but Kaiser Chiefs were sweeping the Brit Awards the year I watched it and after catching their performance of "I Predict A Riot" I realized I simply had to have this CD, so I bought it and you know what? I frickin' love it! It's one of the best CDs I've ever heard. The opening chords of the 80s synth on "Everyday I Love You Less & Less" and then going into "I Predict A Riot", the album just gets better and better with each listen.

I recently purchased the new Kaiser Chiefs CD "Employment". I thought it was excellent. I enjoyed every track on the album, especially "Modern Way", "Caroline, Yes", "Oh My God", and, of course, "I Predict A Riot". This was the first CD from the Kaiser Chiefs I have bought and I would recommend it to everyone.

...I come here as a warning to all of you who aren't aware of their arrogant scraping the barrel abysmalness...if you could imagine a one hit wonder with half the interest, amplified predictability, British accents (I am British) that are...in terms of the word...hmm...sterotypically annoying and so many NA-NA-NA-NA-NA's the nails float to your head and impale you as you lie on the floor bleeding...this album got awards and so did the band...and you know why? Because they follow a basic money making formula that the record companies shout "Hurrah!! Bring in the rubbish that we can keep for two albums then throw them away like a used KFC napkin"...this is in all the sense of the word Brit pop...in the way that it's basic guitars, root of the chord bass, and very simple cross rhythmed drums (sorry if that's too much for your head but I like using big words it makes me feel more clever then I actually am) that if you get a catchy enough chorus you will make a few people happy...and annoy the rest like a plague...if you buy this you are not only encouraging them to make more of this so they can make more money but you are literally forsaking music so that it is doomed to be like this forever...libertines were better then this and that's saying something...save a life...burn this album...lightly...in an oil fire...or buy it...I can't exactly stop you...

One review I've read of this album describes its sound as "New Wave revival." The album's best song, the thundering "I Predict a Riot" is the Clash meets Supergrass; a great song. Outside of that, this very British sounding album borrows -- seemingly accidentally -- more for Brit Pop pioneers The La's than it does any New Wave band. There are hints of early Blur throughout the album. "Time Honoured Tradition" sounds lifted right off the Kinks' classic, Village Green Preservation Society.

While there is nothing startlingly original about Employment, it has a great sound, energy and overall feel. Rare is it that I can listen to an album once through and "get it" immediately, but Employment is one of those rarities. Put this on your Christmas list.

This band has a very distinctive Euro sound, like the Clash or the Cure. It is lively and engaging and fun to bop and sing along to. Great music for a road trip, a party or getting really physical stuff done that you don't want to do--like moving, cleaning, or working outside.

Mark Ronson is certainly the most prolific producer in Britain right now, with his hits that contain modern artists channeling a song from the days gone by. And his talent was most evident by making living trainwreck, Amy Whinehouse, a stunning soul singer with their hit "Valerie." All this makes this project all the more strange. It's certainly a departure for the band, yet it keeps all their classic elements.

Probably the song that's already got an instant place on the best-of is my current theme song, "Never Miss A Beat." It also serves as the highlight, containing "I Predict A Riot" youth revolution-type lyrics, with "Ruby" type beats, and the song fits perfect in the trio. "Good Days, Bad Days" has great beats, and a unique chorus, while "Always Happens Like That" completely satisfies with its catchy arrangements and hooks.

For a prime example of the experimentation, look no further then "Like It Too Much," which sounds like Franz Ferdinand with violins. And while I'm not certain it quite works, "You Want History" on the other hand will remind listeners heavily of VHS or Beta, with their dance-funk.

"Addicted To Drugs" might be the front-runner in the 'strangest song of the year' category, because I don't know of many a chorus that say, "You might as well face it, you're addicted to drugs." "Tomato In The Rain" however might be in the running for 'strangest song title of the year,' with its obviously quirky lyrics, which strangely work. "Spanish Metal," and "Remember You're A Girl" bring the album in and out on rather low and uneven notes.

Overall, is the band's best? As in their most differentiated, varietal album, yes. In their most artistic album, yes. But, there was no absolute classic song that I found in "Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning)." In this fact, it was not their best album. But it is a great step in the right direction though, and I praise the band for mixing it up. The album is simply going a million directions at once, and there's no clear theme or goal, making it more of a mix-tape, which also hinders the buying power here. And though it may sound like I don't like the album, I do like it, I'm just not loving it. A mixed bag from our favorite musical Chiefs, it brings them that much closer to greatness, but they're still not there yet. The album also runs a bit short as well.

Ok so since I am a fan of Kchiefs, I had little expectation from there 3rd attempt. The album is built very nicely with 4 live songs as well as their 12 studio songs. My favorites are addicted to drugs, tomato in the rain, remember the girl and half the truth. Now this album is a format of new wave, punk rock and alternative rock. In the end, I have to say that this is best album I have heard this year after Oasis, Keane and Bloc party. Proud to say guys nailed this attempt too. Hats off to Mark Ronson for producing such a great album.

Ok, so maybe they should have waited a little bit longer before churning out another record. There are no songs on "Off With Their Heads" that are as satisfyingly catchy as the best stuff from last year's "Yours Truly...". But are you going to be the one to tell them that their latest batch of pop is just pretty good instead of exceptional? This may not be a perfect album, but it's a very good one. Every song is full of the Kaisers' relentelss energy and hummable melodies. Songs such as Good Days, Bad Days, Tomato in the Rain and Never Miss a Beat are the highlights here but the rest of the bunch are pretty good too. This album probably won't ignite the riot that they predicted back on 2005's "Employment", but it will do until that day arrives.

It's another winner from these guys. Lots of energy, good melodies and lyrics. One of the best of 2008!!!

Kaiser Chiefs stormed onto the UK music scene with their irresistible "I Predict A Riot" single from the excellent 2005 "Employment" album, and things grew from there. Last year's album "Yours Truly, Angry Mob" was perhaps not as great as "Employment" but with the "Ruby" single, which became a worldwide sing-along success, they continued their winning ways. Now already comes the band's third album.

"Off With Their Heads" (11 tracks, plus 2 bonus tracks; 45 min.) is interestingly co-produced by now omni-present and uber-producer Mark Ronson (this guy seems to be everywhere these days), who covered Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" on his own album ("Version") last year. After a tentative opener "Spanish Metal", the album really crashes in with "Never Miss a Beat" (1st UK single), as good as the band has been. The energy of the album then doesn't let up, with great song after song. Other stand-outs include " Good Days and Days", "Tomato in the Rain", and the sing-along tongue-in-cheek "Addicted to Drugs" (which sounds to me like another single in the waiting. The album I bought came with 2 bonus tracks: "Sooner or Later", a nice B-side sounding track, and an unnecessary remix of "Never Miss a Beat", which sounds nothing like the original song. Lily Allen is credited with backing vocals on 2 tracks ("Never Miss a Beat" and "Always Happens Like That"), but truth be told, I relistened to these tracks, and could never hear it.

In all, "Off With Their Heads" continues the winning streak of Kaiser Chiefs. If you liked the first 2 albums, you will like this one as well. Nothing groundbreaking, just great songs. I saw Kaiser Chiefs in concert earlier this year at Coachella, and they put on a tremendous energy-filled set, just like would have expected them. While Kaiser Chiefs remain under the radar screen here in the US, these guys are now HUGE in their native UK.

I would have to say I thought it was pretty good. I really love the Foo Fighters, Kylie, and Winehouse! The thing I really didnt think about until I was listening is there is a 'cover' by a band that is also 'covered' (Raconteurs). That makes the mix seem biased. Also, it didnt push the envelope. It seemed like it was a bit of a half hearted search for the bands/people to do the covers. I enjoy 'covers' because they are, hopefully, a Totally different style. I thought it was a little bland, over all. Its not at all bad, its just not the 'VA-VA-VOOM!" I was expecting from the BBC.

How fantastic is this cd. Didn't know much about it being from Australia but my UK friends told me about it and I had to have it. All the mixes are fantastic and knowing all the words to the songs already its great to sing along to. Every one who i have played it to loves it too. Great mix of songs from 1967 to today.

Obviously this thing is WAY overpriced on Amazon here, but if you're in the UK or a savvy eBay user you'll probably be able to get it for a lot less and it's 100% worth it. Radio 1 is a massive radio station in the UK under the BBC umbrella. For their 40th anniversary they got 40 big name acts to record 40 big songs spanning the 40 years the station has been in existence.

If you're a fan of most of the alternative bands out there you'll probably recognize a good deal of the artists that populate this album, from Lily Allen to Mark Ronson to Hard Fi to Corinne Bailey Rae to Natasha Bedingfield to Mika to Amy Winehouse, it's a full house of top of the charts stars singing some really stunning covers, some very recognizable, some a bit more obscure.

Highlights for me include some of the more recent covers such as Mutya Buena's (of Sugababes fame) take on Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" and The Twang doing Canada's Bran Van 3000's "Drinking In LA". The album is arranged chronologically by the original song's release date - placing Amy Winehouse predictably towards the beginning in the 60's era with her cover of "Cupid" by Johnny Nash.

In terms of the cohesive sound of the album - it's there. That signature brit pop/rock sound is found in most songs, even when they waver into more classic rock (The Fratellis "All Along the Watchtower") or electro (Mika "Can't Stand Losing You") directions.

Do the covers stand up to the originals? In most cases yes, in fact the songs almost sound better in a lot of the covers because of the unique take on the songs. Many of these artists accomplish the best compliment I could pay to a cover singer - they make the song their own. Didn't think Corinne Bailey Rae could make The Raconteurs her own? Take a listen and see for yourself - it's the last song on the album.

As for the misses - there are a couple of tunes you'll probably pass over or forget about, but the hits (and there are plenty) more than make up for it. Great background tunes for a party or singalong tunes for the car!

This CD was great! I really enjoy listening to the new takes on the old favorites.

...Buzzcock wannabes. Not a terrible record. Listenable but definitely not original. Why the heck does the drummer have to sing everything the singer sings when they play live?? Dude needs to relax.

Okay, so when I heard Employment I was hooked from the very first listen. This record has some of its qualities but what got me into it was the urgency and its resonated energy from beginning to end. It's an excellent debut record and one of the finest releases of its respective year.

This on the other hand is sadly pretty mediocre. It isn't that bad, but the energy seems kind of tired by comparison. I usually try not to jump on the sophomore slump bandwagon, and in fact I'll give them antoher chance. To see that I don't view them as a one-album wonder like on this what made me skeptical. Sometimes the songs are actually decent but not that fun to listen to. And that's what matters to me. "Ruby" is great and there's some other good moments like "Heat Dies Down" but for the most part you can't help but feel they could have put more life into this record.

Definitely not one of my favorites this year but nothing too terrible.

Except for the single "Ruby" really nothing else on this album rocks that good. When listening through the album the sound starts getting a bit boring. If you are purchasing this album based on "Ruby" you might be better off just getting the single. If you are a Kaiser Cheifs fan then you'll probably like the album but not really love it.

...come ulisse quando incontrò le sirene, fatevi legare stretti alla sedia! non riuscireste altrimenti a stare fermi durante l'ascolto di questo cd, che mette addosso voglia di saltare ballare e scuotere la testa, inseguiti da chitarre e bassi ossessionanti. Una seconda prova migliore senza dubbio, più continua e matura, della prima.

I took a risk and bought this album because of the song "Ruby". The entire album turned out to be very good, and I'm quite happy with it. Good catchy songs throughout. Do many people today buy entire albums, instead of just downloading one or two songs from a band? Probably not, and it's a shame. I recommend the album.

I haven't had a chance to hear the second song (do they still call it a b-side?) but the main track on this CD single is awesome, great beat, makes me look forward to the full album coming out later this month, more than ever. These guys are just getting better and better, and this follows fairly quickly after their previous effort.

This is a great single to put on at a party to get people up and dancing. In fact, play it more than once, because it's so catchy that the guests will want to hear it again. A great effort by this band and very enjoyable.

Great tune, very 80s, especially the subject matter. The lyrics are sometimes laughably schoolboy, depriving the song of perhaps one star, but in a quirky way they add to the charm.
Clearly more interesting than the average 'baby I lurve you' lyrics. The song deals with the dark underbelly of life in any major western city, but happens to be Leeds on this occasion, viz the references to 'Smeaton' and 'leodiensian', probably incomprehensible to non-loiners!
Three themes are dealt with here. First, the atmosphere of menace as the local anarchists gather in City Centre for a demonstration, and the lyric well describes the mistrustful atmosphere between such political agitators and the police.
The second theme is slightly more obscure, the 'man in a tracksuit' no doubt some aggressive sportsman (a boxer?) carrying some 'attitude' over into 'real life'. Does this betray a little 'anti-sport' feeling on behalf of the Kaisers? The point isn't altogether clear.
Finally, the local prostitutes get a mention. Congrats to the Kaisers for confronting a problem most artistes would shy away from. 'Not very sensible' to approach these ladies of the night', especially in a city now clamping down heavily on the trade and where a mere friendly chat with them can land you in trouble with the old bill!
Hurriedly written, at times clumsy, but I love it!

A very catchy, straightforward rocker, reminiscent of early-'80s XTC but a little less quirky. I hope they can sustain this quality for their debut album.