Michael Braun's Blog

Some of you may know that around a year ago, my favorite band switched from the White Stripes to Kings of Leon. I first listened to their first album, “Youth and Young Manhood,” a year and a half ago. I thought it was excellent, a genre I never knew I was missing: Southern Garage Rock. When their third album (“Because of the Times”) came out a few months later, I bought it right away. On it, they steer away from garage rock formula towards more alternative sounds, some sonic experimentation, and produced something exceptional. I then acquired their second album (“Aha Shake Heartbreak”), which, following the previous pattern, I thought was the best of the bunch. Short, dirty, and supremely satisfying.

Today, they released their fourth album, “Only By The Night”. As soon as I woke up this morning I purchased the album and am now listening to it the third way through. I’d call the feel of the entire album unrestrained restraint. Overall, the album conjures feelings of the end of a long night. All songs build, but never explode. Sonically, it has more in common with “Because of the Times” than either other album.

I don’t think that Kings of Leon will ever be the band that produced their first two albums. They seem to have grown quickly, country boys beaten down by the city. They return home with new perspectives and a darker view of their own lives and of humanity. The songs are slower, the themes more serious (less debauchery, more fear and regret). The album still seems to chronicle a time progression. If “Aha Shake Heartbreak” started with a night out, ending after arriving back home, “Only By The Night” takes over then.

I’m sure some people will lament the loss of the loud, raucous, libidinous Kings. I think that personality still lurks underneath their songs, but in this case, the album is weary, lamenting on life while exhausted on a couch, tired of standing all day and night. Their next album might restore that energy, but until then, I’m more than satisfied with “Only By The Night.” Give it a listen!

Here’s an interesting bit of news. It seems that while Sarah Palin was mayor of tiny Wasilla, Alaska, the police chief there fought with the state about charging rape victims for examinations. It seems the police chief was the most vocal proponent of allowing towns charge rape victims for being raped. He very much wanted to keep charging them! Palin claims she didn’t know, but in a town of 7,000, she’s either a complete numbskull or a liar. Either way, it’s clear that she has some serious pro-rape leanings.

The other horrible part about the news is that Alaska’s rate of rapes is 2.5 times the national average. If you were living in Wasilla, Alaska, up until 2000, you were 2.5 times more likely to be raped. And then, if you were, you’d be charged up to $1000 for an examination.

Sarah Palin, standing up for the rights of women since she was nominated for Vice-President.