- Buy a CD or a vinyl record, get a $1 Amazon MP3 Credit. Limit one promotional credit per customer. Here's how (restrictions apply)
- Includes FREE MP3 version of this album Here's how (restrictions apply)
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Offers and Product Promotions
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Track Listings
| 1. U.R.A. Fever |
| 2. Cheap And Chearful |
| 3. Tape Song |
| 4. Getting Down |
| 5. Last Day Of Magic |
| 6. Hook And Line |
| 7. Black Balloon |
| 8. M.E.X.I.C.O.C.U |
| 9. Sour Cherry |
| 10. Alphabet Pony |
| 11. What New York Used To Be |
| 12. Goodnight Bad Morning |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Jamie "Hotel" Hince might have become tabloid fodder thanks to his relationship with Kate Moss, but the third album by The Kills, his band with American vocalist Alison "VV" Mosshart, does relatively little to tidy itself up for mainstream consumption. Midnight Boom is a typically lean set of makeshift punk-blues characterised by Hince's raw, Nick Zinner-style guitar, and Alison's bad-attitude drawl: see the opening "U.R.A Fever", a beat-up call-and-response number reminiscent of Royal Trux than sees Hince and Mosshart swapping sour quips over loping bass and drum machine thud, while "Cheap and Cheerful" sees Mosshart declaring "I want you to be crazy/'Cos you're boring baby when you're straight". The presence of producer Armani XXXchange of Baltimore hip-hop outfit Spank Rock means there's a greater emphasis here on rhythm, often of a synthetic nature: "Alphabet Pony" bumps along on robust, lo-fi drum kicks and bursts of primitive electronics, while "Black Balloon" is a slow-burner that toys with layered percussion built from hand claps, scrapers, and tapped snare. The Kills still have problems with a big, memorable chorus–-assuming, indeed, that was ever their intention--but Midnight Boom is all about grit and grooves, and it does that just fine. –Louis Pattison
Product Description
This duo subtly and organically fuses pop, glam, blues, art-punk, and hip-hop in a manner that flits between light and dark, funny and morbid, experimental and cute. The result is a short, sharp twelve track album of sensual, fresh, and atmospheric songs. A reminder that no one on earth makes rock 'n' roll quite like The Kills. Previous albums "No Wow" and "Keep On Your Mean Side" have sold over 70,000.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been fan of the Kills since Keep on Your Mean Side. I listened to that album and heard a great foundation that could be built upon. They took a slightly different direction with No Wow, but they were steadily crafting their sound.
And then I heard news of Midnight Boom. I was excited, but many questions ran through my mind. Would they take what they've done so well and improve upon it some more? Would they go in a total different direction? Would they repeat what they've done on their first two albums? Would they completely flop?
Well, I can say without a doubt that this is their most accomplished album to date and it's the quintessential Kill's record people should own. It's fun, dark, and rockin' all at the same time. For people who've been listening to the Kills since their first two albums, this is that "home run" album that we've been waiting for. And for people who haven't heard of the Kills previous music, this is definitely the best place to start. I can't wait to see them in concert in May.
And then I heard news of Midnight Boom. I was excited, but many questions ran through my mind. Would they take what they've done so well and improve upon it some more? Would they go in a total different direction? Would they repeat what they've done on their first two albums? Would they completely flop?
Well, I can say without a doubt that this is their most accomplished album to date and it's the quintessential Kill's record people should own. It's fun, dark, and rockin' all at the same time. For people who've been listening to the Kills since their first two albums, this is that "home run" album that we've been waiting for. And for people who haven't heard of the Kills previous music, this is definitely the best place to start. I can't wait to see them in concert in May.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I work at a radio station and for every good album we get in, there's 100 lousy ones. This was my first dose of the Kills though and this album is pure gold if I've ever heard it.
The Kills are blues rock but that's not giving them enough justice. They incorporate a lot of different sounds/styles. The best way I can describe it is The White Stripes + Clinic + Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Straight from the sexy opener "U.R.A. Fever" you get a taste of what you're in for. You feel instantly cooler just listening to it, then you get hit with the album's single "Cheap and Powerful" which is just begging to be remixed and sent to the dancefloor but sounds great as is as well.
"Tape Song" won me over with its sweet guitar effects, especially the solo.
"Last Day Of Magic" is probably my favorite off the album. Its sort of cheerful sounding while still being dirty and you'll be singing "my little tornado, my little hurricane-o" all day long.
"What New York Used To Be" has a great vibe to it and kind of reminds me of Peaches.
I could rave about nearly every track but I'll spare you. Just get this album, you won't be disappointed.
The Kills are blues rock but that's not giving them enough justice. They incorporate a lot of different sounds/styles. The best way I can describe it is The White Stripes + Clinic + Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Straight from the sexy opener "U.R.A. Fever" you get a taste of what you're in for. You feel instantly cooler just listening to it, then you get hit with the album's single "Cheap and Powerful" which is just begging to be remixed and sent to the dancefloor but sounds great as is as well.
"Tape Song" won me over with its sweet guitar effects, especially the solo.
"Last Day Of Magic" is probably my favorite off the album. Its sort of cheerful sounding while still being dirty and you'll be singing "my little tornado, my little hurricane-o" all day long.
"What New York Used To Be" has a great vibe to it and kind of reminds me of Peaches.
I could rave about nearly every track but I'll spare you. Just get this album, you won't be disappointed.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If you're in a rock band and you're going to date a super model, your music had better be good or you're simply giving more fodder to the press. Just ask Pete Doherty.
Actually, Mr. Doherty does have a link, albeit a wobbly one with Brit/American duo The Kills. Guitarist Jamie Hince is dating Doherty's ex, Kate Moss, assuring them ample space in the British tabloids.
"Midnight boom" is their third album (I was introduced to their sound when I got their sophomore "No wow") and it features more of their edgy, electro rock sound. They get compared to The White Stripes simply because they comprise a boy/girl duo.
Opening is the droning throbbing ""U.R.A. fever (you're a fever, with the pair trading lines) followed by the hand-clap adorned groovy "Cheap and cheerful". It reminds me a wee bit of the groovy "Born to hand jive" from "Grease".
"Tape song" is a gently pulsing ballad that wouldn't sound of place on a Garbage CD as does the beautiful "Black balloon" (with Alison Mosshart turning in a crystal clear, yearning performance).
More upbeat are the jangly "Last day of magic", "Hook and line", the drum kit-demolishing "M.E.X.I.C.O.U." (nice girl group sound), the hand-clap (this seems to be a new trend, what with The Ting tings doing it too) adorned "Sour cherry" (with syncopated beats), the eerie but bouncy "Alphabet pony", and the distorted sounds of "What New york used to be".
Closing is the tender acoustic "Goodnight bad morning" with Hince providing subtle harmonies for Mosshart's vocals. Lovely piano tinkling also.
A strong CD that should keep them in the public eye long after the tabloids tire of the Moss liaison.
Actually, Mr. Doherty does have a link, albeit a wobbly one with Brit/American duo The Kills. Guitarist Jamie Hince is dating Doherty's ex, Kate Moss, assuring them ample space in the British tabloids.
"Midnight boom" is their third album (I was introduced to their sound when I got their sophomore "No wow") and it features more of their edgy, electro rock sound. They get compared to The White Stripes simply because they comprise a boy/girl duo.
Opening is the droning throbbing ""U.R.A. fever (you're a fever, with the pair trading lines) followed by the hand-clap adorned groovy "Cheap and cheerful". It reminds me a wee bit of the groovy "Born to hand jive" from "Grease".
"Tape song" is a gently pulsing ballad that wouldn't sound of place on a Garbage CD as does the beautiful "Black balloon" (with Alison Mosshart turning in a crystal clear, yearning performance).
More upbeat are the jangly "Last day of magic", "Hook and line", the drum kit-demolishing "M.E.X.I.C.O.U." (nice girl group sound), the hand-clap (this seems to be a new trend, what with The Ting tings doing it too) adorned "Sour cherry" (with syncopated beats), the eerie but bouncy "Alphabet pony", and the distorted sounds of "What New york used to be".
Closing is the tender acoustic "Goodnight bad morning" with Hince providing subtle harmonies for Mosshart's vocals. Lovely piano tinkling also.
A strong CD that should keep them in the public eye long after the tabloids tire of the Moss liaison.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"You got to go steal a head!"--?! -- My Favorite Album of 2008!
December 17, 2009
By Rich Latta
Format:Audio CD
This album is so crazy-cool, so crazy-catchy it hurts! The songs are simple and fun and the lyrics are crazy-fun too. Alison Mosshart is a very charismatic singer and drummer/guitarist/vocalist Jamie Hence has a real knack for hooky songwriting - they both do! I wasn't completely sold on this band at first but they totally won me over on this album with its quirky electronic touches, rockin beats and hooky melodies.
Breakdown!
"U.R.A. Fever" - starts off really laid-back with sluggish/cool vocals and soon becomes a steady, swaggering minimalist beat with electronic injections and phone noises. "Laughing like a seagull" - ?! LTM "We are a fever/ We ain't born typical" - so true! ****1/4
"Cheap And Cheerful" - "I want you to be crazy cuz yer boring baby when you are straight" - the album picks up the pace with this great beat and sexy vocals from Mosshart. ****1/2
"Tape Song" - "You got to go steel ahead!" . . . sometimes the lyrics you think you hear are even cooler than the real ones. Quirky, jerky and mechanical, this is neo-New Wave heaven. Mosshart blasts it way over the top! *****+
"Getting Down" - Jamie takes the lead vocal on this groover with subtle, down-tuned acoustic guitar chugging along to an insistent drum beat and "uh-uh-uh-uh-oww-owws." ****
"Last Day of Magic" - the grooviest, most addictive song of the bunch. Great guitar, love the chord changes. "A little tornado/ A little hurricane-o" . . . love the way they just sing whatever the F they want. *****+
"Hook & Line" - one of the heaviest cuts. Full of distorted guitar, it's a decent song but far from the best. ***1/4
"Black Balloon" - a mellower tune and one of the album's best melodies. Interesting percussion and a heavenly "middle 8.... Read more ›
Breakdown!
"U.R.A. Fever" - starts off really laid-back with sluggish/cool vocals and soon becomes a steady, swaggering minimalist beat with electronic injections and phone noises. "Laughing like a seagull" - ?! LTM "We are a fever/ We ain't born typical" - so true! ****1/4
"Cheap And Cheerful" - "I want you to be crazy cuz yer boring baby when you are straight" - the album picks up the pace with this great beat and sexy vocals from Mosshart. ****1/2
"Tape Song" - "You got to go steel ahead!" . . . sometimes the lyrics you think you hear are even cooler than the real ones. Quirky, jerky and mechanical, this is neo-New Wave heaven. Mosshart blasts it way over the top! *****+
"Getting Down" - Jamie takes the lead vocal on this groover with subtle, down-tuned acoustic guitar chugging along to an insistent drum beat and "uh-uh-uh-uh-oww-owws." ****
"Last Day of Magic" - the grooviest, most addictive song of the bunch. Great guitar, love the chord changes. "A little tornado/ A little hurricane-o" . . . love the way they just sing whatever the F they want. *****+
"Hook & Line" - one of the heaviest cuts. Full of distorted guitar, it's a decent song but far from the best. ***1/4
"Black Balloon" - a mellower tune and one of the album's best melodies. Interesting percussion and a heavenly "middle 8.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Are these Two cool or what?
Awesome songs, awesome singing, interesting beats, cool effects. The kills should be a house hold name.... but they aren't because they're too cool for that!
Published 3 months ago by David Hopings
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album
Most of the tracks justify the purchase of the whole. I was not disappointed. These days, bands seem to put out a couple of great tracks and fill the rest of their album with crap. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jon E. Hendrickson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Worst Kills Album?
My friend told me this was their worst CD and I didn't believe him. I should have believed him. Get their other ones first.
Published 4 months ago by A. May
5.0 out of 5 stars
Midnight BOOOOM
This is without a doubt one of my best music purchases for as long as I can remember. Only skipped over a few tracks on my initial play through and have had these catchy beats... Read more
Published 4 months ago by edags15
4.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhere in a town or city near you...
When I listen to this album, I get a vision of a subculture. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it ain't polite bourgeois society, folks. Just examine some of the lyrics. Read more
Published on February 18, 2011 by Steven Haarala
5.0 out of 5 stars
it is booming
good songs, good alternative rock, I like the tempo very much, keep on going, write and play more songs,
so we can listen to them, when I drive in my car I listen to the... Read more
so we can listen to them, when I drive in my car I listen to the... Read more
Published on May 4, 2010 by A. M. Giesen
1.0 out of 5 stars
Pretentious Nonsense
Nearly as bad as the Moldy Peaches. This was given to me by someone with very questionable taste (sorry sis), actually it was intended for my son but even he hates it. Stinko!
Published on September 13, 2009 by Participial Politician
4.0 out of 5 stars
What music used to be...
I call this music "primitive punk" (my lame attempt to coin a genre).
No Beatles or Miles Davis break through here, but the best thing since. Read more
No Beatles or Miles Davis break through here, but the best thing since. Read more
Published on March 11, 2009 by Robert Barrera
5.0 out of 5 stars
An absolutely stunning album
I liked both of the Kills earlier albums -- KEEP ON YOUR MEAN SIDE and NO WOW -- but didn't think that they were so excellent that I needed another one. Lord, was I ever wrong. Read more
Published on September 20, 2008 by Robert Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
All I know is that...
The Kills previous album was just OK to me (great songs beside boring ones), so when a hip hop DJ recommended this one to me, naturally I was a bit confused. Read more
Published on September 1, 2008 by Jason Harrington
Listmania!
So You'd Like to...
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Look for Similar Items by Category
- Music > Alternative Rock
- Music > Pop
- Music > Rock
- Music > World Music
