Bands usually release their Christmas singles or albums as part of their average routine. However, the launch of The Killers’ 2010 Christmas single, “Boots,” on Nov. 30, and its video on Dec. 1, marked a significant occasion.
In the summer of 2010, The Killers announced a temporary hiatus after over five years of work together. When frontman Brandon Flowers progressed with work on a solo album, Flamingo, further worries arose among fans as to the band’s future.
As rumors flew around the Internet and press, words of reunion emerged for the four musicians. An official announcement of a Christmas single from The Killers was a Christmas gift in itself for the devoted fans.
“Boots” follows in the footsteps of Christmas singles released by The Killers to support (RED) every holiday season since 2006. Unfortunately, these tracks are not a particularly impressive list, especially compared to the band’s excellent full albums.
Topping two consecutive disappointments of the 2008 single, “Joseph, Better You Than Me” and last year’s “Happy Birthday Guadalupe,” with months of break, my expectations were not high for “Boots.”
With an ounce of hope remaining, I gave the song a first try. When the “Boots” video began with a scene of Jimmy Stewart praying desperately in It’s a Wonderful Life, I was rather confused. Although hints of spirituality occasionally surface in The Killers’ music, I did not expect anything this blunt from the band. Still, it promoted what the rest of the song would revolve around.
When the first chords were struck, a smile automatically emerged on my face, as this sound was clearly The Killers I know and love.
Flowers’s voice entered, singing of a heartwarming Christmas season bringing hope, nostalgia and joy. The song, although not nearly up to par with the band’s hits like “Human,” is still a solid tune. The wistful lyrics and basic beat of the song are classic Killers trademarks, though perhaps weak due to their time apart.
Nonetheless, I found myself enjoying the song, finding little to complain of besides its inability to meet The Killers’ usual standard.
Directed by Napoleon Dynamite’s Jared Hess, the video is, in one word, adorable. A man, broken due to separation from his family, spends time praying in a church, then emerges with hope. He inspires those around him on the streets of Las Vegas by singing, then earns money, layers himself in Christmas decorations and returns home to his beloved family.
The song’s lyrics and video take a meaningful look at Christmas, which I appreciate. He sings, “I close my eyes/ Think about the path I took/ Just when I think these times have gotten the best of me.” These words reflect a concept of desperation which I think a great number of people can relate to.
However, the theme does not end here in longing; instead, it is resolved with the warmth of family and love bringing an end to troubles. In the chorus, Flowers sings, “I can see my mother in the kitchen/ My father on the floor/ Watching television/ It’s a wonderful life.” I appreciate The Killers’ sentimental attitude toward relationships, as opposed to shallow ideals demonstrated by so many musicians.
When Flowers sings “Cinnamon candles burning/ Snowball fights outside/ Smile below each nose and above each chin,” he gives such a vivid illustration of the holiday season. It provides the song with a cheerful aspect, which lightens the mood wonderfully. The progression of lyrics reflects a realistic atmosphere of life.
Although not up to par with The Killers’ best music, this song still exceeded my expectations and certainly surpassed the band’s previous Christmas singles — especially the heartwarming video. The quality of a simple single gives me very high hopes for the band’s future work when they spend time on an entire, cohesive album.
Altogether, “Boots” is a solid song conveying a beautiful theme, summed up in the lyrics: “So happy they found me/ Love was all around me.”
For more music reviews, read the Nov. 22 article, Imaginative style, lyrics make ‘Danger Days’ a success. For more reviews of The Killers, read the Aug. 24 article, The Killers produce energetic show.
