I'm Not Angry, I'm Just Disappointed

Sonic 4, wondering what to have for tea tonight, having a hangover, the prospect of an infinitely busy couple of weeks. Those are just some of the things I am more excited about than the release of Kings of Leon's new album.

Yes, Monday will see the Tennessee band release Come Around Sundown, their fifth (not second, fifth) studio album, but I don't think I will be rushing out to buy it this time.

I remember going back to my house two years ago with my copy of previous album, Only By The Night. I started playing the CD and I was well and truly blown away. However, within a few more listens, the original force nine wind had settled into one of those annoying little breezes, one that messes your hair up without you even noticing. It was from here that I realised Kings of Leon were never going to make anything like this ever again.

I'm not quite sure which I find more annoying, the new music or the new fans, the ones that think the earth orbits around an mp3 download of 'Use Somebody'. They go jogging each morning before work and listen to Kings of Leon next to Kanye West and Lady Gaga. As far as they're concerned, 2008 is KOL's year zero.

Before the release of new single 'Radioactive', I heard that the band were going back to their roots for the new album. This made me feel a bit more optimistic, I thought maybe there was hope for me yet, and then I saw this. I watched the whole video, and I was speechless. Six weeks have passed and I'm still speechless. I can't find any metaphors to explain how horrific it is.

To summarise, I don't think I can ever love Kings of Leon properly again. Sure, I might enjoy the odd single, I might  be a little bit impressed with a live performance and I'll still get a shiver down my spine whenever I listen to Aha Shake Heartbreak. But I will never love them again. However, if I was in their position, I doubt I would care.