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Kings of Leon — Closer
Album: Only By The Night
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2122









Released: 2008
Length: 3:54
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Stranded in the spooky town
Stop lights are swaying and the phone lines are down
The floor is crackling cold
She took my heart, I think she took my soul
With the moon I run
Far from the carnage of the fiery sun

Driven by the strangle of vein
Showing no mercy, I'd do it again
Open up your eye
You keep on crying, baby, I'll bleed you dry
The skies, they blink at me
I see a storm bubbling up from the sea

And it's coming closer

You shimmy shook my bone
Leaving me stranded, all in love on my own
Do you think of me?
Where am I now, baby, where do I sleep?
Feels so good, but I'm old
Two thousand years of chasing, taking its toll

And it's coming closer
Comments (182)add comment
All members with the last name Followill.  That  would actually be a good band name.
Lived it, and still...
LOVE this tune. I made it my ring tone on my cell phone when it first came out. Overall, I like these guys. Some of it is so catchy. 
 tm wrote:
I have a lot of more annoying sounds on my synths and this one is not annoying.  It's gloopy and trippy...  But hey your mind is yours - not particularly inspirational but it's still yours.





The background here reminds me a lot of Leave by R.E.M. (New Adventures in HiFi). Grew to like it, but had to skip the track the first few listens (in the old days of CDs).
 justin4kick wrote:


The only goog song? So you're actually saying that all other songs by this band are bag?

By the way, did you ever see the movie The Goog, The Bag and the Ugly? If not, go see it.



I think you mean Udly.
I have a lot of more annoying sounds on my synths and this one is not annoying.  It's gloopy and trippy...  But hey your mind is yours - not particularly inspirational but it's still yours.

 jerund wrote:

'Hey, I found a really annoying sound on my synth, how about I repeat it for 4 minutes and you can fill in a song around it?'   Done.



Oh! Say something nice, guys. Pleeeease! What a voice, eh? Not to mention the video. Brilliant!
Four brothers? I don't recall seeing anything like this. 
 jerund wrote:

'Hey, I found a really annoying sound on my synth, how about I repeat it for 4 minutes and you can fill in a song around it?'   Done.


That's a very plausible scenario.

'Hey, I found a really annoying sound on my synth, how about I repeat it for 4 minutes and you can fill in a song around it?'   Done.
I used to play this song a lot when my kids were younger (6 to 8 ish) over a decade ago ... they've recently informed me that it really gave them the creeps and neither likes it to this day.  
 justin4kick wrote:


The only goog song? So you're actually saying that all other songs by this band are bag?

By the way, did you ever see the movie The Goog, The Bag and the Ugly? If not, go see it.


Wasn't that "The Goog, The Bag, and the Udly"?  I haven't seen that one either, actually.
Where have they gone??
 milchschnitte wrote:

the only goog song of this band.



The only goog song? So you're actually saying that all other songs by this band are bag?

By the way, did you ever see the movie The Goog, The Bag and the Ugly? If not, go see it.
 Thunderbolt wrote:

Lovely!



Agreed!
Lovely!
Really like the mood in this one.
 erichb wrote:
Really dig these guys - just wish lead singer (Caleb) wasn't such a premadonna.

Pre-Madonna? You mean like?

 Hub wrote:
Be nice.
You don't have to love them, but let them reveal who they are.
 
Yup....so true in music and life in general...I'll go +1 on this to 7 as I do not hate Kings of Leon (come on folks that HATE music...seriously?  you can DISLIKE it but hate?) Long Live RP and LOVE
 fatcatjb wrote:
here is my fantasy email from Bill:

Dear Fatcatjb,
Yes, I have decided that the Kings of Leon are hopelessly inane and everything they produce sounds the same. I am pulling everything they blather on about off of RP forEVER

Musically yours,

Bill 

 
LOL. 
And  I agree.
I always get reminded of Counting Crows when I hear KOL - which is not a good thing.
Really great track. Still not forgiven them for inflicting "Sex on Fire" on the world but time is a healer....

 razcal wrote:
I don't know why some people hate this band so much. I've heard some people say that they sold out. I wouldn't know, as I hadn't heard (or heard of) them before the alleged selling out. What I do know is that I like this album a lot, especially "Cold Desert"
 I think it's because they inflicted us with that ridiculous "Sex on Fire" song...

 mrselfdestruct wrote:
These guys are pricks.
 
With juvenile comments like this please hit the self destruct button.
Whatever happened to these guys?
 FlatCat wrote:
I remember when, I remember I remember when I lost my mind...

 
That actually is a great album
I don't know why some people hate this band so much. I've heard some people say that they sold out. I wouldn't know, as I hadn't heard (or heard of) them before the alleged selling out. What I do know is that I like this album a lot, especially "Cold Desert".
Be nice.
You don't have to love them, but let them reveal who they are.
 mrselfdestruct wrote:
These guys are pricks.

 

I'm getting the same vibe.
 Solanus wrote:
Some sort of glitch; this sounds suspiciously like Bruce Springsteen.

 
A wee bit like Badlands… {#Cheesygrin}
Some sort of glitch; this sounds suspiciously like Bruce Springsteen.
9 :)
I just rated this an 8 but it didn't affect the overall rating, which is a shame.  This is their highest point for me.
Kings of Leon — Closer . . . but it's Springsteen playing.  Every time.  Again. Some kind mix-up?
Not diggin' the vocals.
Kings of Leon — Closer . . . but it's Springsteen playing.  Every time.  Again. Some kind mix-up?
Kings of Leon — Closer . . . but it's Springsteen playing.  Every time.  Some kind mix-up?
So I got bored with Cracker laboring its way through "Darling One" and hit PSD. 

Do I get Kings of Leon performing "Closer"? It is true that I do not.

No, I get Bruuuce thumping out "Badlands."

Which song would you prefer to hear by PSD? 
here is my fantasy email from Bill:

Dear Fatcatjb,
Yes, I have decided that the Kings of Leon are hopelessly inane and everything they produce sounds the same. I am pulling everything they blather on about off of RP forEVER

Musically yours,

Bill 

Robin Trower is a bass player isn't he..? I think they have really been growing on me,, love those guys now !

At a recent KOL concert I saw Robin Trower hiding behind the speakers playing lead.......{#Curtain} 
 

Aggravating.{#Rolleyes}
Uninspired piece of work. Boring.

I love most of this album. This song pervades my mind and soul...great to hear and space out to while driving. I love how cryptic and evocative the lyrics are. And the vocals are so intense, saturated with desire. It's really too bad about recent events with Caleb Followill...wonder if they'll make it through intact.


I remember when, I remember I remember when I lost my mind...
This guy lays it all out from the bottom of his soul. Wonderful vocal.
 Kittee wrote:
I really really disliked Kings of Leon when I first heard them...but you know they've grown on me and now I find them quite enjoyable. I guess for me, they are just one of those groups you have to hear a few times to appreciate.
 
Funny, I was just thinking I am getting a little sick of this song...perhaps heard it one to many times.
 Kittee wrote:
I really really disliked Kings of Leon when I first heard them...but you know they've grown on me and now I find them quite enjoyable. I guess for me, they are just one of those groups you have to hear a few times to appreciate.
 

Same here.  I saw them in concert in Austin last wk and then saw the live feed on youtube of their performance at Coachella.  I was never a big fan b/c radio overplayed "Use Somebody" and "Sex on Fire," but since I've been hearing them on RP and now seen them live, I've downloaded their recent album and a lot of their back catalog of songs, watched some of their videos and other performances, and also checked out their "Live at the O2" dvd.  Hoping to see their backstory movie "Tahilina Sky."
A solid, honest effort. Not my favorite cut from this album, but still very enjoyable.
love the drums...
an instant 10. 
I really really disliked Kings of Leon when I first heard them...but you know they've grown on me and now I find them quite enjoyable. I guess for me, they are just one of those groups you have to hear a few times to appreciate.
 romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo good for the ears...
  
 Stefen wrote:


I'm glad you like the song, but can you come up with a new catchphrase?  Thanks.
 

But then it wouldn't be Romeo.  Would it?



At a recent KOL concert I saw Robin Trower hiding behind the speakers playing lead.......{#Curtain} 
Nice!
Really dig these guys - just wish lead singer (Caleb) wasn't such a premadonna.
Great song, interesting mood.
The more I listen to, the more I like.

Thank You, Bill !

Spot on.  The repetitive synth line and slightly off the beat drumming powers this along.  The doleful vocals remind me of John Martyn and the dark lyrics are a bonus.

Made me reach for the volume and crank up the A5s at home.


 vandal wrote:

You shimmy-shook my boat
Leaving me stranded all in love on my own
Do you think of me
Where am I now
 
Read this when he sung them . . . Scary.

Scary song . . . 

Kings of Leon IV by ~AmpedPhotography
©2009-2010 ~AmpedPhotography

Kings of Leon at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne March 2009.

I think I married the only girl who shimmy-shook my boat. . .

{#Shifty}


I like this song even more after reading the lyrics....  very atmospheric, vampire-esque theme {#Skull} 

 romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo good for the ears...
 
So I have to ask... what comes after the ellipsis?
This song is soooo good for the ears... of a jackass?


You shimmy-shook my boat
Leaving me stranded all in love on my own
Do you think of me
Where am I now


amazing {#Cool}


Talent in this band !
Love it. Thanks bill. Don't know why everyone shits on this band so much. Reference the first three albums if you still aren't a believer.{#Fight}
One of the bands that my 15-year-old son and I agree on.
 rtb wrote:
Once I thought there was something I liked about Kings of Leon.
But the more I hear their songs, the more I forget what that could have possibly been. 
 
{#Think}  {#Yes}  for much not this tho IMHO

Once I thought there was something I liked about Kings of Leon.
But the more I hear their songs, the more I forget what that could have possibly been. 

Boring, means nothing. Next song please, {#Headache}


There is more to music than rhythm  jjbix wrote:
a song totally devoid of rhythym, why is it ranked a 7 here, why?!?!
 


 peter_james_bond wrote:

Far out man.....

 
Outta state!
They are getting airplay here in DFW on Clear Channel (**spit**)
But the song is not as good and it sounds like they removed some of the tracks so it is very flat.
The lovely and Talented Jessie does recommend listeners get the CD to get the full effect of the band.

I've noticed moving my work time to evenings has made me appreciate the WBAP morning show, Mark Davis, and Rush far more now that I miss them and tend to listen to FM most of the time.
The evening Talk stuff from2:00 on is just not worth listening to.
Listening to FM has reinforced my love of RP though.
I really wish work would allow me to listen to RP ever 3G. I can get away with a few minutes on the phone, and I listen at lunch (no one around to worry about slowing our web with the stream)
 vivakitty wrote:
This song. This song on a night with a new moon, on country roads with no streetlights.  This song with the windows down.  This song with someone you like well enough to not have to talk to.  This song on a road you've never driven, each curve revealing something new in your headlights.  This song.
 
This song as you leave the paved road behind and pull on to a lonely gravel service road.  This song as you realize you haven't seen anybody else in at least the last 10 miles..  This song as the car pulls up to the abandoned cabin.  This song as the roofies kick in.  This song as the duct tape is wrapped around your mouth and limbs.  This song.


Never heard anything of these before - am VERY impressed.
Can I just say they're almost prog?

Ian 

(Bag End) 
I like these guys...but not so much that I might actually purchase one or two of their songs. 
 romeotuma wrote:
This song is groovy...
 
Far out man.....

This song. This song on a night with a new moon, on country roads with no streetlights.  This song with the windows down.  This song with someone you like well enough to not have to talk to.  This song on a road you've never driven, each curve revealing something new in your headlights.  This song.
 rdo wrote:
I have jumped on the bandwagon. 
 
Sweet, welcome aboard.  Now move over and let me drive. . .

{#Cheesygrin}


romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo good for the ears...
  
 Stefen wrote:


I'm glad you like the song, but can you come up with a new catchphrase?  Thanks.
 
Ditto.
I have jumped on the bandwagon. 
 Stefen wrote:


I'm glad you like the song, but can you come up with a new catchphrase?  Thanks.
 
Amen, Brother! {#Clap}
 romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo good for the ears...
 

I'm glad you like the song, but can you come up with a new catchphrase?  Thanks.
That's a freaking brilliant song there.....

A great song. Thank goodness for KoL. They are one of the few modern bands that knows how to bring the majesty of rock n roll.


 somegirl74 wrote:


That is an old pic, they are all made over now with model girlfriends

 
Yeah, roger that.

What I really like is the fact that two of the brothers (the band is all from the same family, three brothers and a cousin) f*cking kick the sh*t out of each other on a fairly regular basis, a la The Kinks and Oasis.

Nothing like a little family tension to keep things torqued up! {#War}
{#Lol}  I guess this is Bill's way of punishing the listeners for rating Tim Buckley's "Sweet Surrender" so low!

Actually, although I don't care much for the Kings of Leon, this piece is not bad.


 Mandible wrote:
 I expected an older looking band for some reason. I like these guys the more I hear!
 

That is an old pic, they are all made over now with model girlfriends

fadedsignal wrote:
Like a sleezy Catherine Wheel

I like {#Tongue}

{#Shifty}

Saw KOL last week in concert, they put on a good show, not as good as I thought it would be but maybe they weren't feeling the empty arena (only 1st floor was filled, 2nd floor was empty, although there was a couple having sex up there, we tried to get the lighting people to blow there spot to no avail)
On her Celebrity Playlist on iTunes, Nicole Kidman says this is one of her all-time favorite bands. I've never really liked their sound but this one is growing on me.
 I expected an older looking band for some reason. I like these guys the more I hear!
I like it but I'm kinda tired of it now.
 lattalo wrote:

Agreed, this is hopefully just a taste of what they are capable of.
 
Agreed all around...

 peter_james_bond wrote:
I like this song, these guys have the potential to make a great album, they aren't there yet but they are getting closer. {#Dance}
 
Agreed, this is hopefully just a taste of what they are capable of.

Really enjoy this whole album. Terrific stuff.
 jjbix wrote:
a song totally devoid of rhythym, why is it ranked a 7 here, why?!?!
 
With the subdividing, it's more complex than straight ahead 4/4 timing.
Doesn't make it devoid of rhythm.
But it MAY be devoid of rhythym.
*ahem*

Yeah, this is totally on the make-out playlist.
The rasp in his voice is just animalian lust, and the
'whoop whoop whoop whoop weep weep weep'
echo is like the, erm...
chemical effect taking my inhibitions away.
 Huey wrote:


the weeweepweep is what I like about this
 

weeweepweep is good
 fatcatjb wrote:
that weepweepweep over and over is going to get stuck in my head and will drive me crazy until I get it out of there
 

the weeweepweep is what I like about this
 DrLex wrote:

Maybe not everyone's judgement about a song is based only on the presence of "rhythym"?

 

I agree. If we knew what "rhythym" meant we might be in accordance with jjbix

 jjbix wrote:
a song totally devoid of rhythym, why is it ranked a 7 here, why?!?!
 
Maybe not everyone's judgement about a song is based only on the presence of "rhythym"?

 brookap wrote:
This song is crazy.
No not insane. I mean it's Gnarls Barkley's song with echoey synth and cymbals added for effect.
 

{#Yes}
 Whimary wrote:
I think I could like KOL.  Must hear more!
 
they were on austin city limits this past saturday. was good.

I think I could like KOL.  Must hear more!
a song totally devoid of rhythym, why is it ranked a 7 here, why?!?!
the only goog song of this band.
I watched the pointless (as usual) Grammy Awards and was amazed they actually nominated a group with talent this year. How did KOL slip through the cracks of the normal Grammy dreck?
 fatcatjb wrote:
that weepweepweep over and over is going to get stuck in my head and will drive me crazy until I get it out of there
 

Me two. It's F.....g annoying. And I like TKOL. Not his one. Mute
that weepweepweep over and over is going to get stuck in my head and will drive me crazy until I get it out of there
My goodness this song turns me on.

I'm finding that the KOL are striking a youthful chord in me. A dangerous one. I like it!
I like this song, these guys have the potential to make a great album, they aren't there yet but they are getting closer. {#Dance}
Ugh.  Time to take the headphones off for a bit...
rp proves there really is great new music out there...
you just have to know where to listen..
err...listen to rp..
A great song, and not even the best off the album. These guys sound like I am still waiting for 1981's Amanita to wear off.
The more I listen to it, the better it gets for me {#Clap}
8 -> 9
Like a sleezy Catherine Wheel

I like   {#Tongue}
 chrysalis12481 wrote:
This sound touches me in a poignant way.
 
touches me in a naughty way. {#Shifty}
The vocal styling is very reminiscent of Gnarls Barkley's Crazy, the song overall is not nearly as catchy.
Saw these guys at Coachella 2 years ago and loved them. Now they bug me for some reason. The crashing guitar thing is sort of stale. I thought they'd be more original.
This sound touches me in a poignant way.