The Kills - Blood Pressures (2011)

The Kills' status amongst Coachella regulars is a testament to their wide and lasting appeal, with their position in the lineup consistently rising in the three years they have performed. In their latest evolution, The Kills continue their characteristic vocal interplay with Mosshart leading and Hince supporting that has made them so appealing, balancing just the right amount of distortion and vocal coarseness to keep their sound rough around the edges. Blood Pressures has less frills, with riffs pared-down for powerful deliveries. The heavier sound is heard in the reggae strumming and low vocals of "Satellite". Though I hate it when my favorite track is the first because it always seems like I'm being set up to be disappointed, I have to say that "Future Starts Slow" is my favorite track with it's intense driving beat and piercing guitar. "DNA" particularly highlights Mosshart's seductive vocals, while "Heart is a beating drum" and "Nail in My Coffin" live up to their names. The second half of the album does not have the same energy, perhaps because it is hard to maintain the same intensity throughout, but the final track "Pots and Pans" provides an interesting close- transitioning into a repetitive but soothing trance.
The Kills - DNA - Blood Pressure - Free MP3 Link by smokincharliebrown

The Kills - Midnight Boom (2008)

The first song I heard by the Kills was "Wait" on their first album "Keep on Your Mean Side". They were very bluesy, sort of down and dirty sounding, like they recorded in the Mississippi Delta somewhere. Their new album Midnight Boom however, is drastically different. It sounds like the Mississippi garage band got signed, moved to the bright lights of New York City, changed their sound to pop, then starting writing about new fashions, clubs and designer drugs, most of which I do not understand, and 99% of the time I would write this band off, call their new shit lame and move on. Not so with Midnight Boom. This album rips. The first song "U.R.A Fever" completely draws you in and demands your attention which is followed by "Cheap and Cheerful", one of the best pump up the party, dance your face off jams I have heard in years. "M.E.X.I.C.O.C.U" and "Alphabet Pony" offer some very creative riffs, as well as song writing, which come together to make a delightful gumbo of craziness. The album does have some weak spots though. A few times I found myself skipping songs, and "Sour Cherry" sounded too much like the Breeders, I hate the fucking Breeders. Over all, I would definitely recommend this album not only because Jamie Hince on guitar completely rocks, but Alison Mosshart sounds like one of those super hot punker chicks you meet at a local dive bar on a Wednesday, beats you soundly at pool, and almost gets you beat up three times before the nights over, a bad idea but sooo much fun.