I HAVE BEEN SOUNDLY DEFEATED BY KINGS OF LEON.

For some reason I thought I could hold out. I remember reading a Rolling Stone feature about them in 2003 (I think) and thinking they were too hairy for me. Cool story and I like that they're from the South, but "I doubt this band is for me." I checked the stuff out and decided I wouldn't give in. And while I silently liked "The Bucket" when I heard it on occasion and enjoyed myself when I saw them at the Wiltern and at Coachella, I was incredibly steadfast in my decision that Kings of Leon were just outside of the range of bands I really liked. No way I'm losing this battle, ever.

WOW.  Who feels dumb right now?

I got dominated this week when I checked out their latest record, Only By Night (iTunes link). It's kicking my ass front-to-back (the album, not my backside) and I found myself scrambling for the rest of their catalogue this week and slapping myself for being so ignant. If more ROCK records were like this, i'd listen to more ROCK.

So - though I'm feeling very French right now, I admit to my defeat and am happy to enjoy these guys for all they're worth. This is a special record.

-Scotty

BONUS: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist looks as if it's gonna be a great film with an equally great soundtrack (iTunes link), which happens to include a new track by the "THIS WEEKEND" originals-band, Vampire Weekend, entitled "Ottoman" (bougie furniture, what else would you expect?)