Kaiser Chiefs
Naming a group can often be the most difficult process. Countless bands have split up, even before they really started, because they were unable to settle on a moniker. The original Kaiser Chiefs are a popular South African football (soccer) team. It was the only name suggested that everyone in the Leeds group didn't all hate. As a result Ricky Wilson (lead vocals), Andrew "Whitey" White (guitar), Simon Rix (bass), Nick "Peanut" Baines (keyboards) and Nick Hodgson (drums and vocals) overcame a major obstacle.
The Kaiser Chiefs came into being when school chums and co-members of many a failed group, Rix, Baines and Hodgson, decided to put together a band to earn a spot at the Leeds Festival. Needing a singer they approached Wilson who was doing time in a Rolling Stones tribute band. Despite such a questionable occupation with an unsteady future Wilson turned them down. Any band that gets turned down in favor of a tribute act is in serious trouble. Fortunately, after being approached a second time, Wilson relented. Adding White, the group nailed the Leeds Festival gig. And that turned out to be just the beginning.
The Kaiser Chiefs' agreeable, fun loving Rock first appeared on a self-financed single, "Oh My God," that took Britain by storm managing to shoot to the hallowed #66 spot on the charts. Aw well, it was an indie so how well could it do? Their next effort, "I Predict A Riot," showed up on the B-Unique label and actually, almost but not quite, grazed the UK Top 20. This action got them noticed and a NME tour slot.
On the lookout for new music and a competitive edge in the fierce L.A. market, radio station KROQ began playing the Kaiser Chiefs and before long they were signed by Universal (after a label bidding war for the group's services). The Kaiser Chiefs issued their U.S. full-length debut, "Employment," in '05
Two years later, the group released sophomore effort, "Yours Truly, Angry Mob" which yielded an immediate U.K. #1, "Ruby." The song later cracked the U.S. Modern Rock Top 20 peaking at #19.
A handful of '07 U.S. shows were nixed so the Kaiser Chiefs could focus on writing. "We are just really desperate to write some new stuff," Hodgson told Billboard.com. "We don't know exactly what we're going to put out."
"Never Miss A Beat," the lead single from "Off With Their Heads," was composed during this period. The Kaiser Chiefs' third studio album landed in October, '08.
"Everyday I Love You Less And Less," the opening track on "Employment," sounds like Depeche Mode only with more energy and a sense of humor. Of course, if Depeche Mode had more energy and a sense of humor they wouldn't be Depeche Mode, they'd be the Kaiser Chiefs. The group also tosses in a little Madness, and like Madness they're not afraid to go over the top, which they do on "Na Na Na Naa" and "Born To Be A Dancer." But it all works, scoring a cheeky appeal. "I Predict A Riot" is a catchy tune that sounds like they are channeling The Clash but without the grit. That can be good or bad, depending on perspective. There are also a couple nods to the '60s ("Caroline, Yes") as well.
The Kaiser Chiefs irresistible buzz saw pop drives "Yours Truly, Angry Mob." The group's clever arrangements, especially the backing vocals, impress on the hit "Ruby" and "Highroyds." There's no denying the arrogant attraction of a song titled "Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning"). Surprisingly, the acoustic ballad possesses sharp rhythms. While the Kaiser Chiefs are adept at dreamy pop ("I Can Do It Without You") and telling drama ("My Kind Of Guy") they are far stronger when they plug-in and let it rip on "The Angry Mob," "Heat Digs Down" and the set closer, "Retirement."
The Kaiser Chiefs play with confidence and display their own touches, not the least of which is Wilson's cock-sure vocals. He's not afraid to push a song. Probably learned that from singing all those Stones tunes.
"Off With Their Heads" should be subtitled "The Telly Let Me Down." On a couple tracks ("Never Miss A Beat" and "Addicted To Drugs") there's nothing worth watching or the TV is on the blink. The album might have taken a lot longer, and likely gone in a different direction, had there been quality programming or reliable gear.
Wilson's lyrics deal, not with big issues, but everyday life. Like a Colin Farrell character (if not Farrell himself), good intentions get turned around in entertaining ways.
Once clear of the opening track, "Spanish Metal" which is just as incongruous as the title suggests, the album displays an undeniable Brit Pop charm.