The Kills’ Soundtrack to FM4

The Kills‘ Summer Soundtrack: More Than Just Cars

By Christoph Sepin

The Kills duo, Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, recently shared their favorite summer songs, spanning genres from Queens of the Stone Age to Billie Eilish.

While known for their music, their passion for cars, especially vintage models, is equally strong. Mosshart even published a book, “Car Ma,” exploring themes of rock ‘n’ roll, love, and automobiles thru drawings, photos, and stories.

“Neil Young, I wouldn’t hear that at home,” Hince remarked about driving music, “But while driving.” their recent “happier Girls Sessions” featured stripped-down versions of their songs and a notable cover of Billie Eilish’s “Happier than Ever.”

Mosshart simply stated, “It’s just a good song, isn’t it? I just like the song.” When pressed for the “best” song, Hince humorously suggested “Happy Birthday” before settling on Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s “I See A Darkness,” describing it as “otherworldly.”

You can catch musicians discussing their life-changing songs every Sunday on Radio FM4 and the FM4 Player.

What impact did the FM4 session have on the Kills’ artistic direction, specifically regarding live performance and sonic experimentation?

the Kills’ soundtrack to FM4: A Deep Dive into Their Austrian Radio Session

The Kills, the iconic American-British rock duo, have a captivating history with Austrian radio station FM4. Their extended session, often referred to as the “FM4 Soundtrack,” isn’t just a live performance; it’s a unique snapshot of the band at a pivotal moment in their career, showcasing their raw energy and evolving sound. This article explores the details of this session, its meaning, and why it remains a favourite among Kills fans and indie rock enthusiasts. We’ll cover the tracklist, the context surrounding the recording, and its lasting impact on their discography.

The Context: 2003 and the Keep Color Era

In 2003, The Kills were on the cusp of breakthrough success. their debut album, Keep Colour, had been released to critical acclaim, establishing their signature blend of minimalist rock, blues influences, and Jamie Hince’s distinctive guitar work alongside Alison Mosshart’s captivating vocals.The band was actively touring, building a dedicated fanbase, and gaining attention for their electrifying live shows.

This period was crucial for solidifying their sound. Keep Colour was deliberately lo-fi, a stylistic choice reflecting their DIY ethos. The FM4 session captures this rawness,offering a different perspective than the polished studio versions. Understanding the Keep Colour album and its themes – isolation, desire, and urban landscapes – is key to appreciating the nuances of the FM4 performance. Fans searching for “The Kills early work” or “Keep Colour live recordings” will find this session particularly rewarding.

The FM4 Session tracklist: A Rare Glimpse

The FM4 session,recorded in Vienna,Austria,is notable for its extended length and inclusion of both album tracks and covers. While exact setlists vary slightly depending on the source, the core tracks consistently featured include:

“Sell Her soul”: A standout track from Keep Colour, showcasing the band’s signature dynamic.

“The Good Ones”: Another album highlight, demonstrating Mosshart’s vocal prowess.

“Love Games”: A driving, energetic track that exemplifies their minimalist approach.

“Cat Claw”: A deeper cut from the album,appreciated by dedicated fans.

“Blue Orchid” (The White Stripes Cover): A surprising and compelling cover choice, highlighting their shared musical sensibilities with Jack and Meg White.

“I Hate the World” (And Also the Darkness Cover): A less-known but equally intriguing cover,demonstrating their eclectic taste.

The inclusion of covers is particularly captivating.it reveals The Kills’ influences and their willingness to reinterpret existing material in their own unique style. Searching for “The Kills covers” or “FM4 session tracklist” will lead you to fan-compiled lists and recordings.

Why This Session Matters: Beyond a Live Recording

The FM4 session isn’t just a document of a live performance; it’s a significant artifact for several reasons:

Rarity: High-quality recordings of this session are relatively scarce, making it a prized possession for collectors and fans.

Raw Energy: The performance captures the band’s unbridled energy and intensity in a way that studio recordings sometiems lack. the immediacy of the live setting is palpable.

Unique Arrangements: Some tracks feature slightly different arrangements or improvisations compared to the album versions, offering a fresh perspective.

Past Significance: It represents a key moment in The Kills’ ascent, showcasing their potential to a wider audience. For those researching “The Kills history” or “indie rock 2000s,” this session provides valuable insight.

Sound Quality: Despite its age, the recording quality is remarkably good, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of the performance.

The Impact on The Kills’ Legacy

The FM4 session has contributed to The Kills’ enduring appeal. It’s frequently cited by fans as a favorite performance and has helped to solidify their reputation as a captivating live act. The session’s influence can be seen in the band’s continued emphasis on live performance and their willingness to experiment with their sound.

Moreover, the session has helped to introduce the Kills to new audiences over the years. Online sharing and fan communities have ensured that this recording continues to be discovered and appreciated by music lovers around the world. Fans interested in “The kills influence” or “indie rock bands like The Kills” often stumble upon this session as a starting point for further exploration.

Finding and Experiencing the FM4 Soundtrack

Locating the full FM4 session can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Hear are some resources:

youtube: Numerous fan uploads of varying quality are available. Search for “the Kills FM4 session” or “The Kills Vienna 2003.”

Internet Archive: The Internet Archive often hosts rare recordings, including live performances.

Fan Forums & Blogs: Dedicated Kills fan communities frequently share links and details about the session.

* Live Music Archives: Websites dedicated to archiving live music performances may contain recordings or information about the session.

While official releases are limited, the dedication of Kills fans has ensured that this important piece of their history remains accessible.