Okay, so here’s an oldie. It’s the Killers’ first single “Mr. Brightside.” But just to keep things fresh, it’s the remixed version by collaborator Stuart Price, titled “Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Mix.”
Why this version and not the original? Well, the most direct answer is that it’s what popped up on the playlist earlier this evening. But really, it’s an alternate version that’s just been growing on me. Admittedly, despite it being released in 2005, a year after the original’s debut, I only heard it for the first time when the Killers’ performed in L.A. for their “Wonderful Wonderful” tour in February. Apparently, it’s a staple of their live shows to end with the remix, followed by the original.
Now, I hear this one gets a lot of criticism, because it removes the rockin’ intensity of the original, exchanging it for a more progressive electronic beat. That’s obviously going to change the dynamic. And it’s not going to please everyone. It’s also more than twice as long as the original. And at a little under 4 minutes, the original “Mr. Brightside” was just a blistery burst of pop punched right in the gut, which works perfectly for its themes of jealousy and paranoia.
In saying that, I still think “Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Mix” works effectively on its own terms. Sure, the intensity is reduced. But this version continues to grab my interest, perhaps because it’s subtler in tone and measured in tempo. It also puts a different thematic spin on the whole affair, swapping the jealous emotional outbursts for more brooding contemplative paranoia. Same lyrics, different interpretation.
But hey, if you don’t like it, I get it. I love the original too. And that version ain’t going anywhere. So no worries.
Here’s “Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Mix” of “Mr. Brightside.” And if that doesn’t suit you, keep scrolling.
“Mr. Brightside – Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Mix” from the 2003 EP “Mr. Brightside (Remixes).”
Because like I said, the original version is still here.
“Mr. Brightside” from the 2004 debut album “Hot Fuss.”
And just for the hell of it, here’s the Killer’s performing both versions of “Mr. Brightside” for a back-to-back encore at the Staples Center in February. After seeing them do this live, I totally get why it works. Because the remix gets you worked up, so when the original kicks in, it’s just awesome. Check it out.
The Killers perform both versions of “Mr. Brightside” at the Staples Center on 02.02.18.
The Killers:
Jacques Lu Cont:
