Blogging about videos: The Killers sleigh us

Published 4:13 pm Thursday, November 29, 2007

We leap from the Killers to OneRepublic to Kate Nash with this week’s collection of songs.

While there’s no definite theme, it’s worth noting there is a vague kind of progression from one tune to the next, as we start with an established act, move to an up-and-coming one, and finish with a British singer who doesn’t have a U.S. album yet.

All three songs have something to offer, even if it’s hard to nail down what that something is.

The Killers — “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” — Video

Are these guys actively trying to make awful videos? First there was the their single with Lou Reed, that was so self-serious it ended up funny. And now this, a decidely low-budget affair that, one hopes, is meant to be funny. But it’s not funny. It’s annoying. Please, Killers, stop it. Your songs deserve better than this.

OneRepublic with Timbaland — “Apologize” — Video

“Apologize” is one of those songs that, before telling friends you really kind of like it, you first must say, “It’s weird, but…” The reason for the disclaimer: OneRepublic sounds like a blend between Matchbox Twenty and Take That. In plainer terms, this group probably will sell millions of records to the chagrin of music critics, ranckled by their sentimental sound. This earnest video is hit, and maybe with good reason. I mean, it’s weird, but I really kind of like this song.

Kate Nash — “Pumpkin Soup” — Video

You may know Kate Nash, if only for her song “Merry Happy,” which was featured on an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” The singer, already a hit in England — surprise, surprise — leans heavily on her British accent for style. While she sounds a lot like Lily Allen with a duller edge, her debut album, reportedly out in January, may have plenty to offer, if the big horn line on “Pumpkin Soup” is any indication.