Stereogum Home

 

February 22, 2009

New Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Heads Will Roll"

thubmnail icon: New Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Heads Will Roll"

A few days ago we posted "Zero," the first single from YYY's forthcoming It's Blitz!. This second track (literally, it follows opener "Zero" on the LP) is cut from the same new wave cloth. Layers of spectral synths, an urgent house beat, and Karen's commands to "Dance, dance, dance 'til you're dead" show how desperately these former punks want you on your feet. It's their "Blue Monday."




You can download the MP3 at Kanye's Livejournal.

It's Blitz! is out in April 14 via Interscope. The band plays Coachella that Sunday. [Pic via SPIN.]

Posted at 12:35 AM by Scott
Tags:




71 Comments

: O

Posted by: omgz at 02/22/09 1:57 AM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

Karen's vocals are amazing, she needs to voice them with that aggression she sings with all the time, that's what makes her different, and this is where music needs to go. It's not disco, everytime i hear that chorus in heads will roll, reminds me of how i loathed to be a singer, and how the music world still has potential to make you sing a song for ten days in row, so bad ass... all chrome

Posted by: ryan  in reply to omgz's comment at 08/27/09 3:52 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

wish that egg was my cock.

Posted by: Bruce Cockburn at 02/22/09 2:09 AM  | Reply
Score = 26 Vote up Vote down

im repeating this sample hysterically

Posted by: nadsat profile link at 02/22/09 2:40 AM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

was expecting rock - and once again disco - WTF???? why are Killers and YYY making disco rock? Please - at least Bee Gees did it by accident.

Posted by: YYYdisco at 02/22/09 3:27 AM  | Reply
Score = -12 Vote up Vote down

"It's their "Blue Monday." ?" are you fucking nuts? that's straight local blog groupie speak. Please. That's just insulting to Manchester.

Posted by: Peter Hook at 02/22/09 3:35 AM  | Reply
Score = 17 Vote up Vote down

think he meant it in reference to the feel or vibe of the songs more so than the songs themselves. otherwise i agree with you.

Posted by: nolan  in reply to Peter Hook's comment at 02/22/09 4:19 AM  | Reply
Score = 6 Vote up Vote down

or she

Posted by: nolan  in reply to nolan's comment at 02/22/09 4:33 AM  | Reply
Score = -5 Vote up Vote down

It's a similar chord progression as Blue Monday, actually. Probably intentional. In interviews Karen said this album was inspired by Factory/Manchester

Posted by: Cameron  in reply to Peter Hook's comment at 02/22/09 7:17 AM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

So weird to think there was any "inspiration" for this album as it feels completely soulless

Posted by: weird  in reply to Cameron's comment at 02/22/09 1:39 PM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

sounds a little Jaguar Love-y.

Posted by: Hunk at 02/22/09 7:02 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

that can't be good

Posted by: alex at 02/22/09 8:12 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Somehow this reminds me of Peaches. I like Zero more, but I think this song shows that It's Blitz isn't just going for easy poppy synths.

Posted by: yyy at 02/22/09 10:46 AM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Ok, now I get it. This is a YYY's work out tape. They are soo innovative that they are hitting up a market that has never been tapped into before...

Posted by: What? at 02/22/09 10:51 AM  | Reply
Score = 8 Vote up Vote down

woah dude chill out haha, its a likable track

Posted by: j0shsm1th profile link at 02/22/09 11:07 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

WAY better than zero.

Posted by: tp at 02/22/09 1:03 PM  | Reply
Score = 7 Vote up Vote down

Really? I actually kinda like Zero. After a few listens it really grows on you... This track is okay, but I don't like it... yet. I have a feeling this album will sound bad at first, but after a few listens it will be really good.

Posted by: Aaron profile link  in reply to tp's comment at 02/22/09 3:26 PM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

im so glad this synth new wave stuff is succeeding the post-punk stuff of the early 2000s i'm so over that sound, and this sound is definitely necessary for progression's sake.. thnx yyy's!!

Posted by: it makes sense at 02/22/09 1:09 PM  | Reply
Score = -13 Vote up Vote down

I can't believe how far this band has fallen. This and Zero have got to be two of the most flat, 2-dimensional forgettable synth pop killers type songs I've ever heard. No heart and soul, just glossy crap.

Bummer.

Posted by: sad at 02/22/09 1:28 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

These guys stole my shitty schtick!

Posted by: katy perry at 02/22/09 1:32 PM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

I was okay with the synths as long as the YYYs new sound was fun to dance to and had a good sound, but "Zero" and "Heads Will Roll" are disappointing tracks. I'm sure they will grow on me but the melodies are too familiar and I miss Zinner's guitar. Hopefully there are some awesome songs on It's Blitz!

http://bonafidewithheadphones.blogspot.com/

Posted by: BONA_FIDE profile link at 02/22/09 1:33 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Does brian even drum or is it all canned Drumming? Terrible

Posted by: where's brian? at 02/22/09 1:34 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

I miss Zinner's guitar work as well. That is what made them so awesome on Fever to Tell.

Posted by: Dan at 02/22/09 2:16 PM  | Reply
Score = 10 Vote up Vote down

i guess bands aren't allowed to try something new. why should they have to make the same record over and over again for you? give them some credit for trying to break away from their typical sound! but yeah, i do miss the guitars. regardless i'm still interested to hear the rest of the album..

Posted by: jonjo at 02/22/09 2:41 PM  | Reply
Score = 19 Vote up Vote down

waaaaay way way way way way way better than "Zero".

Posted by: Evan at 02/22/09 3:08 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Did she have plastic surgery? She looks pretty here.

Posted by: huh at 02/22/09 3:34 PM  | Reply
Score = -24 Vote up Vote down

She's always been smokin' hot, dude.

Posted by: Evan  in reply to huh's comment at 02/22/09 4:36 PM  | Reply
Score = 9 Vote up Vote down

No one thinks they can't try something new, and that is the oldest/lamest excuse fans use when a band makes something that is not as good as their previous output.

Posted by: Dan at 02/22/09 5:05 PM  | Reply
Score = 5 Vote up Vote down

This is balogna

Posted by: Fran at 02/22/09 5:08 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

It's Blitz! remains at the top of my "Must Buy" list.
The YYYs refuse to be typecast yet retain their signature sound (simple phrases and juxtapositions over clever repetitive hooks). For example, Show Your Bones was less extemporaneous and "noise rock sounding" than Fever to Tell-- different sure, but both are still brilliant in their own regard.
Don't hate it if you don't get it.

Posted by: Versh profile link at 02/22/09 6:39 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Love the synths and Karen sounds sexy as all get out. This track is a win, people.

Posted by: Deezey profile link at 02/22/09 6:40 PM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

PLEASE JUST KEEP HATIN' WTF, HATE HATE HATE, UGH, RIDICULOUS, LIKE SOME HAVE SAID, THEY WANTED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW, THIS ISNT BAD AT ALL, LISTEN TO THESE SONGS ON BLAST.

Posted by: joeymolina at 02/22/09 7:06 PM  | Reply
Score = -15 Vote up Vote down

Kanye?

Posted by: American Dan profile link  in reply to joeymolina's comment at 02/24/09 7:23 PM  | Reply
Score = 8 Vote up Vote down

This is great.
Kill your idols tried to paint them as tag along scenesters. They are so much better than gogol bordello or whatever girl talk and justice are doing. Kanye's record seemed to show just how lost he is.

These two tracks are really fucking great. So glad they haven't gone the boring House route. I do miss the guitars but this is EPIC. I'd love to hear a Morel's pink noise remix or Braxe & Falke ... hell even Ewan Pearson could stretch this out into 20 minutes of bliss.

Awesome!

Posted by: Books & Backpack at 02/22/09 8:15 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

i love the band to death
but i really don't like the direction they're heading
zero was ok,this one's just flat.
they need to fuckin unleash it already

Posted by: twisp at 02/22/09 9:38 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

i really like zero (not this one too much) and i also like how the whole 80s synth new wave thing is having a come back in new and better ways but i cant help but feel that now this band is just like
doing synths and shit cause everyone else is cashing in on that.
whatever though at least its not another rehashed fever to tell

Posted by: index at 02/22/09 10:16 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

i have no idea why, but i like the way this albums shaping up

Posted by: Panda Snare profile link at 02/22/09 10:35 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Oh thank GOD, I though I was the only one who didn't like these tracks. This entire album is shaping up to be really disappointing, although it's not as bad as MSTRKRFT's new one. Urgh. Oh well, there's always Grizzly Bear later this year!

Posted by: Nils profile link at 02/22/09 10:59 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Caps lock doesn't make your point any more valid.
vs.
CAPS LOCK DOESN'T MAKE YOUR POINT ANY MORE VALID.

See? Just a bit more annoying.

Posted by: who? at 02/22/09 11:21 PM  | Reply
Score = 10 Vote up Vote down

I was a big fan of Ladytron's last album, so I am digging this so far. Along with Neko Case, atop my "highest expectations" list for 2009.

Posted by: Mac profile link at 02/23/09 12:45 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Both albums are pretty kick ass, but Neko's is mind blowing!

Posted by: Andrew  in reply to Mac's comment at 02/23/09 2:04 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

This is such devoid hipster nonsense. Yucky yuck yuck. In 1991 we used to hear this garbage and change the station.

Posted by: Brian the Astronaut profile link at 02/23/09 10:37 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

I don't give a fuck how this would sound in 1991. This is 2009. Yeah Yeah Yeahs are an innovative band, and they challenge themselves with each album. I love these two tracks and can't wait for the album to come out, although I do miss a lot of Nick's guitar. But who knows what else the CD has to offer

Posted by: scott  in reply to Brian the Astronaut's comment at 03/08/09 9:48 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Sounds like Karen O went solo.

Posted by: Robot Jones profile link at 02/23/09 12:11 PM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

karen o makes me wet.

-Sandy

Posted by: Sandy at 02/23/09 12:14 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

you are not alone on that one!

Posted by: Danielle  in reply to Sandy's comment at 02/23/09 11:24 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

GLORIOUS! So glad also to see Karen O's eyes...never cared much for her hairstyles up til now, but thank god the music makes up for it.

=)

Posted by: neener at 02/23/09 12:42 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

man... I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this. I'm already bored with this 80's reborn stuff and bands are STILL jumping in. Its too late kids! I've heard these songs. Zero isn't growing on me yet and despite the fact that I like this better I'm still a little dissapointed.

I don't mind them doing something new. I don't need Fever to Tell Redux. This is hardly something new however because there are a hundred local bands around Austin that sound like this.

Posted by: FlimFlam at 02/23/09 1:04 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

The new album has LEAKED. And it's NOWHERE NEAR THE SYNTH RECORD that so far people are fearing. A quick listen seems that they're moving fowards from Show Your Bones. Will revisit tomorrow morning (it's nearly 3AM here in Asia).

Posted by: yyy at 02/23/09 1:43 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Isn't mostly the Dave Sitek touch? He seems to be the Midas of Synth. Whether you like it or not, if he produces it's what you get.

Posted by: chyatt at 02/23/09 1:45 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

I've never been a fan. And after hearing this shitty track I am staying even further away. God damn!

Posted by: Music Critic profile link at 02/23/09 1:46 PM  | Reply
Score = -4 Vote up Vote down

[EDIT] I meant that it's not the completely cheapo pop-tastic synth album that the 'indie' kids are scared of. And one more thing, Karen O ACTUALLY SINGS instead of the Fever to Tell screams. V. interesting...

Posted by: yyy at 02/23/09 1:47 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

play zero and this back to back....and get very very excited...

Posted by: ? at 02/23/09 5:17 PM  | Reply
Score = 3 Vote up Vote down

fuck the haters, this album rules.

Posted by: n at 02/23/09 7:17 PM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

this sound like an out of date 80's song exept the production is better
incredibly forgettable

Posted by: fred at 02/23/09 7:22 PM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

If I was at a club and had about 4 beers, I would probably dance to it.

That's not saying much.

Posted by: avalanche lily profile link at 02/23/09 9:58 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I REALLY like this song. That is all.

Posted by: drocolate at 02/23/09 10:32 PM  | Reply
Score = 2 Vote up Vote down

Try "Dull Life" from the new CD and see if you still think they're going synth...get pass the first three songs and you'll see they haven't lost the rock!

Posted by: d profile link at 02/23/09 11:51 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

yeah, except that's the only song on the album that rocks in the slightest. The rest is more synth crap, but slow and boring.

Posted by: joe  in reply to d's comment at 02/24/09 12:26 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

why does synthy stuff get so much hate around here? do they need to be bearded harmonizing folk men to get the love?

Posted by: Art of Noise at 02/24/09 2:11 AM  | Reply
Score = 4 Vote up Vote down

Does it get hate? I thought Gummers were still eating it up.
Personally, I don;t hate synths. I actually like them. I do however, hate this semi-ironic semi-nostalgic completely bring (IMO) synth pop. I dislike it for the same reason I dislike phony 60s psychadellic revival, phony pop and anything too folksy. Its been done to death and is just cashing in on the fact that most young people don't know any better.
We've been down this road before and it didn't lead anywhere of value.

Posted by: FlimFlam  in reply to Art of Noise's comment at 02/24/09 3:37 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

totally agree with that
all this revival, 80's , 60's etc... are soulless

Posted by: fred  in reply to FlimFlam's comment at 02/24/09 6:13 AM  | Reply
Score = -1 Vote up Vote down

Hm, decent club track, I guess. Not something I'd listen to repeatedly at home..
The beginnig is really dreadful.

Posted by: Chris at 02/24/09 1:58 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I think they're a super-talented rock band. It just seems that a lot of music sadly transfers over to the dancefloor with so-so results. I'm a HUGE fan of assaulting the dancefloor, but this just doesn't do it for me. I still love the band, but I'd love for a great rock band to keep playing great rock.

Posted by: IkeTurnerHitsHard at 02/24/09 2:46 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I'm still digging it. While I could definitely feel it being a derivation of "Blue Monday" and PiL's "This is Not a Love Song" and Gary Numan's "M.E.", there's a reason why those songs work and resonate (in me anyway) emotionally and on the dancefloor. Plus, Karen O's charisma can make it and the minimal lyrics work. Whether its simply nostalgic cash-in pop isn't something I can discern. They've put out fine work, put on an excellent live show (including a massive free show here in Boston with TV on the Radio for which I'll always be thankful). I haven't seen any reason to question their motives. Somehow I don't see this unseating some future Lady GaGa single from the top of the charts.

Posted by: Art of Naize at 02/24/09 3:31 PM  | Reply
Score = 1 Vote up Vote down

Has anyone ever noticed that when she performs live Karen O looks like Marilyn Manson? I'm not talking about makeup either, her facial expressions, shit even her facial features look like Marilyn Manson. Either way, I love the YYY's and I'm loving the new album.

Posted by: Mark Gallant at 02/24/09 3:39 PM  | Reply
Score = -5 Vote up Vote down

The album is dope. Zero and Heads Will Roll were probably my least favorite songs but with the context of the other songs they're not that bad. looking forward to deluxe edition of its blitz with bonus songs and acoustic versions of soft shock and skeletons.

Posted by: Dudley Snake at 02/24/09 5:08 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

ok 3rd listen and lovvvvin it

Posted by: celoshedafari at 02/27/09 5:37 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

I LOVE this. Sounds like a lost Missing Persons track. I just happen to adore that kind of stuff.

Posted by: Rob at 03/02/09 5:58 PM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

As a fan of Yah Yeah Yeah's from the beginning I was always impressed by her homage to Siouxsie in her style and movement. The music was alway kick ass with some tender moments like Maps.
However this album shows a new level of maturity musically, style wise and also creatively. Heads Will Roll is just amazing a brilliant track beyond what they have done before a perfect blend between indie and dance.
I am however not as mature despite my age and anyone who doesnt like this is a cock with no musical taste.
I thank you!

Posted by: gerbilly at 03/12/09 7:33 AM  | Reply
Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

Leave a comment


Staff

  • Founder/Editor-In-Chief: Scott Lapatine
  • Executive Editor: Amrit Singh
  • Senior Writer: Brandon Stosuy

Info

Contact

Listomania logo
Haunting The Chapel logo
Progress Report logo
Commercial Appeal logo
Premature Evaluation logo
Where's The Beef? logo
Band to Watch logo
Quit Your Day Job logo
The 'Gum Drop logo