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Kings of Leon — Pyro
Album: Come Around Sundown
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2183









Released: 2010
Length: 4:04
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Single book of matches is gonna burn what's standing in the way
Roaring down the mountain, now they are calling on the fire brigade
Bury all the pictures and tell the kids that I'm okay
If'n I'm forgotten you'll remember me for today

I, I won't ever be your cornerstone
I

All the black inside me is slowly seeping from the bone
Everything I cherish is slowly dying or it's gone
Little shaken babies and drunkards seem to all agree
Once the show gets started it's bound to be a sight to see

I, I won't ever be your cornerstone
I, I don't want to be here holding on
I, I won't ever be your cornerstone
I

Watch her roll, can you feel it?
Watch her roll, can you feel it?
Watch her roll, can you feel it?
Watch her roll, can you feel it?

I, I won't ever be your cornerstone
I, I don't want to be here holding on (Watch her roll, can you feel it?)
I, I won't ever be your cornerstone (Watch her roll)
I
Comments (85)add comment
 dsd wrote:

From the comments it appears that KOL are another band that used to be cool but are now falling out of favor.  I see this sort of thing frequently on this board.  I have had trouble understanding it.  When I hear a song that I like today.......I am not going to dislike it five years down the road...or even 10 or 20?  Am I offbeat on this?  
 


An interesting question.  There are songs that I used to like (I used to be a massive Talking Heads fan, for example), that I can no longer listen to.  It's nothing to do with coolth - most often it's because a song spoke to me in a particular way at a particular time in my life, but times change and feelings pass.
I'm not generally a melancholy person, but this song really makes me feel like that. But it makes me really feel, and that means it's a great song. 10. 
 dsd wrote:

From the comments it appears that KOL are another band that used to be cool but are now falling out of favor.  I see this sort of thing frequently on this board.  I have had trouble understanding it.  When I hear a song that I like today.......I am not going to dislike it five years down the road...or even 10 or 20?  Am I offbeat on this?  
 


Its the Insta-effect.  Social-effing-media has created a culture of needing to be on the coolest, most hip and current trend 24/7...and if you're not, well you may as well be dead...that feeling of desire to constantly be on the cutting edge lest you be judged by likes/dislikes has created a hypercycle of admiration followed by disdain...that fear of rejection by our peers has niggled its way into most everyone's subconsciuos...and on to the next...
 ShortSharpShock wrote:

Yeah... Um, we've already heard this before. At least I have. I've already lived this before. This is '80s pop rock. I've got 38 Special record covers flowing through my memory... I hated this shit then, I hate it now, but everything old is new again. When it's someone like Younger Brother doing a modern take on Pink Floyd, I'm grateful. But '80s pop rock? Really? Was it necessary to bring that back? That was the worst decade for music in history, why expose us to that again... But it's pop, so lot's of people will like it (and it will never be good...).



NastyNacissisticNonsense
 ShortSharpShock wrote:

I'm grateful. But '80s pop rock? Really? 


Bon Jovi, Journey, Phil Collins, and Foreigner would like a word.
Yeah... Um, we've already heard this before. At least I have. I've already lived this before. This is '80s pop rock. I've got 38 Special record covers flowing through my memory... I hated this shit then, I hate it now, but everything old is new again. When it's someone like Younger Brother doing a modern take on Pink Floyd, I'm grateful. But '80s pop rock? Really? Was it necessary to bring that back? That was the worst decade for music in history, why expose us to that again... But it's pop, so lot's of people will like it (and it will never be good...).
 kcar wrote:

I wish the singer would change his style from time to time, or that the band would find another singer to break up the routine. He's not as bad as the guy who...does not sing for the Killers, but merely pretends to.  


You two definitely deserve each other.  
10 is not enough - such a good song! When the 2nd drop occurs it is just raining heavenly music
 dsd wrote:

From the comments it appears that KOL are another band that used to be cool but are now falling out of favor.  I see this sort of thing frequently on this board.  I have had trouble understanding it.  When I hear a song that I like today.......I am not going to dislike it five years down the road...or even 10 or 20?  Am I offbeat on this?  
 




I used to agree with you. Not so much anymore though...

Actually, it's taken me a while to appreciate KOL, and I do. I doubt they will ever become one of those timeless favorites though. Just a cool sound that I've become more comfortable with.
 DarceySuzanne wrote:

I think part of what makes a vocalist a great one is that you can RECOGNIZE it immediately. Granted, that's not all that makes it great (I think Alanis Morrissette sounds like nasal rape, but I also know her right away). But, this guy is immediately recognizable and has got this breathy, choked, straining sort of passion in his voice that I love.

RIGHT!
Feeling & Vocal Character
 zacharybnowak wrote:
My best friend, who introduced me to RP more than a decade ago, also liked Kings of Leon, so this makes me think of him (and miss him) doubly.
 

You need to work on your aim then.
 Cueburned wrote:

Yeah, well I'll put it like this.  You probably just ain't hipster enough.  I wear a Carhartt barn jacket because I have a barn.  I grow a beard because it's cold, not because it's "cool". I like songs because they talk to me. You're probably walking to a beat you can feel. And that's enough to make it real..   
 

While people 'trying to be cool/hip/whatever' is maybe part of these kind of fashions, I think there's more to it than that. I think sometimes bands that become popular and then fade partly because they maybe sound good on a first listen but under sustained attention their shallowness because inescapable. 
My best friend, who introduced me to RP more than a decade ago, also liked Kings of Leon, so this makes me think of him (and miss him) doubly.
"I wont ever be your cornerstone" 
; < 
that line gets me every time 
Nice WOMAN'S MARCH Saturday night groove you got goin, Billbecca. Rhythmic, sweet, seductive, subtle, non-crap layered like work of the finest craftwo/manship ... must be RP.
 TerryS wrote:

Just be thankful that you live in a place where you can look at pidgin genitals as much as you like.

 
this made me laugh.

anyone ever hear KOL's Milk? so good.
 dsd wrote:
From the comments it appears that KOL are another band that used to be cool but are now falling out of favor.  I see this sort of thing frequently on this board.  I have had trouble understanding it.  When I hear a song that I like today.......I am not going to dislike it five years down the road...or even 10 or 20?  Am I offbeat on this?  
 

 
Yeah, well I'll put it like this.  You probably just ain't hipster enough.  I wear a Carhartt barn jacket because I have a barn.  I grow a beard because it's cold, not because it's "cool". I like songs because they talk to me. You're probably walking to a beat you can feel. And that's enough to make it real..   
This is awful
 TerryS wrote:

Just be thankful that you live in a place where you can look at pidgin genitals as much as you like.

 
What?  No I live in South Carolina, I'm pretty sure you can't do that here.
From the comments it appears that KOL are another band that used to be cool but are now falling out of favor.  I see this sort of thing frequently on this board.  I have had trouble understanding it.  When I hear a song that I like today.......I am not going to dislike it five years down the road...or even 10 or 20?  Am I offbeat on this?  
 
 dwhayslett wrote:

U so cutesie cutesie pie pidgin English.

 
Just be thankful that you live in a place where you can look at pidgin genitals as much as you like.
Very nice!
 ljoergen wrote:
Yeah, me likey like, very much!
{#Dancingbanana_2} 

 
U so cutesie cutesie pie pidgin English.
Yeah, me likey like, very much!
{#Dancingbanana_2} 
 kcar wrote:

I wish the singer would change his style from time to time, or that the band would find another singer to break up the routine. He's not as bad as the guy who...does not sing for the Killers, but merely pretends to.  

 
I am sitting here cracking up....Can you imagine a band listening to your advice?  They would be on skid row the following week!!! You have no taste in music whatsoever!

"hey guys... I think you need to sound more like Mozart or Coltrane.."
Anything else from this band, please.
no, no, no.  just please no.
 Euskadita wrote:
They didn't use to be so boring, their first 2 albums had quality.

 
I'm a latecomer to appreciating KOL. The vocal had to grow on me. I thought Pyro was a good song but have you heard the latest album, Mechanical Bull? Every song is strong and very catchy. Had Supersoaker stuck in my head for weeks and weeks and then they played Temple on SNL and I had Temple in my head. The only remedy is to play the stuff some more.
They didn't use to be so boring, their first 2 albums had quality.
 justlistening wrote:


To me his voice whails with over exaggeration - nothing pleasant about it.  As far as the tune, to my ear it sounds repetitive - which isn't always bad - but paired with his voice it just bores me to death.  There's nothing extraordinary about their instrumentation either.

So I'll mute - everyone else enjoy!

 
I wish the singer would change his style from time to time, or that the band would find another singer to break up the routine. He's not as bad as the guy who...does not sing for the Killers, but merely pretends to.  
Playing this right after Tom Petty showcases how much this vocalist is ripping off Petty's vocal style. It's pretty boring musically too. 4, I guess.
My enthusiasm for KOL has gone down a lot in the past two years.  I have almost all their CDs now (just not this one).  The song that really got me hooked on them here was I Want You off of their only good CD Only by the Night.  I still love that song and think it is a masterpiece.  RP took it out of the rotation a long time ago, and it got very low ratings.  I swear it is a gem.
 MiracleDrug wrote:


this definitely sounds like Bruce...
singing Everybody Wants To Rule The World...
sideways
 
Hehe! Get that for sure! Good friday evening rev-up tune.
Decent band, decent tune. But this track made think of The Chameleons, who are a lost treasure - I've never heard them on this station which is sad. DO SOMETHING about it please Bill! {#Music}
 WonderLizard wrote:

It's never hip to hate, especially music. So, for all the haters, trolls, and internet shut-ins, who take the time out of their precious days to drop by and share their hate...Happy Thanksgiving. I'm giving thanks for music in all its guises, forms, and incarnations and for Radio Paradise, one of the few outlets with the gumption to play it all.

BTW, the bass work on this cut is to die for. 
 
Refreshingly well said.
Kings of Leon perform some very catchy and melodic pop with a nice edge. Solid 7 for me.
 shawshank wrote:

Tears for Fears beat anyone?

 

this definitely sounds like Bruce...
singing Everybody Wants To Rule The World...
sideways
 scrubbrush wrote:
 I agree. I've liked these guys since i heard "Closer" on RP a couple years ago. I think that they're currently suffering from overplay on commercial radio and a perception that liking their music is somehow "conforming". in other words, it's kinda hip to hate KoL (like poor old Hootie in the 90s).
 
It's never hip to hate, especially music. So, for all the haters, trolls, and internet shut-ins, who take the time out of their precious days to drop by and share their hate...Happy Thanksgiving. I'm giving thanks for music in all its guises, forms, and incarnations and for Radio Paradise, one of the few outlets with the gumption to play it all.

BTW, the bass work on this cut is to die for. 
I saw these guys in Portland, OR opening up for Dylan in 2006.  I dismissed them out of hand, didn't even listen: I missed a pretty good group. 
Here's a review of KOL's recent show in Vancouver.
 ThePoose wrote:
I keep hearing The Boss backed by The Edge.

 
Tears for Fears beat anyone?

 ick wrote:
Definitely better than that "Sex on Fire" tripe.
 
'bout the only thing this has going for it.

I wish they would go back to making the music that they really want to make instead of what their label wants.  Of course, maybe after cashing the FAT checks that they have gotten, they all the sudden like this recycled pop music. 

Because of the Times was a huge departure from their sound on the earlier album.  It is a fantastic album in many ways, the singer pushes his voice over the limit and sings with passion and energy.  The sound that they have had since is like an emotionless version of Because of the Times. 

It almost feels like their hearts are not in it anymore.  It's a shame really.
I think you and the others need to think outside of the box.... they are not TRYING to be cool or unique.... they ARE original! There is a difference.  Great music, unique vocal, awesome changes and variety in their sound.

Just my thoughts!

 
Biscobret wrote:
I just don't feel this band...  shame...  folks say that they're very good :-)

Sounds forced to me - like they're trying too hard to be "cool" or unique...  ho hum...

 

I keep hearing The Boss backed by The Edge.

 Biscobret wrote:
I just don't feel this band...  shame...  folks say that they're very good :-)

Sounds forced to me - like they're trying too hard to be "cool" or unique...  ho hum...

 
Ditto

 Biscobret wrote:
I just don't feel this band...  shame...  folks say that they're very good :-)

Sounds forced to me - like they're trying too hard to be "cool" or unique...  ho hum...

 

I agree, I think you nailed it.{#Yes}
 keller1 wrote:
Great band, arguably the U2 of their generation if they keep coming up with tunes like this.

I don't get the complaints about the voice, which to my ear is right up there with the best of them —- a great R n R combination of graininess and passion.

Thom Yorke, eat yer heart out.
  

I agree. I've liked these guys since i heard "Closer" on RP a couple years ago. I think that they're currently suffering from overplay on commercial radio and a perception that liking their music is somehow "conforming". in other words, it's kinda hip to hate KoL (like poor old Hootie in the 90s).
Definitely better than that "Sex on Fire" tripe.
I just don't feel this band...  shame...  folks say that they're very good :-)

Sounds forced to me - like they're trying too hard to be "cool" or unique...  ho hum...

Harmonies that remind me of Mumford & Son. WTF?
I wanna vacation on the island where they don't play Kings of Leon too.  Always grating.
 keller1 wrote:
Great band, arguably the U2 of their generation if they keep coming up with tunes like this.

I don't get the complaints about the voice, which to my ear is right up there with the best of them —- a great R n R combination of graininess and passion.

Thom Yorke, eat yer heart out.
 

To me his voice whails with over exaggeration - nothing pleasant about it.  As far as the tune, to my ear it sounds repetitive - which isn't always bad - but paired with his voice it just bores me to death.  There's nothing extraordinary about their instrumentation either.

So I'll mute - everyone else enjoy!
 chyk5 wrote:

I believe your phrase was "inbred hick", but no matter. I see my point was lost on you. Thanks for answering my question, though. I see that "wry wit" is all your own!

 

I stand corrected.  Inbred hick it is. 


 Hannio wrote:


What, you don't think JA sounds like a fairy with his high-pitched voice?  How about a choirboy, then?  And you don't think Followill sounds like a hick?  Well, okay then, if not, what does he sound like to you?  

Anyway, I'm from Chicago, just so you know.  
 
I believe your phrase was "inbred hick", but no matter. I see my point was lost on you. Thanks for answering my question, though. I see that "wry wit" is all your own!

 chyk5 wrote:


Fairy and inbred hick? You're nothing if not predictable, Hannio. Is this kind of "wit" common in Texas, or is it all your own?
 

What, you don't think JA sounds like a fairy with his high-pitched voice?  How about a choirboy, then?  And you don't think Followill sounds like a hick?  Well, okay then, if not, what does he sound like to you?  

Anyway, I'm from Chicago, just so you know.  
 Hannio wrote:


Well, just to take a stab at it, Jon Anderson sounds like a fairy, and Anthony Followill sounds like an inbred hick.
 

Fairy and inbred hick? You're nothing if not predictable, Hannio. Is this kind of "wit" common in Texas, or is it all your own?


 fatcatjb wrote:
From the comments below, I am somewhat on hater island when it comes to this band. Kings of Leon is just lost on me. I have found a suitable antidote...very low volume and patience. They go away after awhile, so I just wait it out then turn RP back up to LOUD
  I'm sorry fatcatjb, but you're gonna have to share that island with me.


 chyk5 wrote:

There seem to be many here who agree with you but this is perplexing from someone who gave a 10 rating to two songs by YES. How do you differentiate them vocally?
 
My ears work?

as an aside: I'd give most early Yes songs a 10, or thereabouts. 
 chyk5 wrote:

There seem to be many here who agree with you but this is perplexing from someone who gave a 10 rating to two songs by YES. How do you differentiate them vocally?
 

Well, just to take a stab at it, Jon Anderson sounds like a fairy, and Anthony Followill sounds like an inbred hick.
 keller1 wrote:
Great band, arguably the U2 of their generation if they keep coming up with tunes like this.
 
I submit that U2 fans span more than one generation.  Ask my grown kids.
 keller1 wrote:
Great band, arguably the U2 of their generation if they keep coming up with tunes like this.

I don't get the complaints about the voice, which to my ear is right up there with the best of them —- a great R n R combination of graininess and passion.

Thom Yorke, eat yer heart out.
  U2 of their generation is a bit of a stretch

From the comments below, I am somewhat on hater island when it comes to this band. Kings of Leon is just lost on me. I have found a suitable antidote...very low volume and patience. They go away after awhile, so I just wait it out then turn RP back up to LOUD
Great band, arguably the U2 of their generation if they keep coming up with tunes like this.

I don't get the complaints about the voice, which to my ear is right up there with the best of them —- a great R n R combination of graininess and passion.

Thom Yorke, eat yer heart out.
I think part of what makes a vocalist a great one is that you can RECOGNIZE it immediately. Granted, that's not all that makes it great (I think Alanis Morrissette sounds like nasal rape, but I also know her right away). But, this guy is immediately recognizable and has got this breathy, choked, straining sort of passion in his voice that I love.
 Jelani wrote:
I find this band so offensive to my ears.
Just terrible noise and screeching vocals. 
 
There seem to be many here who agree with you but this is perplexing from someone who gave a 10 rating to two songs by YES. How do you differentiate them vocally?


{#Ask}
They had to cancel a concert in London last night because their tour bus caught fire.  Hope everyone is alright.

I find this band so offensive to my ears.
Just terrible noise and screeching vocals. 
 HazzeSwede wrote:
YaY..Kings OF Leon named a song after Pyro ! Way Cool ! {#Smile}
Just caught the end of it,sounded like The Kings.
 
Exactly my thoughts!



 Sasha2001 wrote:
I freely admit that I don't understand the excitement generated by this band. Maybe they or I will mature in our tastes and find each other in the future (5-1 odds). Or, maybe we won't (2-3).
 
In my case I'd lay 5-1 at least against me ever coming to like this guy's voice. Cred to the band for sticking with it for so long before they hit the bigtime and for being so genuine, but the singer always sounds to me like he's straining to get a big log out of his backside. Maybe in this song he's finally managed it as he's relatively unstrained, but still sounds dull to my ears, sadly.

Channeling some Avett Brothers and Mumford & Sons??
 choderama wrote:
Decent. Nothing compared to their first 2 albums... Of which 0 songs have made it onto RP... yet all of the new albums' songs make it on. I don't get confused on RP very much, but that one is a mind-bender.
 
Agreed—I like the unpolished energy of their earlier material better.


 choderama wrote:
Decent. Nothing compared to their first 2 albums... Of which 0 songs have made it onto RP... yet all of the new albums' songs make it on. I don't get confused on RP very much, but that one is a mind-bender.
 

Nothing else on RP ....except for the 4 songs from Only by the Night and the five from Because of the Times
Decent. Nothing compared to their first 2 albums... Of which 0 songs have made it onto RP... yet all of the new albums' songs make it on. I don't get confused on RP very much, but that one is a mind-bender.
 deppo wrote:
Their new album sounds like KOL 

{#Think}
Based on what I've heard from this album here on RP, I'll be buying this album soon. {#Yes}

Their new album sounds like KOL, well that's a good thing then. If I wanted to listen to something else, I would listen to someone else!
I think that's the way it works, isn't it.
 naldog wrote:
Hey- my first, first comment.  And I rather like the song.
 
I had one of those the other day!  Good Stuff!{#Dancingbanana}
YaY..Kings OF Leon named a song after Pyro ! Way Cool ! {#Smile}
Just caught the end of it,sounded like The Kings.
Shocker...another KOL song that I love. ;) However, it should be noted that my top 10 bands also include, Rush, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Radiohead...definitely not a fan of the band that ONLY likes the "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody" singles.

For as many haters as KOL has about the evolution of their sound, of the 15 times I've seen them between late 2008 (since last CD was released) and up through now, pretty much EVERY fan there was mouthing the words to the aforementioned singles, as I am sure they will be to these newer, more mello tunes.

A great band is a great band...:)
 
I freely admit that I don't understand the excitement generated by this band. Maybe they or I will mature in our tastes and find each other in the future (5-1 odds). Or, maybe we won't (2-3).
I'm seconding your comment.  First listen for me and I think it's pretty darn likeable.
Hey- my first, first comment.  And I rather like the song.