Overall, the majority of these songs have appeared before in special editions, exclusives and import cd singles. Despite this, the album is full of treasures. There is the bitter charm of "Sweet Talk" (with sublime synthesizers), the pounding rhythm of "Under The Gun" proves to be reactionary while "Move Away" is full on industrial strength showing the band doing a damn fine Cure impersonation. "Ruby, "Don't Take Your Love To Town" is sly and inconspicuous signifying the band does not have to roar out of the speakers to leave an impression. "Show You How" begins with the voice mail message Flowers left himself when he initially came up with the song and it segues right into the recorded version although it proves to be one of the collection's least memorable tunes. "Where The White Boys Dance" and "All The Pretty Faces" felt like a B-side's when I first heard it a little over a year ago and they still fit the mold here. "Glamorous Indie Rock N' Roll" is a re-recording of the 2003 track with more of a polished presence and surprisingly, it feels more epic and complete. I'm not a fan of re-recording certain songs as they often lose their initial vigorous performances, but this is a case where the extra tweaking worked to its advantage. Shockingly the album's lead track "Tranquilize" is not being held over for their next album. It features Lou Reed and vocals and guitar and an epic multi instrumental approach with the aural wall of sound courtesy of producer Flood. How has this song not soared across alternative stations? This is a better song that a standard B-side album deserves.

For my money, the album is worth purchasing for four specific songs. The Joy Division cover of "Shadowplay" doesn't reach the heights of the original, but it isn't a mere cover version but an emotionally charged homage to Joy Division. There is a multi-instrument layer to the song that provides the listener with a whiff of nostalgia, but even more important, it may send them out seeking out the original. Another cover, "Romeo and Juliet" originally done by Dire Straits is devoid of imitation and is highlighted by achingly beautiful instrumentation. "Leave Your Bourbon On The Shelf" was originally attempted in '02 but was completed in 2007. The earnest and insistent vocal delivery here by Brandon Flowers makes this a keeper. The earnest soulful song probably should have been held over for the next full length disc. Lastly, an acoustic arrangement of "Sam's Town" recorded at Abbey Road in 2006 puts the song into an entirely different light providing the listener with a second take of the song. I was unimpressed with its performance and placement on record and in concert, but here, the hushed vocals and reticent performance make the song soar in ways the over polished studio version couldn't come close to.

The Killers will probably make a thunderous return in late 2008 when their next studio album is scheduled to hit shelves. While you wait, you should seek out 'Sawdust' as it offers you far more to chew on than you may think. Part of the album may be innocuous but there are enough songs where the vocals yield ingenuity, the guitars rip and the sonic grandiosity will make you smile like you mean it.