John Katsilometes on the release of the Killers’ new album, which was recorded at the Palms and (reportedly) pays tribute to Sam’s Town

Thursday, July 13, 2006 | 7:22 a.m.

Vocalist Brandon Flowers once worked as a bellman at Gold Coast, the band recorded its album at the Palms and one of its new songs is reportedly titled "Sam's Town."

Yes, the Killers are comfortable working in and writing about their hometown (especially the casinos). Having completed work at the Palms Studios and a studio in London on its second CD (or, sophomore release, to use music writer parlance), the band has announced dates for both its new album and new single. The album (still officially untitled) will be available Oct. 3 and the new single, "When You Were Young," will be released Sept. 18.

It has been reported this week by Billboard.com that the album will indeed be called "Sam's Town," though band spokeswoman Lauren Schneider said Tuesday that the album title is unconfirmed. Among the other songs expected to make the final release are "Bling," "Read My Mind," "Bones," Uncle Johnny Did Cocaine" and "Have You Ever Seen the Lights."

The CD follows the fall 2004 "Hot Fuss," which sold remarkably well (more than 3 million copies in the U.S. and 5 million worldwide). "Hot Fuss" also launched the retro-inspired Las Vegas quartet to international stardom, including multiple Grammy nominations and a set at "Live 8." The new release is said to be influenced somewhat by early Bruce Springsteen, a contention backed by a 40-second snippet of "When You Were Young," available online at www.IslandRecords.com. As Flowers recently told Billboard.com, "We're trying to strip it down a little bit. Not have it be so busy. Just let it breathe and let it be a great song. We wrote some great songs on the first one, but these have more of a classic feel."

I just returned from a quick trip to Pocatello, Idaho (the Gate City), and just before my return flight out of Idaho Falls on Vegas-based carrier Allegiant Airlines, I heard something I'd never heard on a commercial aircraft before: "The use of tobacco - including chewing tobacco - is strictly prohibited." ...