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Brandon Flowers talks about being a MormonNo threads of doubt whatsoever appear in the warp and woof of the star’s mind. There is certainly no evidence of thought. Flowers has a reputation for being “outspoken,” “opinionated,” and “filter-less” in interviews, but that doesn’t mean he gives voice to any actual opinions or ideas, just burbles of jealousy and affronted patriotism. He has expressed annoyance that the A&R man who signed the Killers also signed some other terrible bands, complained that “Kurt Cobain and grunge took the fun out of rock and roll,” and accused Green Day of being anti-American. But aside from the occasional timid whine about people he perceives as obstacles to his career or enemies of the flag, Flowers has nothing to say. Topics that do not touch on his personal dreams are a nuisance, not deserving serious consideration. A few of my favorite quotes: “People need to see that, really, there are the nicest people in the world here [in America]!” “I don’t know enough about politics to talk about it.” “I’m in the middle with my beliefs, like everyone else.” “We’re definitely against human-sex trafficking.” (See if you can find a single meaningful utterance in this fan’s collection of over 850 Brandon Flowers quotes.)
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The Killers play “God Bless America” and “Read My Mind” on the White House lawn, 7/4/10How does Flowers (b. 1981) know that the 50s really were the good old days, that the U.S. of A. has the nicest people on Earth, and that God is in heaven? Presumably, it’s good enough for Flowers because it was good enough for Grandma Dixie (the subject of “Sam’s Town”), dear old Dad (the subject of “Bling (Confession of a King)”), and even cokehead Uncle Jonny (the subject of “Uncle Jonny”). The months leading up to the election may reveal which pole of Flowers’ deficient personality is stronger: his self-regard, or his country-simple nationalism. Obama invited his band to play on the White House lawn on the Fourth of July (WHY?!), a big plus in the former category. Favoring the latter category, Flowers’ values, such as they are, seem to coincide exactly with Mitt Romney’s platform, and both men are adepts of the Mormon mysteries. Then again, at the height of his fame, this rock star once allowed his manager to scold him in the presence of an NME journalist: “You don’t ever talk about politics.”Previously - The Sensitive Family