Some facts about The Killer’s ‘Sawdust’ as compilation album turns 12

DETROIT – The Killer’s first compilation album turned 12 in November.

The band released “Sawdust” on Nov. 9, 2007. It was released in the year between “Sam’s Town” and “Day & Age.”

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Here are some facts about the album:

1) “Sawdust” is a compilation album

“Sawdust” was never supposed to create a cohesive story. The songs on the album were recorded between 2002 and 2007 and consist of two singles, B-sides, covers and remixes. It was inspired by B-sides collections from Oasis, The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana.

2) It debuted at No. 12 on the U.S. Billboard 200

In its first week, 82,000 copies were sold in the United States. To bring this into focus, take a look at the band’s previous album. “Sam’s Town” debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 315,000 copies in its first week. As of August 2016 “Sam’s Town” had sold almost five million copies worldwide.

3) The album did better in the UK than in the U.S.

“Sawdust” was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry on April 4, 2008. It had sold 459,500 copies by September 2012. It was also certified platinum by the Irish Recorded Music Association for sales of 15,000 copies.

4) “Tranquilize” won Best International Alternative/Indie Track at NME’s first ever U.S.A awards

The first song on the album features Lou Reed. Reed was lead guitarist, singer and principal songwriter for “the Velvet Underground.” NME is New Musical Express, a British music journalism website and former magazine.

5) Opinion: “Sam’s Town (Live From Abbey Road)” is better than the original

This one isn’t a fact, but it should be. The No. 15 track on the album is a slower version of “Sam’s Town." Its energy far exceeds the original, which was featured on the album of the same name.