Modern Way Explained

Modern Way
Cover:Kaiser Chiefs Modern Way single cover.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Kaiser Chiefs
Album:Employment
Released:[1]
Length:
  • 4:03 (album version)
  • 3:31 (radio edit)
Label:B-Unique
Producer:Stephen Street
Prev Title:I Predict a Riot
Prev Title2:Sink that Ship
Prev Year:2005
Next Title:Lap of Honour
Next Year:2006

"Modern Way" is the fourth and final single released from English indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs' 2005 debut album, Employment, on 7 November 2005. It entered the UK Singles Chart at 11 and became a minor hit in Ireland and the Netherlands.

Music video

The song's music video marked the directorial debut of the band's lead singer, Ricky Wilson and was co-directed by prolific video director Scott Lyon.[2] It tells of the success of William Green, a juggler who has a unique skill for balancing tennis balls on his face, and the impact that he has made on the public.[3] The band appears throughout as extras, donning glasses and facial hair. During Green's climatic performance, they appear as themselves.

Track listings

UK CD1[4]

  1. "Modern Way" – 3:31
  2. "People Need Light" – 3:06

UK CD2[5]

  1. "Modern Way" – 3:31
  2. "Moon" – 2:51
  3. "It Ain't Easy" (demo) – 2:25
  4. "Modern Way" (video)

UK 7-inch single[6]

A. "Modern Way" – 3:31

B. "Run Again" – 2:40

Reception

AllMusic called it the song "moody-yet-stylish".[7] NME called it "sublime" comparing it to Blur's Popscene,[8] and PlayLouder.com similarly compared it to Modern Life Is Rubbish.[9]

Pitchfork's Joe Tangari reviewed the album and called Modern Way "the only song on the LP that is truly dynamic" praising the "fluid verses" and build up to the "towering chorus". He does concede that the song makes him imagine the band during recording asking for "More Cowbell".[10]

Other versions

One of Kaiser Chiefs' contemporary bands from Yorkshire, the Cribs, covered "Modern Way" in 2005, as a B-side to their single "Mirror Kissers".[11] In 2006, the song was reworked for the Buena Vista Social Club album Rhythms del Mundo.[12]

External links

Notes and References

  1. New Releases: Singles. Music Week. 25. 5 November 2005. Misprinted as 00.00.05.
  2. Web site: October 3, 2005 . . For The Record: Quick News On Paris Hilton, 50 Cent, Gwen Stefani, Buju Banton, Ryan Cabrera, Usher & More . . https://web.archive.org/web/20220814084157/https://www.mtv.com/news/bup5pj/for-the-record-quick-news-on-paris-hilton-50-cent-gwen-stefani-buju-banton-ryan-cabrera-usher-more . 2022-08-14 . dead .
  3. Web site: October 20, 2005 . Corey-Moss . Kaiser Chiefs Liken Their History To Guy Who Balances Ball On His Head . https://web.archive.org/web/20240302040115/https://www.mtv.com/news/ygbgpy/kaiser-chiefs-liken-their-history-to-guy-who-balances-ball-on-his-head . dead . 2 March 2024 . MTV News .
  4. Modern Way. Kaiser Chiefs. 2005. UK CD1 liner notes. B-Unique Records. BUN100CD.
  5. Modern Way. Kaiser Chiefs. 2005. UK CD2 liner notes. B-Unique Records. BUN100CDX.
  6. Modern Way. Kaiser Chiefs. 2005. UK 7-inch single sleeve. B-Unique Records. BUN100-7.
  7. Web site: Phares . Heather . Employment – Kaiser Chiefs . . 27 July 2019 .
  8. Web site: 28 October 2005 . Kaiser Chiefs: Modern Way . .
  9. Web site: 10 March 2005 . Jeremy Allen . Review - Employment . . https://web.archive.org/web/20050319024342/http://www.playlouder.com/review/+employment/ . 2005-03-19 . dead . 2 March 2024 .
  10. Web site: 15 March 2005 . Tangari . Joe . Kaiser Chiefs: Employment . . 3 March 2024 .
  11. Modern Way . .
  12. Web site: All Media Guide. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r931344|pure_url=yes}} Rhythms del Mundo: Cuba ]. give the Kaiser Chiefs a wonderful Latin kick. 2024-02-29.