Kings of Leon - "California Waiting" (2003)

Kings of Leon are a foursome from Tennessee. These guys know how to jam and their on the forefront of making Southern rock cool again (as if it was ever uncool.) Their first release, Holy Roller Novocaine, was a five song EP released in 2003. Four of the five songs would also be included in their breakout debut Youth and Young Manhood, which came out later that year. Included on the EP and Youth was “Molly’s Chambers” an extremely catchy and short song with an outstanding riff and what would become the signature drawl/mumble of band mouthpiece Caleb Followill. He is backed by his two brothers and one cousin all of whom share the same last name. In 2005 the band released Aha Shake Heartbreak to much critical acclaim, which led to new successes for the band including opening for U2. The band followed that up in 2007 with Because of the Times, an album that proves they are here to stay, with the killer lead single “On Call.” Today’s song goes back to where it all began. If you have Youth and Young Manhood, you’ll notice that this version of “California Waiting” is different than the one that appeared on that album. Apparently the band wasn’t happy with the Holy Roller version so they rerecorded it. To me the new version pales in comparison. It’s too fuzzed out and the vocals aren’t nearly as good. So here is the first version and, in my insignificant opinion, the better of the two.


Kings of Leon - "California Waiting"