Exclusive: The Killers team up with Lou Reed on new track

Brandon Flowers tells NME.COM about working with the rock legend

The Killers have recruited Lou Reed to sing on a track set to appear on the Las Vegas band's forthcoming B-sides and rarities album.

Frontman Brandon Flowers exclusively told NME.COM that they've been hard at work in a New York studio this week recording 'Tranquilize' with 'Sam's Town' producers Flood and Alan Moulder.

"We were thrilled with being able to work with Lou Reed," Flowers said of the former Velvet Underground singer and rock elder statesman.

"The song was calling for a duet and his voice was just right. The sentiment of the song is very him," Flowers said.

Describing 'Tranquilize' as a "rollercoaster", he added, "There's a desperation to it. It's one of our more depressing songs, but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel."

Flowers explained that although the song will be part of a B-sides compilation, he believes it's one of the band's strongest tracks. "It's a song that really should've been on 'Sam's Town'," he said.

The compilation is due out before the end of the year, and will feature material that may be new to many US listeners. "A lot of our American fans may not even know about these songs because they're B-sides to singles in England," he said.

Flowers explained that the idea for the compilation was inspired by two of his favourite bands that did something similar.

"I'm a big fan of 'The Masterplan' by Oasis and 'Hatful Of Hollow' by The Smiths. It's for our fans who want the whole collection in one package."