Empire by Kasabian
Empire is the second album by British indie rock band Kasabian, released in August 2006. The album went onto No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart upon its release and was preceded by the release of new single "Empire" on 24 July 2006. The album was recorded over two weeks after touring with Oasis.[citation needed] According to Tom Meighan in an interview on the album with the NME in early 2006, "Empire" is a word used by the band to describe something that is good. To date the album has sold over 1 million copies worldwide, including more than 600,000 in the UK.[when?]
With a name partly inspired by Tom Meighan’s <i>Star Wars</i> obsession and a fresh batch of unashamedly huge assaults on the senses, <i>Empire</i> initially looks like more of the same from Kasabian. But, beyond the glammy stomp of “Shoot the Runner,” the Leicester outfit’s second record contains fascinating multitudes. “Me Plus One” is a whirl of kaftan-clad psychedelia, “Stuntman” conjures a throbbing electronic rave and “British Legion” (featuring a rare lead vocal from Serge Pizzorno) is bracingly tender.
