New Video: Black Lips -- "New Direction"

Scion A/V Presents: Black Lips - New Direction from Scion A/V on Vimeo.

I, persoanlly, really enjoy this new Ronson-produced, Vice Records released, Black Lips LP, Arabia Mountain. The song constructions are more fleshed out, mature feeling and the record is fun. The video above for one of the stand out tracks, "New Direction," is pretty much standard fare for these dudes.

Happy Friday.

New Video: The Black Lips - "Modern Art"

This is the first real glimpse into the highly anticipated new Black Lips record produdced by Mark Ronson titled, Arabia Mountain, which sees light on June 7 via Vice Records. These Atlanta natives are looking to rebound from what proved to be lackluster sophomore release in 200 Million Thousand. With Ronson at the helm, and from what we have seen via the in-studio footage (after the jump,) Arabia Mountain should be a more cohesive, well-balanced and mature record...and just in time for Summer. Keep your eyes peeled.

Tracklisting and In-Studio Footage After the Jump...

Insert Campfire Cliche Here

[mp3] Campfires: "Chasing Planets"

Campfires aren't rewriting the book on short little lo-fi garage rock tunes, but damn this song is one of the catchier little (non-elctro) nuggets you'll hear this side of The Black Lips. Speaking of The Black Lips - here's to hoping they can recover from that disastrous little record they put out a few years ago, 200 million whatever. Remember that one? Man. Campfires channel, OLD Black Lips, and seem reminiscent of a scuzzy version of early Strokes or OLD Kings of Leon. We love new stuff, round here, clearly.

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New Black Lips Video: "Let it Grow"

[mp3] Black Lips: "Starting Over"

So, dude took a pint glass to the face over the weekend. From people close to the parties, he was indeed asking for it. Shit happens I guess, but damn - that's a legit bar fight. Yet, don't we want that from our rockstars? They're supposed to be leading the lives we're too pussy to lead. I like my rockers hard-living and pretty much on the edge. Wavves and Black Lips fall into that category. Enough with this though. Vince is gonna kill me. Here's the video from the Black Lips' mediocre record 200 Million Thousand. The album ain't that great, but if you take broken glass to the face, you earn yourself a post. Even if you did deserve it.

I am Done with Today, a List of Reasons Why

Things I am sick of reading about as of today:

-The Passion Pit and Phoenix show: Yes. They are good bands and they played a live show. Get over it. Go listen to the records again or pin up the merch you bought from the gig and revel in it. We are done listening. Sometimes all reviews are created equal.

-The Black Lips vs. Wavves fight: They are skater punks fighting each other -- they just so happen to be in mildly successful bands. This shit happens everyday.

-Anything Bon Iver does, ever.

-Monsters of Folk: It's freaking M.Ward, Yim Yames, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis? What did you expect? Toxic? Come on people.

-Where the Wild Things Are: The movie isn't even out yet. You can only watch the trailer so many times. Take it easy. We understand you love Karen O -- go listen to the new YYY album then.

-The Beatles Remasters - Do you have $300 to lend me? No? Ok then.

-Tuesday Night Champagne at Superdive: Only because it is Monday night.

-The decade: When it's over, then I'll think about it. That's not to say I won't be submitting a 'best of '09' list though.

Williamsburg Waterfront Part III

Since we're relatively new to the whole photo pit thing, it was pretty great being on the front lines of the legit mayhem that was the Black Lips portion of Sunday's set at the Williamsburg Waterfront. As seen in many photos and videos on other blogs already, there was much stage diving, security guard breaching and general bouts of chaos. It was refreshing to see fans going nuts to music. It was almost like 1995 in there. The excitement did much to cover the lull from some of the new tunes that you know we're not the biggest fans of. They're not bad --just boring. Yet, there is really nothing better than a Black Lips live set. Urine or no urine. Preferably, the latter.

Health opened the festivities with a thrashing set that was way louder than expected, but certainly welcome. One note guitar shedding, effects pedals, noise, and general volume characterized what was a vibrant and fantastically messy set from the band. While we'll still opt for the remix CD over their studio record, the set was pretty solid from a band that we're only marginal fans of.

After the Black Lips, it rained and we left. Then the headliners ...Trail of Dead were canceled anyway! They'll be at All Points West this weekend though. Until next week... which is fixing to be maybe the highlight of the summer -- No Age (!), Deerhunter and Dan Deacon. See you there. Photos after the jump!

Black Lips: "Drugs" Video, Free Show This Weekend

[mp3] Black Lips: "Starting Over"

While we may not love all of the Black Lips' new album, this video for the song "Drugs" is pretty great, and the tune is one of the better songs off the album. Sorry kids, there's just too much filler on that record for us. The Black Lips will be part of a great bill this weekend at the Williamsburg Waterfront which includes Health, ... Trail of Dead and Groupo Fantasma. (via TMS)

Your New Favorite Band: The Wild Yaks

Wild Yaks - "River May Come"

Wild Yaks - "Tomahawk"

Wild Yaks - "Wish I Had A Whip"

mp3s via Fader b/c our acct isn't working right now

There is a good chance that after seeing the Wild Yaks live, we will be changed people. According to several very reputable sources (thanks John and Sheryl) this new punk/rock/americana band from Brooklyn is not to be missed. Fader has taken to begging folks to get out to one of these shows. Who are we to say no? To be sure, we're not experts on the band's background, but we don't really give a shit - it's not that important. What is important, is the guarantee that when you see this band live: A. They will probably be wasted. B. You will probably get wasted. C. There will be yelling, singalongs, dancing and awesomeness. D. It will be a superb time. It's sort of like if The Replacements met the Black Lips and kicked the shit out of 1994 Jay Farrar. (Sorry Jay). They play Cameo on Sunday night 7/19 and Glasslands 7/25. See you there.

The Almighty Defenders

With passports suspended, international status in the air, the Black Lips did what any band looking for a nice recovery would do -- they went to King Khan's house in Germany and chilled out. While we have never seen a famed Khan/Black Lips bill, we can pretty much picture it. Actually, we don't want to picture it. Gross. Yet, the music that results is probably pretty badass. Thereby, we get The Almighty Defenders -- a mix of members of the Black Lips, King Khan, and Mark Sultan (BBQ Show). The music contained is sure to be dirty, soulful, and filled with garage-y goodness. Written over three days in Berlin (during their period of international acclaim) this self-titled debut drops September 22 on VICE.

Those Darlins Debut mp3

[mp3] Those Darlins "Red Light Love"

Needless to say, it's been a tenuous relationship between Stark and Those Darlins. Somewhere along the way during the past year though, we came around to their live show, and after spending the weekend with their new self-titled record that drops this Tuesday (vinyl only) on Thirty Tigers, we're legit converts. It's filled with enthusiasm, passion and a punk rock ethos -- all backed by quality songs that channel an earlier era of country music before the dubious prefix "alt" ever became attached. So here's the first single "Red Light Love," the lead track on the record. This song will show what the fuss is all about ; it's catchy, it has the Darlin's trademark Murfreesboro, TN swagger and demonstrates the power of a tambourine when it's juiced in the mix. Enjoy. Those Darlins hit New York on July 9 and 10 and play their vinyl -release show with the Black Lips this Tuesday in Nashville.

Crash Landing- 2009 Album Deletions

Photo Credit: www.stabur5productions.ws/page3.html

You click and drag new releases on to your iPod's 2009 playlist, but does everything deserve to stay? No. Well, we are at your service to aid you in proper, and deserved 2009 album deletions (not from the whole Pod, but rather the playlist.) Ultimately, we are helping you generate a Best of 2009 playlist, right? Maybe.

The Veils - Sun Gangs
Nux Vomica and more specifically "Calliope!" hit us hard, and kept hitting. This album rocked our speakers, bumped our chest and simply made us buy the album...and catch them at the Mercury Lounge. So Sun Gangs. Yeah, it just didn't live up to the pre-established standards. Its that easy. It's the sophomore slump and we know it blows. Rebound baby, rebound. Deleted.

The Black Lips - 200 Million Thousand
If you thought they were going to conform to a more mainstream sound, in true Lips fashion, you can go fuck yourself. They didn't and I kind of wanted an album of "Bad Kids"-style gems, but, oh well; their loss. Deleted.

Beirut - March of the Zapotec & Real People
This is just boring tuna. Though our one reviewer, Deanna, thought otherwise, this album is one tuba blast short of bearable. Deleted.

M.Ward - Hold Time
Just because it is another M.Ward album doesn't mean you have to like it. This is no freaking Transfiguration of Vincent. Maybe if Zoe Deschanel accompanied him on this we could call it, She & Him: Volume Deuce and Paste could name it best album of 2009. Deleted.

That should free up some space.

On The Blog Reel: Black Lips, Good Old War, Care Bears On Fire

Featured:

BLACK LIPS "I'll Be With You"

GOOD OLD WAR "That's What's Wrong"

CARE BEARS ON FIRE "Everybody Else"

Isn't watching home videos the best, you guys? Every couple of years, your parents dig those puppies out for entertainment and embarassment purposes, and you're never surprised at what you find. More often than not, these videos are about absolutely nothing. They feature you as a kid sitting around, doing something arbitrary like playing with a toy, perfectly content to mind your own business, but perplexed as to why your dad is uncomfortably zooming in on your face for long periods of time while fumbling with his camcorder and NEVER FIGURING OUT HOW TO FOCUS THAT GODDAMN THING. Well, that's kind of what the Black Lips' new clip for "I'll Be With You" is like. Except, instead of playing with toys, the guys are getting drunk and burning their guitars in the family fireplace. Smile! 

Meanwhile, Langhorne, PA's finest acoustic folk trio Good Old War are far less extreme in their no-frills, studio-centric video for "That's What's Wrong." The song, from last year's seriously underrated Only Way To Be Alone, is a modern-day update on CSNY, featuring intricate golden harmonies from the group's three members. Oh, and we've followed lead singer Keith Goodwin since his time spent in Days Away, and he's looking more and more like Charlie from It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia (sans the glue) each time we see him. Just an observation. Finally, we're fairly certain that the three girls in Care Bears On Fire have yet to reach Bat Mitzvah age, but that doesn't stop them from confidently rocking out in their debut video for "Everybody Else." We get a major School Of Rock vibe from these chicks; i.e., the song is pretty terrible, but in that "hey, they're young, so good for them!" way. Including this one for the creative paint-by-numbers concept, though. 

As usual, you can find all the videos after the jump. It's good to have you back, Blog Reel! 

Full Reel: Black Lips In India

You all know the story. Shit went down in India...the culprits: The Black Lips. We reported on the story when it first surfaced early last month, but now, courtesy of VBS.TV, the full debauchumentary is out.

Continue after the jump to see their exile-worthy shenanigans.

PART I

PART II

PART III

PART IV

Tuesday's Recommended Releases

After a fairly stacked release week last week, today's releases are thinner in quantity, but there are a few gems mixed in. Not noted below, but certainly worth getting, War Child Presents Heroes featuring Beck, TVOTR and all of your current favorites --all proceeds go to charity.

Here We Go Magic:
Album: S/T
Label: Western Vinyl
MP3: Tunnelvision (Via Fader)

Songwriter Luke Temple branches out into the more eclectic and electronic for his first release under the Here We Go Magic moniker. Filled with well-crafted melodies and hidden hooks, Temple has created a lush soundscape for his songs, recalling what Paul Simon might have sounded like had he grown up listening to indie electronica. Highly recommended.

Black Lips
Album: 200 Million Thousand
Label: Vince
MP3: "Short Fuse"

I haven't been able to spin this full record yet, but from what I've heard, I've been fairly underwhelmed. There has been a lot of pre-release buzz for this, but here we are at release day, and that buzz seems to have faded a bit. I'm willing to give the lips the benefit of the doubt though. I feel they earned it. Here's to hoping the record is better than what I've heard to date.

Laura Gibson
Album: Beasts of Seasons
Label: Hush Records
MP3: Spirited

As we wrote last week, we feel that this could be Laura Gibson's break-out album. Backed by a stellar band and producer Tucker Martine, Laura Gibson transcends her more traditional AAA approach for an updated and more sophisticated sound. Definitely pick this one up.


Laura Barrett:
Album: Victory Garden
Label: Paper Bag Records
MP3: "Bluebird"

Also included with Laura Gibson last week was Laura Barrett. Barrett brings to bear unique orchestral arrangements to her intimate songwriting. There is a softness to this music yet, the layered vocals and kalimba provide a unique and mysterious quality to the record making it stand out from the usual crop of indie singer-songwriters.

Stream Black Lips -- 200 Million Thousand

Oh boy, the Black Lips are set to release their newest, most hyped album to date, 200 Million Thousand next Tuesday, Feb. 24 via Vice. After the India debacle (remember?) these guys better just get this freakin' album out already. We are getting tired of all these antics. Well now you can preview what you may buy next week via Last.fm.

Continue after the jump for the stream link.

Go here to stream.

"It's Only Rock 'N Roll." Black Lips' Penis Guitar Deemed No Good in India

[mp3]

Black Lips - "Short Fuse"

The whirlwind aftermath concerning the Black Lips and India's "Campus Rock Idol" tour has come to a head. After a series of hilariously fortunate, unfortunate events including exposing asses, smashing guitars, and penis gymnastics, the Black Lips were asked to leave Chennai, India. The American Idol-esque tour, canceled. The above video from VBS.TV gives us a glimpse into the, "Oh shit. We're not at McCarren Pool anymore," antics of the Lips. Talk about great press for their upcoming album, 200 Million Thousand. MP3 above.

Black Lips: Tour Dates, Video Contest and MP3

Well there is no doubting the Black Lips are busy. Gearing up for the Feb. 24 release of their newest album, 200 Million Thousand (Vice), the Atlanta rockers are booked on a solid tour and are hosting a video contest. Read below for contest outline:

"In an e-card released to fans over the Holidays, the Lips announced an imminent video contest for “Starting Over.” The ambitious hope was to have 200 Million Thousand(!) videos made for the song, and to name one supreme creation victorious. Now, the wait is over. Partnering with Vimeo.com, the contest officially launched yesterday and runs until February 15th. The winning director will receive – other than bragging rights, of course – a feature on the homepage of Vimeo.com, an extra special 7” of LP-standout “Short Fuse,” and a signed copy of 200 Million Thousand.

Go Here To Participate In The Black Lips Video Contesthttp://vimeo.com/blacklipscontest "

Tour Dates And MP3 After The Jump...

Our own Andrew Daniels had this to say about the recent MP3 release, "Starting Over" from the up-coming album.

[mp3]
Black Lips: "Starting Over" mp3

"We get our first taste of the new Black Lips album today with "Starting Over," from their forthcoming LP 200 Million Thousand (complete with trippy cover art, which seems to be a growing trend for '09 releases) which hits stores via VICE on February 24. The track, which you can -- no, absolutely should -- grab for free above, is a delightful nugget of flower power with a guitar line reminscent of The Byrds' "Turn Turn Turn" and a fidelity rivaling Bee Thousand-era Guided By Voices. Of course, lead singer Cole Alexander's punkish snarl remains firmly in tact. Okay, now we're officially excited for this album. "

Black Lips Tour Dates

02-26 Birmingham, AL – Bottle Tree
02-27 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

MySpace Music Presents Tour:
03-04 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
03-05 Washington, DC – Black Cat
03-06 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
03-07 Cambridge, MA – Middle East
03-09 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
03-10 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
03-12 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
03-13 Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
03-14 Chicago, IL – Logan Square Auditorium
03-15 Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
03-16 St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
03-17 Omaha, NE – Waiting Room
03-18 Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck
03-20 Austin, TX – SXSW
03-21 Austin, TX – SXSW
03-23 New Orleans, LA – One Eyed Jacks
03-25 Tallahassee, FL – Club Downunder
03-26 Tampa, FL - Orpheum
03-27 Miami, FL – Churchill’s
03-28 Gainesville, FL – Common Ground
03-29 Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
03-30 Orlando, FL – The Social

04-15 Costa Mesa, CA - Detroit Bar
04-16 San Diego, CA - Casbah
04-17 Tempe, AZ - Clubhouse
04-18 Tucson, AZ - Plush
04-20 Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
04-21 Denver, CO - Bluebird
04-22 Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
04-23 Boise, ID – Neurolox
04-24 Portland, OR – Berbati’s Pan
04-25 Seattle, WA – Neumo’s
04-27 Eugene, OR – Wow Hall
04-28 Sacramento, CA – Blue Lamp
04-29 Santa Cruz, CA – The Blue Lagoon
04-30 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
05-01 Los Angeles, CA – El Rey
05-02 Pomona, CA – Glasshouse

New Black Lips- "Starting Over" mp3

[mp3]

Black Lips: "Starting Over" mp3

We get our first taste of the new Black Lips album today with "Starting Over," from their forthcoming LP 200 Million Thousand (complete with trippy cover art, which seems to be a growing trend for '09 releases) which hits stores via VICE on February 24. The track, which you can -- no, absolutely should -- grab for free above, is a delightful nugget of flower power with a guitar line reminscent of The Byrds' "Turn Turn Turn" and a fidelity rivaling Bee Thousand-era Guided By Voices. Of course, lead singer Cole Alexander's punkish snarl remains firmly in tact. Okay, now we're officially excited for this album.

Black Lips Like Numbers, New Album In February

While we're busy counting out the title to The Black Lips' new album, 200 Million Thousand, you can start counting down the days until it arrives February 24, 2009 via VICE. We're excited to announce the release date of the album, the follow-up LP to last year's wacky Good Bad Not Evil. 

The 14 tracks that make up 200 Million Thousand show true early rock and roll at it’s finest: simple, straightforward songwriting mesh perfectly with the Black Lips distinctive howl to create a time capsule rife with nods to simple pleasures and a world of worry.  It’s a modern, mature reflection on life and the world traveled.  As has come to be expected, 200 Million Thousand will be followed by ample opportunity to see Black Lips do what they do best – whip a crowd into a pure ball of drunk, unpredictable energy. Having spent the better part of their formative years touring the world, Black Lips have emerged garage rock veterans.

If you haven't already snagged it, VICE recently released a free Christmas sampler (featuring Black Lips' "Veni Vidi Vici") that is available now via Amazon. 

Free Vice Christmas Sampler and Raveonettes mp3

The Raveonettes - "Come On Santa" mp3

Our good friends over at Vice are spreading the Christmas cheer with a 100% totally free and awesome Christmas Sampler that you can download now at Amazon. (Tell them Stark sent you.) The ten-song collection includes recent favorites and exclusives from superstars like King Khan and the Shrines, Japenese Motors, Chromeo, Dark Meat, The Black Lips and The Streets (whose mastermind, Mike Skinner, is pictured above in an absolutely non-doctored Santa hat.) And if that's not enough to get you pumped up on all things yuletide, then you should certainly grab the brand spankin' new Raveonettes mp3 above of "Come On Santa." (Those Danes just don't quit with the Christmas thing, but we're not complaining.)