The Black Lips: “Modern Art”
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It ain’t rock and roll unless someone’s angry. Atlanta-based garage-rockers The Black Lips have caused their share of rage. From horrified club owners that’ve banned them to the Indian law enforcement that chased them out of the country, the band’s unhinged live antics (we’ll let you do some youtube-ing for proof) have raised plenty of ire. But they’ve also left in their wake some of the catchiest, most energetic and downright dirtiest rock ‘n’ roll today.
The band that would become The Black Lips formed in 2000. Just before the release of their 2002 self-titled debut and on the eve of an East Coast and Midwest tour, lead guitarist Ben Eberbaugh died in a car crash. Ederbaugh’s death would be recalled on their 2007 record Good Bad Not Evil. The band released two more albums before signing with Vice Records. Their first for Vice, 2007’s Los Valientes del Mundo Nuevo was a live record documenting a particularly debauched set in Tijuana, Mexico. This summer, The Black Lips released the Mark Ronson-produced record Arabia Mountain. It’s the bands sixth LP and today’s song of the day, “Modern Art,” is its second track.
The psychedelic freakout of “Modern Art” clocks in at just over two minutes. In that short bit of time they cram in some truly blistering, Nuggets-worth garage rock. The band tosses out lyrics about the Louvre and Dali, and there’s even a Theremin thrown in for good measure. It’s cheeky and its some great fun rock and roll.
The Black Lips are playing Sunday during Fun Fun Fun Fest on the Black Stage.
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