I’ve posted this one before, but I get the feeling it didn’t get loved as much as it should’ve. Afghan Raiders nailed it!!

“Drop I Hold (Afghan Raiders remix)” | download

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Black Lips | Myspace | Live | Buy

Photo by Dantheman4

It’s been a rather whirlwind start to the year for self-described “flower-punk” outfit Black Lips, with a new full-length, 200 Million Thousand, out on Vice, & a gigantic tour to match the larger-than-life title of the album. The boys found a few minutes to chat with XLR8R.

What are you listening to right now?

Our friend made us a ’60s garage comp from blogs around the internet. There [are] some really good songs on it, but unfortunately, I don’t know who the artists or songs are.

What’s the weirdest story you ever heard about yourself?

People like to say that we pee in each other’s mouths. How could I kiss my mother with those lips?

What band did you want to be in when you were 15?

We were appreciators of The Germs, The Stooges, Them, Link Wray and his Ray Men.

Worst live show experience?

I’ve been hit in the face with a lowball glass during the first song of a set in Costa Mesa. Not sure if that’s the worst, but it sure did suck.

Favorite city to play in?

It’s always great to hit any of the major cities—New York, Stockholm, Chicago, and, of course, Atlanta.

When you are out on the town, what is your drink of choice?

Scotch and soda water.

What is your favorite thing you own?

I don’t really own it, but the piano in my room. Also, my queen-sized bed. That thing is sweet.

Name one item of clothing you can’t live without.

My coat. Winters would have a whole new degree of harshness without it. Socks are great too.

You identify your music most closely with which condiment: ketchup, salsa, mustard, relish, or barbeque sauce.

BBQ sauce. It can be sweet, sour, charred, or soft. It’s almost always associated with the South as well.

What did you always get in trouble for when you were little?

Vandalism, drinking, smoking.

What other artist would you most like to work with?

Outkast.

What’s the last thing you read?

I read about 30 news articles everyday. Sometimes more, if it’s a busy day.

Complete this sentence: In the future…

In the future, we will all be old men.

Stupidest thing you’ve done in the last 12 months?

Believed I could put my trust into something I knew wouldn’t work out. Really, just going against my intuition and common sense

What’s next?

Touring in the U.S. [and] Europe, hopefully Japan, Oz, New Zealand.

End.

“Short Fuse” | download

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Black Lips | Myspace | Tour Dates | Buy

It’s 4:00am and you’ve been partying all night. You find yourself at that 24/7 hole-in-the-wall diner to sip on some black coffee & detox from the night’s craziness. Slow motion moment: a girl, retro attire, red dress, healthy amounts of makeup, red lipstick, wild brunette hair, & thick framed glasses comes into sight. As you see her slowly bring a flame to her cig which is already snug between those red lips, you see a tat on her arm indicative of a wilder creature than you had anticipated. Eyes lock during the first puff.

Black Lips is the perfect band to be playing that scene to make it what it truly is…amazing!

What a stylish retro band. Black Lips, in their new album 200 Million Thousand, bring yesterday’s 1950/60s feel to us in a perfectly relevant, engaging yet simple way. The old school instruments & rhythm mix beautifully with the yells & pleas of the singer. It doesn’t feel like they are trying to recreate something, trying to play retro tunes. They’re just playing and it’s good.

When the album drops next Tuesday (02.24), check out “Trapped in a Basement” & think of the scene with our retro, brunette friend. “Short Fuse” is worth a listen too. You might find something you like.

Enjoy y Paz

Miguel de Zubeldia

“Short Fuse” | download

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200 Million Thousand comes out next Tuesday (02.24) via Vice Records.

P.S. I just noticed the face on the artwork.

Black Lips | Myspace | Tour Dates | Buy

The Black Lips are gearing up for the release of their brand new album, 200 Million Thousand. In keeping with the numerically-massive album title, the band doesn’t want ONE video for the first single, “Starting Over”, they want 200 Million Thousand. And they want you to make them.

The contest will run until the 200 Million Thousandth video has been submitted. Or until February 15th. Whichever comes first. So get started. Submissions can be uploaded to Vimeo beginning January 12th, 2009.

“Starting Over” | download

200 Million Thousand will be out on February 24 in the US & March 2 in the UK.

Black Lips | Myspace | Tour Dates | Buy