Black Lips - "Kids Like You & Me" DVD (director: Bill Cody)

American indie/punk act visits "hostile" Middle East...


Going into this unfamiliar with American indie rock act Black Lips, I had no idea what to expect here. But I'm glad I took the chance to devote time to it. As much a study in culture, social and media bias as a straightforward tour film, "Kids Like You & Me" places Black Lips (and Lebanese touring partners Lazzy Lung) on tour within supposed "American-hostile" Middle Eastern countries. On their tour itinerary, the bands encounter enthusiastic crowds in Egypt, Dubai, Iraq, Lebanon, and others. Yes, the kids just want to dance, drink, party, and have a good time there, too.

The guys in Black Lips are mostly humble and likeable chaps, and their willingness to put aside biases and prejudices speaks volumes for them, as well as their Middle Eastern counterparts. I'm sure there were some strained and challenging moments on this tour, but overall, director Bill Cody and the band choose to highlight the good times and goodwill they received overseas. It's truly a global world, and I thank Black Lips for being good ambassadors. Maybe I'm not a huge fan of their music, but this film was enlightening and enjoyable all the way through.

.MVD Visual

Black Lips dot com

"We Fun - Atlanta GA Inside/Out" DVD (director: Matthew Robison)

As a survey of ATL's present-day indie scene, "We Fun" covers a wide array of modern acts, including Deerhunter, Black Lips, the funky and memorable King Khan & The Shrines, Mastodon, the Coathangers, Mourdella (with the amazing fireplay of frontwoman Jessica Juggz), and others. Interviews with fans, promoters, club owners, and many a drunken reveler are sandwiched between live clips. We see the homespun indie rock scene complete with sweaty bars, yard parties, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and a nicely diverse selection of rough and rowdy rock. Atlanta seems to love to party. And drink. And play (or listen to) music. It's an endearing and gritty/candid documentary that sums it all up with the title. It's all about fun. I found this brief (65 minute) film to be an inspiring look at the individuality and character that, without a doubt, fuels the independent scenes not just in Atlanta, but around the world. (See Of Sound.com via MVD Visual)