Bright Eyes pay homage to ska music on new single, "1st World Blues"

"1st World Blues" sees frontman Conor Oberst lamenting the current state of the world with its biting takedown of contemporary American capitalism. “‘1st World Blues’ is an homage to ska in all its waves,” says Bright Eyes. “From Desmond Decker to Tim Armstrong, we’re just happy to add our track to the bin. The video is inspired by NYC 90s hip hop, which like ska, has a long tradition of unifying people & using celebratory music to convey subversive political themes. To be played loud. Windows down. Summertime.”

The track comes with a music video directed by Jared Sherbert, with animations by Sparks Studios. The video, which was shot on a hot summer day in Brooklyn, NY, features familiar faces like pro skater Nelly Morville, The So So Glos and producer/musician/mixer Adam Reich, while introducing a new star-in-the-making: Butter the dog.

Back in May, the trio celebrated the 25th anniversary of their 2000 album Fevers & Mirrors with a new recording of the album's closing track, “A Song To Pass The Time”, available exclusively on Bandcamp.

Bright Eyes also teamed up with longtime friends and collaborators Cursive to release “Recluse I Don’t Have to Love” a mashup of their modern classic fan favourites, “Lover I Don’t Have To Love” (Bright Eyes) and “The Recluse” (Cursive). The mashup was released on National Trans Day of Visibility, with all profits going to The Poison Oak Project.