Bright Eyes have found inspiration in ska music for their new song, “1st World Blues.” Stream it below.
Over a catchy off-beat guitar, frontman Conor Oberst takes on the impact of Reaganomics on the current state of failed capitalism and other world affairs. “From Gowanus to Staten Island/ You got the texting, sexting, acting, first-world blues,” he sings. “You’re just a tool that’s never gonna get used.”
Directed by Jared Sherbert with animations by Sparks Studios, the joyous, black-and-white music video was shot in Brooklyn, with cameos from pro skater Nelly Morville, The So So Glos’ Alex Orange Drink, and producer/musician/mixer Adam Reich. It also features the very cute Butter the dog. Watch the full visual below.
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“‘1st World Blues’ is an homage to ska in all its waves,” the band said in a statement. “From Desmond Dekker 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.”
“1st World Blues” arrives ahead of Bright Eyes’ upcoming West Coast and Asia tour dates. See the schedule below, and get tickets here.
Bright Eyes 2025 Tour Dates:
08/26 – Ojai, CA @ Libbey Bowl
08/27 – Sonoma, CA @ Gundlach Bundschu Winery
08/28 – Forest Grove, OR @ McMenamins Grand Lodge
08/29 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Malkin Bowl
08/30 – Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot 2025
09/01 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall
09/02 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
09/03 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues Las Vegas
11/27 – Singapore, SG @ Capitol Theatre
12/03 – Osaka, JP @ Yogibo META VALLEY
12/04 – Tokyo, JP @ EX THEATER ROPPONGI
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