Video: Fruit Bats - "You're Too Weird"

Eric Johnson of everybody's favorite Fruit Bats douses new single "You're Too Weird" in a wash of falsetto and early 1980s soft-rock cheese. It's a combination that's perfectly visually portrayed in the band's video for the track with a couple mustachioed appearances, along with rolled up blazer sleeves, big hair, neon lighting, and a lingerie-clad model. In short, Don Johnson would be proud. The Fruit Bats' excellent 5th LP together, Tripper, is out today. Check out the video after the jump and then go snag the album from Sub Pop.

The Fruit Bats - "You're Too Weird" (from Tripper)

Digging For Covers: Fruit Bats - "Never Tear Us Apart"

The Fruit Bats have made INXS's 1988 sensuous ballad "Never Tear Us Apart" a part of their live repertoire for some time now, but their most recent recording of the song over at the KCRW studios is especially convincing. From the opening heavily filtered electric piano chords replacing the original's synthesized strings to the addition of some great slide guitar play, the Fruit Bats dutifully pay tribute to the original while making this version completely their own. Archive.org has an earlier cover of the song if you're interested in comparing. (Photo by Todd Roeth)

Fruit Bats - "Never Tear Us Apart" (live INXS cover at KCRW)

New Fruit Bats: "My Unusual Friend"

Recalling the pop-sensibilities and vocal chops of the Beatles and Beach Boys while lyrically carving out their own unique niche, Eric Johnson and his Fruits Bats released two of the most complete and approachable records of the early 00's with Mouthfuls and Spelled In Bones.

Johnson—now also a member of the wildly successful Shins—writes and records harmony-laced folk-pop, ranging from intimate narratives ("The Earthquake of '76") to lyrically esoteric metaphors and images ("Lives of Crime") and moments of anthemic hand-clapping clarity ("When You Love Somebody"). It's a sound that's easy to revisit.

On August 4th, the Fruit Bats will return with their fourth LP—The Ruminant Band, due out via Sub Pop. According to the band's web site, "touring will commence shortly thereafter." For now, enjoy the piano bop of "My Unusual Friend."

Fruit Bats -"My Unusual Friend" (from The Ruminant Band)