Every great piece of music has a story. Some tracks are born from personal experiences, while others draw from the world around us. The single “Rumbler” stands out as a unique chapter in the band’s history. It blends family roots with a touch of pop culture magic.
This new music arrived in early 2020 as part of the album “Sing in a World That’s Falling Apart.” The group shared the fascinating backstory in an Origins feature. This series gives fans a deep look into what inspires a band’s latest work.
The track is more than just a cool sound. It’s a personal narrative. The inspiration came from a specific childhood toy, which makes the story relatable. The accompanying video brings this concept to life visually, creating a complete experience.
Understanding the meaning behind a song, like exploring the story of another track, adds a rich layer to listening. It connects the audience directly to the artist’s creative mind. Let’s dive into the remarkable tale behind this special piece of music.
Key Takeaways
- The song “Rumbler” is a unique entry in the band’s catalog, known for its personal narrative.
- It was released in January 2020 on the album “Sing in a World That’s Falling Apart.”
- The band revealed the song’s inspiration in a feature called Origins.
- The track’s story blends family history with nostalgia for a classic toy.
- An official music video visually represents the song’s core inspiration.
- The creative process offers fans an intimate look at the band’s artistry.
- This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the song’s elements.
Origins and Inspiration of Rumbler by Black Lips
A casual online search turned into a remarkable family revelation for the band’s bassist. Jared Swilley stumbled upon an obscure G.I. Joe character during a nostalgic browsing session. The discovery would become the foundation for a deeply personal song.
Personal Family Ties and Nostalgia
Swilley drew significant inspiration from his grandfather’s morning ritual. Every day, the older man would recite a hunting poem called “The Ballad of Elmer Jones.” This childhood memory held special meaning for Jared.
The song’s opening line directly honors this family tradition. “Bobby Earl arose at dawn” mirrors the poem’s beginning. This was Swilley’s kind tribute to his grandfather, who can no longer recite the poem himself.
The G.I. Joe Connection
The online discovery revealed an incredible coincidence. The G.I. Joe character named Rumbler had the “real name” Earl-Bob Swilley. This nearly matched Jared’s great uncle bobby earl swilley.
Swilley believes a toy designer likely served with his uncle in the military. The character’s backstory mirrored family anecdotes about earl swilley‘s work as an ATS agent. Jared’s girlfriend later gifted him the actual toy, which appears in the music video.
This multi-layered inspiration created a song that preserves family history across generations. The connections between toy, poem, and real-life bobby earl make the track uniquely meaningful.
Musical Evolution and Production Insights
Production choices can define an album’s character as much as the songs themselves. For this new album, the band made deliberate decisions about both sound and recording environment.
Return to Raw Sound and Country Roots
The collection represents their most pronounced dive into country music yet. While the songcraft shows sophistication, they consciously returned to the raw energy of their early work.
Jared Swilley explained the unique storytelling approach:
“Usually they’re about breaking the law, but this one’s about catching hippies smoking pot. I thought it would be funny to take the authority’s side rather than the outlaw’s side.”
Recording at Valentine Recording Studios
The album was recorded at Laurel Canyon’s legendary Valentine Recording Studios. This historic space had hosted legends like The Beach Boys before reopening for this project.
Innovative Techniques and Tape Recording
The band rejected modern technology, working directly to tape with producer Nic Jodoin. This analog approach created their grittiest collection of songs in years.
| Production Element | Traditional Approach | Band’s Innovation |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Medium | Digital Pro-Tools | Direct-to-tape |
| Studio Choice | Modern facilities | Historic Valentine Studios |
| Music Style | Standard rock | Country-influenced |
The raw sound perfectly complements the vintage storytelling throughout the new album. This country-tinged direction marks a significant evolution in their musical journey.
Artistic Collaborations and Band Dynamics
When key personnel depart, it can either spell the end for a band or open doors to exciting new creative directions. The black lips experienced significant changes that ultimately revitalized their sound.
Line-up Changes and New Influences
After guitarist Ian St Pé and drummer Joe Bradley left, new members brought fresh energy. Zumi Rosow expanded her role beyond saxophone to become a central creative force.
Her flamboyant style enhanced their live shows and video presentations. Drummer Oakley Munson contributed unique backbeats and vocal harmonies that added depth.
The Role of Guitarist Jeff Clarke
The addition of guitarist Jeff Clarke proved transformative. His country background perfectly suited the band’s new direction.
Bassist Jared Swilley explained how Clarke’s skills shaped their music:
“The song was perfect for the way our guitar player Jeff plays. He’s mostly a country guitar player, so it was perfect for him to fill out.”
Clarke’s finger-picking technique brought a kind of authenticity that elevated tracks like those discussed in this musical analysis. This collaborative approach created a democratic environment where every member contributed as songwriters and vocalists.
The current black lips lineup demonstrates how the right guitarist can elevate a band‘s artistic vision to new heights.
Reflecting on the Legacy and Future Impact
When personal history intersects with musical creativity, the results can resonate across generations. This particular song demonstrates how family stories about an uncle and childhood memories can become powerful artistic statements. The black lips have created something that preserves oral tradition in a unique, permanent form.
The track exemplifies the entire album‘s approach, blending raw authenticity with country influences. Released January 24th via Fire Records/Vice, the collection feels like “the radiance of impulsive, wild nights.” Alongside singles like “Odelia,” this music shows the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots.
This kind of artistic courage positions the black lips for continued relevance. Their willingness to explore personal narratives through country-tinged songs creates a blueprint for meaningful connection. The poem-inspired storytelling proves that the most powerful music often comes from the simplest, most authentic places.
FAQ
What is the song "Rumbler" by Black Lips about?
The track explores themes of personal history and nostalgia, drawing inspiration from guitarist Bobby Earl Swilley’s great uncle, Earl Swilley. It reflects on family ties and a sense of the world falling apart, blending these feelings into a powerful piece of new music.
How does "Rumbler" fit into the band’s new album?
This song marks a return to a more raw sound and country roots for the group. It’s a key part of their latest album, showcasing their musical evolution and the fresh energy brought by recent line-up changes.
Where was "Rumbler" recorded?
The band recorded this great track at the historic Valentine Recording Studios. They used innovative techniques, including classic tape recording, to capture the authentic feel of the sound.
Who is Bobby Earl Swilley’s great uncle mentioned in the song?
Earl Swilley was a relative of guitarist Bobby Earl Swilley and served as a personal inspiration for the track. His story helped shape the poem-like quality of the lyrics.
What kind of sound can listeners expect from this new music?
Fans can expect a gritty, back-to-basics approach. The production emphasizes a live, unpolished vibe that highlights the band’s dynamic and the skilled work of their guitarist.
