If there’s anything that
Flaming Lips fans have learned over the years is that fearless frontman
Wayne Coyne has always been somewhat fetishistic about blood imagery.
And sex.
However, the band’s recent video of its cover of “
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” a collaboration with singer
Erykah Badu, has raised the hackles of her unsuspecting fans, especially after an “unedited” and “unapproved” version popped up this week on the Pitchfork music website.
The tune is from the Lips’ recent double vinyl collaboration-filled album release “The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends,” also set for digital and CD release on June 26.
Badu’s body-double sister
Nayrok is nude in the video, and at times is awash in bath water, golden glitter, fake blood and other simulated bodily fluids. Many fans of the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer (and mother) revolted against the graphic imagery.
The singer was mostly mum early Wednesday, except to post a Flaming Lips apology to her official website and Facebook page, and to encourage discussion of the “official” video on her Twitter account.
“Official Flaming Lips Vid discussion. How does it make u feel? Ascetically, What does it make u fear? Anger? Joy? Freedom? Disgust? Discuss,” tweeted Badu.
Read Tuesday’s Flaming Lips apology, in part, “The video link that was erroneously posted on Pitchfork by the Flaming Lips of the music video ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,’ which features Erykah Badu, is unedited and unapproved. Sorry!! ... This is a Flaming Lips video which features Erykah Badu and her sister Nayrok and is not meant to be considered an Erykah Badu or Nayrok creation, statement or approved version.”
Despite the apology and retraction, the video quickly went viral as it was picked up and posted to various other sites.
Replied one Badu and Lips fan via Facebook: “I think the video seemed a bit out of character with what I am used to seeing from her, but otherwise I thought it was beautiful and insightful. Being a fan of both your music and hers, it made me contemplate a deeper meaning.”
Commented an unhappy viewer on another site, “Pretentious art school project.”
Later Wednesday, however, Badu responded with an angry statement that slammed Coyne, the production and the video, saying that it wasn't at all what she'd been pitched as a concept.
In a statement posted online, she said (in part), "Consequently, brother, As a human I am disgusted with your what appears to be desperation and poor execution. And disregard for others. As a director I am unimpressed. As a sociologist I understand your type. As your fellow artist I am uninspired. As a woman I feel violated and underestimated.
"Hope it works out for ya, Wayne.
"Really i could give a sh*t less.
"Still love your live show tho.
"And, you're welcomed.
"Lesson learned. ..."
She also said, "These things have been said out of necessity.
"And if you don't like it
"you can KiSS MY Glittery A**.
"O and Nayrok told me to tell u to kiss her a** too.
"Almost forgot.
"Peace."
Ouch.The video’s creator, Oklahoman George Salisbury, is no stranger to Flaming Lips productions. He’s co-directed (with Coyne) many Lips videos, including “Girl, You’re So Weird,” a collaboration with musician New Fumes for the “Heady Fwends” album. It stars, in part, naked women dancing in slow motion and waving smoke bombs.
The 2010 video for "Watching the Planets" featured full-frontal nudity of Coyne and over a dozen video participants. Similarly, a video for "The Sparrow Looks Up At The Machine" includes a disclaimer for young or "sensitive" viewers.
The Flaming Lips are possibly as famous for their whimsy as they are their imagery of liberation, sexuality ... and blood.
The Lips’ recent “Heady Fwends” vinyl album release also offered limited-edition versions for sale that included blood samples from the band and collaborators, from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver to Chris Martin of Coldplay, among others.
PLUS! Read Badu's full letter,
HERE.
PS: I can't post any of those videos here. You'll have to Google those.
