Pitchfork

News of the Gruff Rhys/Boom Bip full-length Neon Neon collaboration first surfaced way back in October 2006 (at which time they were calling themselves Dolorean), and said full-length was supposed to arrive early last year. But even the best laid plans of Super Furry Animals and Lex men often go awry, and thus we have Stainless Style, that Neon Neon debut, finally set for a March 18 release on Lex.

Stainless Style tells the tale of tragic figure John DeLorean, creator of the iconic automobile, with music appropriate to the car's heyday. Those famous winged doors allow plenty of room to pack in the guests, and Style features contributions from Spank Rock, Yo Majesty, Sean Tillmann (Har Mar Superstar, Sean Na Na), Fatlip, several of the Magic Numbers, and Welsh singer Cate Le Bon. But you knew most of that already.

Perhaps you've also already heard two of the album's 12 cuts: "Trick for Treat" and "Raquel" were previously served up on limited edition Lex 12"s.

But you probably haven't seen Neon Neon live yet, which may well change in a matter of weeks. The duo has some shows in the works, including a trip to SXSW.

What's more, they're seeking extras for a Neon Neon video shoot helmed by Klaus Thymann. "I Lust U" will get the video treatment this coming weekend, and if you're 1.) in the Los Angeles area, and 2.) either a.) between the ages of 40 and 70, and/or b.) a twin, you might just get casted. Interested parties should email "Kristen" at mente[at]happycharliefilms.com and include (or link to) a photo of themselves. Casting will take place February 2 in Eagle Rock, California.

In the midst of all this, Rhys is partaking of that Super Furry Animals tour. Hey Venus!, god-awful cover and all, finally hit North American shops last week via Rough Trade.

Finally, Candylion tamer Rhys has contributed to the ambitious Zombieoper project from Brazilian artists Diego Medina and Desirée Marantes. An honest-to-goodness double-disc rock opera record about zombies, Zombieoper can be downloaded in full-- for free-- right here. It doesn't take BRAINS!!! to know that free is a pretty sweet deal.

Stainless Style:

01 Neon Theme
02 Dream Cars
03 I Told Her on Alderaan
04 Raquel
05 Trick for Treat [ft. Spank Rock & Sean Tillmann]
06 Steel Your Girl
07 I Lust U [ft. Cate Le Bon]
08 Sweat Shop [ft. Yo Majesty]
09 Belfast
10 Michael Douglas
11 Luxury Pool [ft. Fatlip]
12 Stainless Style

NN:

03-12-15 Austin, TX - SXSW
03-17 Los Angeles, CA - Viper Room

SFA:

01-31 New Orleans, LA - The Republic *%
02-01 Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre *%
02-02 Austin, TX - Emo's *
02-05 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress *
02-06 Solona Beach, CA - Belly Up *
02-08 Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex *
02-09 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall *
02-11 Portland, OR - Doug Fir *
02-12 Seattle, WA - Neumos *
02-15 Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theatre ^#
02-16 Chicago, IL - Metro ^#
02-17 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick ^#
02-18 Buffalo, NY - Tralf Music Hall ^#
02-20 Toronto, Ontario - Mod Club ^#
02-21 Montreal, Quebec - Cabaret Music Hall ^#
02-22 Ithaca, NY - Cornell University ^
02-23 Boston, NY - The Paradise ^
02-24 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom ^
02-25 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom ^

* with Holy Fuck
% with the Fiery Furnaces
^ with Times New Viking
# with Jeffrey Lewis