Queens of the Stone Age, the band that’s been rocking our worlds since the late 90s, just released a new single called “Easy Street” and it’s… well, it’s actually pretty great. We’re not saying we’re surprised or anything, but Josh Homme and crew have managed to create a song that’s both serene and imperfect, like a beautiful mess. It features the sultry vocals of Nikki Lane, who brings a Wanda Jackson-esque grit to the table, and a rhythm track that’s so human, it’s like they recorded it in a garage (in a good way).
The song was debuted live last year during their “The Catacombs Tour”, because of course they had to test it out on a live audience before unleashing it upon the world. And, in a shocking turn of events, it doesn’t sound like they used a click track or edited out all the mistakes. What sorcery is this? As Homme himself puts it, “We made it the way you’d make a demo. No click track, mistakes left in. It speeds up, it slows down, the claps aren’t great, but they’re not bad, and a bad clap adds this human thing you can’t fake.” Because who needs perfection when you can have character, right?
The Music Video: A Masterclass in Weirdness
The music video for “Easy Street” is a real treat, folks. Directed by Tony Wolski and Christopher Gruse, it’s based on a story and idea by Homme, because of course he had to have his hand in every aspect of this project. The video features Homme attempting to outrun a bunch of pursuers, including band members dressed in various costumes, because why not? It’s like they put all their weird ideas into a blender and hit puree. And the twist at the end? Let’s just say it’s a real head-scratcher.
But hey, who are we to question the genius of Josh Homme? The man’s a visionary, a master of the weird and wonderful. And if you don’t like it, well, that’s your problem. As Homme says, “It’s not just about silliness. It’s about understanding the imperfection of your life. The song, like your life, is in the mistakes. Its imperfections are unbeatable.” Deep, man.
Upcoming Tour Dates: Because You Clearly Haven’t Had Enough QOTSA in Your Life
If you’re itching to see QOTSA live, you’re in luck! They’re embarking on a tour with a bunch of other bands, including System of a Down, Foo Fighters, and Mannequin Pussy, because why not? It’s like they’re trying to create the most epic tour lineup of all time. And, of course, they’re playing a bunch of festivals, because what’s a summer without a few QOTSA performances?
So, if you’re feeling brave, check out the tour dates below and try to contain your excitement. We won’t judge you.
Jul. 15 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK
Jul. 18 – PGE Narodowy, Warsaw, PL
Jul. 19 – PGE Narodowy, Warsaw, PL
Aug. 04 – Rogers Stadium, Toronto, ON
Aug. 06 – Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Aug. 08 – Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago, IL
Aug. 10 – Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
Aug. 13 – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 15 – Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Aug. 17 – Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Sep. 15 – Mosaic Stadium, Regina, SK
Sep. 17 – Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB
Sep. 20 – BC Place, Vancouver, BC
Sep. 24 – Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville, KY
Sep. 26 – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Oct. 04 – Aftershock, Sacramento, CA
Oct. 24 – Laugardalshöll, Reykjavík, IS
And that’s a wrap, folks! Queens of the Stone Age has done it again, and we’re all just along for the ride. So, go ahead and listen to “Easy Street” on repeat, and try to figure out what’s going on in that music video. We dare you. 🤪
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
