Art Star
2001 song by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
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"Art Star" is a song by American indie rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs from their debut extended play, Yeah Yeah Yeahs (2001). The third track on Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Art Star" was written by the band, who co-produced it with Jerry Teel, a member of Boss Hog. Musically, "Art Star" features spoken word and screaming vocal performances from singer and songwriter Karen O, which distinguishes it from the band's later releases.
| "Art Star" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Yeah Yeah Yeahs | |
| from the EP Yeah Yeah Yeahs | |
| Released | July 9, 2001 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 2:00 |
| Label | Self-released |
| Songwriters | |
| Producers |
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Background
By late 2001, the indie rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs—composed of singer and songwriter Karen O, guitarist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase—gained a following for their energetic live shows.[1] Around this time, they enlisted Jerry Teel, a former guitarist for the punk rock band Boss Hog, to co-produce their debut EP, Yeah Yeah Yeahs.[2] They recorded its material at Funhouse Recording Studio with Teel, which spawned "Art Star". It was mastered by Chuck Scott. Production took place in New York City.[3]
"Art Star" is an alternative rock, art punk, garage rock, and indie rock song.[4] Its lyrics, written by Karen O, satirizes jet-set culture and the art world. The song begins with a spoken word introduction:
I've been working on a piece that speaks of sex and desperation, I've been screwing on the tracks of abandoned train stations.[2]
Afterwards, Karen O delivers screaming vocals; both of these elements distinguish it from the band's discography.[5]
Reception
In their review of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, AllMusic praised the contempt-filled lyrics and likened Karen O's screams to that of Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill).[6] Pitchfork wrote, "This is poppy enough, and they fuse it with bursts of noise and diaphragm-ripping shouts, but it seems out of place."[7] While Stylus was negative in their review of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, he singled out "Art Star" as one of its bright spots and praised its wittiness.[8] Paste and Stereogum both rank "Art Star" among the band's best songs.[9][5]
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the 2001 CD release.[3]
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Yeah Yeah Yeahs
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Additional personnel
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