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Shorty-Short Shorts! Backstage Pass with Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon have made the most of their downtime while recordingtheir second album in L.A. When not out nightclubbing, the hirsutesouthern-rock quartet have been frightening old ladies. “We’reliving in an apartment-style hotel,” drummer Nathan Followillexplains. “It’s got a tennis court on the roof, so we can stay inshape. We’re absolutely horrible at tennis, but we like to put onour little shorty-short shorts and gross out all the women layingby the pool.”

Kingsof Leon have made the most of their downtime while recording theirsecond album in L.A. When not out nightclubbing, the hirsutesouthern-rock quartet have been frightening old ladies. “We’re livingin an apartment-style hotel,” drummer Nathan Followill explains. “It’sgot a tennis court on the roof, so we can stay in shape. We’reabsolutely horrible at tennis, but we like to put on our littleshorty-short shorts and gross out all the women laying by the pool.”

BrothersNathan, Jared, and Caleb and first cousin Matthew, who hail fromTennessee, relocated to “the city of the velvet rope” (as Nathan callsit) in May to begin recording the tentatively titled Ah Hah Shake Heartbreak(again with producer Ethan Johns). Due later this year, it features agenerous, family-style portion of the Kings’ retro sound.

Nathan describes “Paper Jean Girl” as “a little boogie-ish.You can get down and shake your ass to that one.” This time, however,there’s also some experimental noise (or “controlled chaos”) on “SlowNight So Long,” plus a few production techniques that postdate 1973.”There’s one song called ‘The Bucket,'” adds Nathan. “I don’t wanna sayit’s modern sounding….” How about “less classical”? we suggest.”Wonderfully put. That’s why you’re a writer and I’m a dumbass who getsto beat on a drum head.”