Their first single was 1993's "Stutter", which was a word-of-mouth hit largely due to the promotional efforts of Radio 1 DJ and Deceptive Records label boss Steve Lamacq. Read Full BioElastica were a Britpop band formed in London, England in 1992 and made up of: Justine Frischmann (vocals and guitar), Donna Matthews (guitar and vocals), Annie Holland (bass), and Justin Welch (drums). Later members included Shelia Chipperfield (bass), Dave Bush (keyboards), Paul Jones (guitar), and Sharon Mew (keyboards and vocals).
Their first single was 1993's "Stutter", which was a word-of-mouth hit largely due to the promotional efforts of Radio 1 DJ and Deceptive Records label boss Steve Lamacq. In spite of a period of relative quiet, Elastica's fame grew throughout 1994 as Frischmann's relationship with Blur's Damon Albarn made tabloid headlines. Elastica's first LP, Elastica, entered the charts at #1.
Further UK chart hit singles followed: "Connection" and "Waking Up". In 1995 there was a lawsuit from Wire claiming that many of the band's melodies were taken from Wire compositions. Notably, Wire's "I Am the Fly" has a chorus similar to Elastica's "Line Up", and the intro of "Connection" is nearly identical to Wire's "Three Girl Rhumba". Indeed the band had originally intended to sample the intro of the song directly. The Stranglers also passed comment that Elastica's "Waking Up" bore a marked resemblance to their song "No More Heroes". The band did not deny these accusations and were not ashamed by these similarities, stating that all pop bands have borrowed ideas and all music was eventually recycled.
Elastica were able to garner better American sales than other Britpop bands, replacing Sinéad O'Connor on Lollapalooza in 1995. "Connection" and "Stutter" were huge airplay favorites on modern rock radio in the United States and also both charted Pop. Among their extensive tour schedule the band performed at Glastonbury in 1995, where their set was interrupted by a streaker, a George Best look-alike, who would briefly join the band as a keyboard player in 1997.
After extensive touring, the band began to experience personnel problems. In 1997, bassist Annie Holland left the band, citing repetitive strain injury following excessive touring as her reason for departure. In 1999 Donna Matthews left the band. There were several line up changes and keyboard players. Various supporting musicians came and went. Their second album was much delayed after several years of recording. There were worrying rumours of entire albums being scrapped and band tensions due to the perfectionism of Frischmann. The "lost years" of the band were often compared to the Stone Roses recording their Second Coming album.
A quickly recorded lo-fi self-titled EP was released in 1999, and the follow-up LP, The Menace, was finally released in 2000 to moderate sales. A less focused effort than their debut, the album nonetheless contained some interesting moments and more electronic songs than before. One of the high points was "How He Wrote Elastica Man" featuring Mark E. Smith (of The Fall) on vocals, and a cover of Trio's 1982 hit "Da Da Da". A new line up was revealed with two keyboard players replacing Matthews for tour dates.
The band made their long-awaited UK comeback at the Reading Festival in 1999, where they headlined the Radio 1 stage. A largely successful UK tour followed in 2000 to support the release of The Menace, although their festival appearances that year were marred by illness. The band released a final single "The Bitch Don't Work" on limited edition 7" and announced their break-up in September 2001.
Elastica's song "Connection" was used in May 2004 in Garnier television commercials, and was also used as the theme of Trigger Happy TV.
Connection
Elastica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
That is the luck you crave
They don't believe it now
They just think it's stupid
So got anything?
Anyone could have done
Who would've cared at all
Not you
Another heart has made the trade
Forget it, forget it, forget it
I don't understand how a heart is a spade
But somehow the vital connection is made
Riding on anything
Anything's good enough
Who would've thought it of
Someone like you
Just as they brought me 'round
Now that they brought you down
Roundabout and roundabout
Who wants a life anyway?
Another heart has made the grade
Forget it, forget it, forget it
I don't understand how the last card is played
But somehow the vital connection is made
The lyrics of Elastica's hit song Connection suggest a theme of disconnectedness and lack of belonging. The first verse talks about riding on any wave in search of luck, but others believing it's foolish. The narrator seems to be saying that they have nothing to offer that hasn't been done before, and nobody would have cared if they had. The chorus then talks about another heart making the trade and making a connection that is vital, despite the narrator not understanding how.
The second verse continues the idea of riding on anything and anybody bringing the narrator down. They ask the rhetorical question of who wants a life anyway. The chorus then repeats the message of the vital connection being made, but the narrator not understanding how the last card is played.
Overall, the lyrics can be interpreted in several ways, but it seems they are about the feeling of being lost and disconnected from other people. The narrator seeks validation and connection but seems to struggle to find it. The repeated use of phrases like "forget it" suggests a certain resignation to their situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Riding on any wave
Being opportunistic and going along with any passing trend or fad
That is the luck you crave
You seek success by exploiting every opportunity
They don't believe it now
People don't acknowledge or recognize your achievements
They just think it's stupid
Others dismiss your actions as trivial or foolish
So got anything?
Do you have any schemes or plans up your sleeve?
Anyone could have done
Your actions aren't really exceptional or unique
Who would've cared at all
Nobody would have noticed or paid attention anyway
Not you
But you are different and determined to make a mark
Another heart has made the trade
Someone else has paid the price of compromise for success
Forget it, forget it, forget it
Don't dwell on it and move on
I don't understand how a heart is a spade
I don't comprehend the metaphorical meaning of this card game reference
But somehow the vital connection is made
But somehow a crucial link or relationship is established
Riding on anything
You are willing to take risks and try anything
Anything's good enough
Your standards or expectations aren't high and you are easily satisfied
Who would've thought it of
Nobody would have guessed or predicted your success
Someone like you
You aren't the typical or expected type of successful person
Just as they brought me 'round
People came to appreciate and respect me eventually
Now that they brought you down
Now that they criticize or scorn your actions or personality
Roundabout and roundabout
Life is full of twists and turns and chances at success are often fleeting
Who wants a life anyway?
Who cares about a meaningful or fulfilling life when you can just focus on success?
Another heart has made the grade
Someone else has achieved the highest level of success
I don't understand how the last card is played
I don't know the final step or key to succeeding
But somehow the vital connection is made
But somehow an essential connection or opportunity arises
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Justine Elinor Frischmann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Blackn Rawmoto
Riding on any wave,
That is the luck you crave,
They don't believe it now,
They just think it's stupid,
So got anything?
Anyone could have done,
Who would've cared at all,
not you.
Another heart has made the trade,
Forget it, forget it, forget it,
I don't understand how a heart is a spade,
But somehow the vital connection is made.
Riding on anything,
Anything's good enough,
Who would've thought it of
Someone like you,
Just as they brought me round,
Now that they brought you down,
Roundabout and roundabout
Who wants a life anyway?
Another heart has made the grade,
Forget it, forget it, forget it,
I don't understand how the last card is played,
But somehow the vital connection is made.
Sarah cell block H
My heart and soul still belongs to the 90's
Bali Khartum
Mine too.
Empire State Construction LLC
Amen luv
sexobscura
'Daddy Complex ...'
Richard Cloutier
The best decade and it's not even close.
Magic Beans
Never seen this version of the video before. I like it. Both versions are very 90s, but in different ways.
Jeff cody
Saw Elastica in 1996 while living in Seattle. Won tickets on 107.7 the end, watched them at the DV8 up front , center stage. truly epic!!
pyrobison2002
J must have looked and sounded so beautiful
Kevin Kidd
Still Rocking this song in 2022🔥🔥🔥🔥
Alicia Blais
Found this song thanks to Rock Band, but wow like how did I miss this song growing up? This is totally my kinda jam!