Their earlier work is noted for genre-crossing style, distorted and at times alien lyrics, distinctive funk bass lines and extensive use of lo-fi recording practices; although it would be a stretch to call the style of the music as a whole 'lo-fi' in the more traditional sense. This work is best exemplified by their debut album "How To Operate With A Blown Mind" on Skint Records. After its release, on the eve of a UK tour, the band's singer [known as The Wrekked Train] left with Sheriff John Stone. Phil took over as the singer but since then other members of the band (Johnny, Andy and Martin) have all sung, along with guests Greg Dulli, Jamie Lidell and Bootsy Collins.
Their later work has less vocal distortion but the lyrics and sound remain distinctive. The 2002 album "Don't Be Afraid of Love" covers a range of styles but all are drenched in funk and includes the aforementioned guest vocalists.
The group have recently finished working on their third studio album "Northern Stomp", featuring the tracks "Northern Stomp", "Smash and Grab World" and "Southside Lowdown" (featuring Greg Dulli). The album is set for release around Easter 2009 on Corsair Records.
They are also recording and playing live under the name Technically Men. Tracks are available on www.lofidelityallstars.co.uk www.technicallymen.com and the bands' MySpace pages (www.myspace.com/lofiallstars www.myspace.com/technicallymen). Phil also has a weekly radio show on www.wirelessfm.net on Tuesdays from 10pm - midnight, UK time.
Battleflag
Lo Fidelity Allstars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smells of corruption
I manipulate to recreate
This air to ground saga
Gotta launder my karma
I said hallelujah to the sixteen loyal fans
You'll get down on your mothafuckin' knees
And it's time for your sickness again
Come on and tell me what you need
Tell me what is making you bleed
We got two more minutes and
We gonna cut to what you need
So one of six so tell me
One do you want to live
And one of seven tell me
Is it time for your mothafuckin' ass to give
Tell me is it time to get down on your mothafuckin' knees
Tell me is it time to get down
I'm blown to the maxim
Two hemispheres battlin'
I'm blown to the maxim
Two hemispheres battlin'
Suckin' up, one last breath
Take a drag off of death
Hey Mr. Policeman
Is it time for getting away
Is it time for driving down the mother fuckin' road
And running from your ass today
Now tell me if do you agree
Or tell me if I'm makin' you bleed
I got a few more minutes and
I'm gonna cut to what you need
So one of six so tell me
One do you want to live
And one of seven tell me
Is it time for your mothafuckin' ass to give
Tell me is it time to get down on your mothafuckin' knees
Tell me is it time to get down
Got a revolution behind my eyes
We got to get up and organize
Got a revolution behind my eyes
We got to get up and organize
Got a revolution behind my eyes
We got to get up and organize
You want a revolution behind your eyes
We got to get up and organize
Come on baby tell me
Yes we aim to please
In Lo Fidelity Allstars' "Battleflag," the lyrics speak to a feeling of being trapped in a corrupt system and needing to take action to escape it. The opening lines suggest that the singer is working within a construction or industry that they view as corrupt, and they are looking for a way to cleanse themselves of the negative karma associated with it. The following lines bring in a sense of urgency, with references to fans and sickness. It's unclear who or what the fans represent, but the singer is imploring them to reveal their needs so that they can move forward. The repetition of the phrase "get down on your mothafuckin' knees" carries with it a sense of submission and desperation.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of duality - two hemispheres battling, two options for each question posed to the fans. This could represent a struggle within the singer themselves, or a larger societal struggle between opposing forces. The reference to revolution at the end of the song suggests that there is a need for change and a call to action. The final line, "Yes we aim to please," feels like a sarcastic jab at the oppressive system that the singer is trying to escape.
Line by Line Meaning
Your construction
Your plan/manipulation
Smells of corruption
Is suspicious and dishonest
I manipulate to recreate
I alter things to achieve what I want
This air to ground saga
This story of conflict and power struggle
Gotta launder my karma
I have to cleanse/purify my actions and intentions
I said hallelujah to the sixteen loyal fans
I praised and thanked my devoted followers
You'll get down on your mothafuckin' knees
You will show respect and submission
And it's time for your sickness again
It's time for your addiction/obsession to take over
Come on and tell me what you need
Share your desires/wants with me
Tell me what is making you bleed
Tell me what is causing you pain
We got two more minutes and
We have limited time to make progress
We gonna cut to what you need
We will focus on addressing your needs
So one of six so tell me
One out of six people, answer me
One do you want to live
Do you want to survive/live
And one of seven tell me
One out of seven people, tell me
Is it time for your mothafuckin' ass to give
Is it time for you to give in/surrender
Tell me is it time to get down on your mothafuckin' knees
Is it time for you to show submission and obedience
I'm blown to the maxim
I'm completely overwhelmed/intoxicated
Two hemispheres battlin'
Two opposing forces fighting
Suckin' up, one last breath
Taking one final breath (before something happens)
Hey Mr. Policeman
Addressing a police officer
Is it time for getting away
Is it time to escape/run away
Is it time for driving down the mother fuckin' road
Is it time to hit the road
And running from your ass today
And avoiding getting caught by you today
Now tell me if do you agree
Now tell me if you think the same way
Or tell me if I'm makin' you bleed
Or tell me if I'm causing you pain/suffering
Got a revolution behind my eyes
I have a strong desire for change
We got to get up and organize
We need to take action and plan
You want a revolution behind your eyes
You also desire change
Come on baby tell me
Encouraging someone to speak up
Yes we aim to please
We want to satisfy and meet your needs
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVE FISK, PRINCE, SHAWN SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind