Meat Puppets started as a punk rock band, but like most of their labelmates on SST Records, they established their own unique style, blending punk with country and psychedelic rock, and featuring Curt's warbling vocals. Meat Puppets later gained significant exposure when the Kirkwood brothers served as guest musicians on Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. The band's 1994 album Too High to Die subsequently became their most successful release. The band broke up twice, in 1996 and 2002, but reunited again in 2006.
Meat Puppets has influenced a number of rock bands including Nirvana, Soundgarden, Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh and Pavement.
Their early works (the In A Car EP and Meat Puppets LP) were wholeheartedly punk, with vocals so feral in their delivery they were often indecipherable, but ultimately humorous and clever once deciphered. The musicianship was mostly thrash, yet the songs were tinged with a subtle, haunting element like that of a long abandoned ghost town. Their brand of cathartic, explosive hardcore attracted the attention of legendary punk label SST, who released their first record in 1982.
Unsatisfied with the result, the band spent plenty of time in the studio before the release of 1983's Meat Puppets II. The band's exciting experimentation with psychedelia, acid rock, and quieter tunes on top of a core western-style thrash sound, gave them their one acknowledged classic album, and propelled the record to legendary status. Meat Puppets II turned Meat Puppets into the one of the leading bands in SST Records league and, along with Violent Femmes, the Gun Club and others, helped establish country punk.
The Meat Puppets' burgeoning musicality led to more intricate and melodic efforts on 1985's Up on the Sun, which was a cohesive collage of songs that further demonstrated their abilities to capture a sound that had all of the wonder of the desert. The band's sound and vision became closely aligned with the legacy of The Byrds; some of the group's fans accused the Meat Puppets of becoming dangerously hippy-sounding (this appreciation of "hippy" music was hardly a sudden development: Curt's guitar solos were, from the beginning of his career, often reminiscent of Jerry Garcia). However, Up On The Sun demonstrated strong musicianship, accompanied by an unfading ability to write sophisticated and intriguing songs. This album generated the band's first major mainstream exposure, and many fans still consider it to be their masterpiece.
Over the next decade, the Meat Puppets remained on SST and released a series of albums, touring almost relentlessly on the underground circuit. After the release of Out My Way in 1986, however, the band was briefly sidelined by an accident when Curt's finger was broken after being slammed in their touring van's door. The accident delayed the band's next album, the psychedelic Mirage, until the next year. The final result was a meticulously crafted release in early 1987, and their most polished sound to date. Mirage at the time was hailed by some mainstream critics as the Puppet's best work yet.
Subsequently, their next album, the heavier, power-trio-rooted Huevos came out less than six months afterward, in late summer of 1987. In stark contrast to its predecessor, Huevos was recorded in a swift, fiery fashion, with many first takes, and minimal second guessing. The album was named, not only after the Spanish word for eggs, but was also a reference to the Spanish slang use of the word "Huevos" to mean "testicles." This was significant not only with regard to the songs themselves, but to the bold, rough manner in which they were recorded. These recordings were completed in only a matter of days, and along with a few drawings and one of Curt's paintings taken from the wall to serve as cover art (a dish of three boiled eggs, a green pepper, and a bottle of Tabasco sauce), was all sent to SST shortly before the band returned to the road en route to their next gig.
Monsters was released in 1989, featuring Curt-as-guitar-hero on such extended jams as "Touchdown King" and "Flight of the Fire Weasel."
Major label career (1991-1995)
As numerous bands from the seminal SST label, and other kindred punk-oriented indies, grappled with the "going major" decision, so did the 'Pups. Two years after their final studio recording for SST, 1989's Monsters, the trio released its major label debut, Forbidden Places, on the indie-friendly London Records. A three-year break saw the band's studio return with 1994's Too High To Die, produced by Butthole Surfers guitarist Paul Leary. The album featured "Backwater", a hit on alternative radio, and a hidden-track update of "Lake of Fire." Too High To Die earned the 'Pups a gold record (over 500,000 sold), outselling their previous records combined. That same year saw the 'Pups in their brightest mainstream spotlight as the band achieved sudden popularity when Nirvana's Kurt Cobain invited Cris and Curt to join him on MTV for acoustic performances of "Plateau", "Oh Me" and "Lake of Fire" (all originally from Meat Puppets II). The resulting album, MTV Unplugged in New York, served as a swan-song for Nirvana, as Cobain died six months after the concert. "Lake of Fire" became a cult favorite for its particularly wrenching vocal performance from Cobain. Subsequently, the Nirvana exposure and the strength of the single "Backwater" (their only charting single) helped lift the Meat Puppets to new commercial heights.
1995's No Joke! would be the final album recorded by the original Meat Puppets lineup. Unfortunately, Cris Kirkwood was now a heroin addict, whose heavy and compulsive use of the drug increasingly dominated his life. This was a major departure from the psychedelic drugs with which the Meat Puppets had always been associated; his erratic behavior soon became too much for the band to cope with. The first single from No Joke!, "Scum", charted briefly on the modern rock charts, but ultimately the album paled in success to its predecessor.
First hiatus and reunion (1996-2000)
Derrick recorded a solo EP under the moniker Today's Sounds in 1996, and later on in 1999 took charge of re-issuing the Puppets' original seven records on Rykodisc as well as putting out their first live album, Live in Montana. Curt formed a new band in Austin, TX called the Royal Neanderthal Orchestra, but they changed their name to Meat Puppets to release a promotional EP entitled You Love Me in 1999, Golden Lies in 2000 and Live in 2002. The line-up was Curt (voc/git), Kyle Ellison (voc/git), Andrew Duplantis (voc/bass) and Shandon Sahm (drums). Sahm's father was the legendary fiddler-singer-songwriter Doug Sahm of The Sir Douglas Quintet and Texas Tornados. The concluding track to Classic Puppets entitled "New Leaf" also dates from this incarnation of the band.
Break up (2001-2005)
Around 2001-2002, the Meat Puppets dissolved as Curt has gone on to release albums with the groups Eyes Adrift and Volcano. In 2005, he released his first solo album entitled Snow.
His brother Cris was arrested in December 2003 for attacking a security guard at a post office with the guard's baton. The guard shot Kirkwood during the melee. Kirkwood was subsequently denied bail, the judge citing Kirkwood's previous drug arrests and parole violations. He eventually went to prison for felony assault. He was released in July of 2005.
Derrick Bostrom began a home page (www.meatpuppets.com) for the band about six months before the original trio stopped working together. The site went through many different permutations before it was essentially mothballed in 2003. In late 2005, Bostrom revamped it once again, this time as a "blog" for his recollections and as a place to share pieces of Meat Puppets history.
Second reunion (2006-present)
On March 24, 2006, Curt Kirkwood polled fans at his MySpace page with the following bulletin: "Question for all! Would the original line up of the Meat Puppets interest anyone? Feedback is good - do you want a reunion?!" The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive within a couple of hours, leading to speculation of a full-blown Meat Puppets reunion in the near future. However, a post made by Derrick Bostrom on the official Meat Puppets site dismissed the notion.
An April 26, 2006 billboard.com story reported that the Kirkwood brothers would reunite as the Meat Puppets without original drummer Derrick Bostrom. Primus drummer Tim Alexander was announced as Bostrom's replacement. Curt mentioned that a new Meat Puppets album was written, but it has not yet been recorded. Curt continued to tour on his solo material with his son Elmo.
Tim Alexander never ended up drumming with the Meat Puppets. Instead, Ted Marcus is the band's current drummer.
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Plateau
Meat Puppets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
Some belong to strangers, and some to folks you know
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
To beautify the foothills, and shake the many hands
Nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs action when you got words
When you've finished with the mop, then you can stop
And look at what you've done
The plateau's clean, no dirt to be seen
And the work, it was fun
Nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs action when you got words
Many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
Some said it was Greenland, and some say Mexico
Others decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
But those were all just guesses
Wouldn't help you if they could
"Plateau" by Meat Puppets is a song that talks about a journey up a plateau, where one can see the beauty of the surroundings and reflect on life's experiences. The first verse is about the people who have climbed the plateau before and left their mark on the landscape. Some of them are strangers, and others are familiar faces. The chorus tells about what you'll find at the top of the plateau – nothing but a bucket, a mop, and an illustrated book about birds. The narrator assures the listener that there's no need to be scared, as the view from the top is worth it.
The second verse talks about the end of the journey, where you've finished cleaning the plateau, and the satisfaction you feel from your hard work. The chorus repeats, and the third verse shifts the focus to the quest for the next plateau. Different people have their theories about where it might be, but nothing is certain. The final line reminds us that, ultimately, no one can help you find your way but yourself.
The song's message is about the path of life and the journey we take towards our goals. It reminds us that we are responsible for our own direction and that sometimes, the destination is not as important as the path we take to get there. It's a reminder that the journey we take is just as important as the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau
The plateau has been climbed by many people
Some belong to strangers, and some to folks you know
Both strangers and familiar people have climbed the plateau
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
Symbols of faith and media are represented around the plateau
To beautify the foothills, and shake the many hands
The area around the plateau is improved for the sake of communication
Nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
There are minimal tools on top of the plateau
And an illustrated book about birds
There is an illustrated book about birds on top of the plateau
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
There is a lot to see from the top of the plateau, but there's no reason to be afraid
Who needs action when you got words
Words and observation are enough to feel fulfilled
When you've finished with the mop, then you can stop
When the cleaning is done, you can take a break
And look at what you've done
Take a moment to appreciate the cleaning work just done
The plateau's clean, no dirt to be seen
The plateau is now clean and free of dirt
And the work, it was fun
The cleaning work was enjoyable
Many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
The search for the next adventure begins
Some said it was Greenland, and some say Mexico
Different people suggest different destinations for the next adventure
Others decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
Some people are content staying where they are rather than searching for more adventures
But those were all just guesses
The destinations are still uncertain and just guesses
Wouldn't help you if they could
These guesses wouldn't be much help
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Curtis Kirkwood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
♤Angeleyes♤
@JDillinger34 Hell yeah tho,agreed.
I can see that you really like music and that's fantastic.
Nowadays many people don't appreciate music in a deep way.
I'm 14 and I'm glad i enjoy music this much, it's always cool to see these comments where you can see the passion of people through they're words even if they didn't mean to.
Unfortunately i only discovered this band recently because i was wondering who were the original writers. But I'm glad i did.
It sounds raw and passionate and it gives me a really cool vibe.
I'd love to learn more about them and i surely will.
I sincerely think we'd be good friends :))
Wherever you are have a great day, and keep on rocking <3
Dawid Trela
Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau
Some belong to strangers and some to folks you know
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
To beautify the foothills and shake the many hands
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
When you're finished with the mop then you can stop
And look at what you've done
The plateau's clean no dirt to be seen
And the work it took was fun
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
Well the many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
Some said it was Greenland and some said Mexico
Some decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
But those were all just guesses, wouldn't help you if they could
Jake Mayhem
Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau
Some belong to strangers and some to folks you know
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
To beautify the foothills and shake the many hands
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
When you're finished with the mop then you can stop
And look at what you've done
The plateau's clean no dirt to be seen
And the work it took was fun
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
Well the many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
Some said it was Greenland and some said Mexico
Some decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
But those were all just guesses, wouldn't help you if they could
e.
Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau
Some belong to strangers and some to folks you know
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
To beautify the foothills and shake the many hands
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
When you're finished with the mop then you can stop
And look at what you've done
The plateau's clean no dirt to be seen
And the work it took was fun
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
Well the many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
Some said it was Greenland and some said Mexico
Some decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
But those were all just guesses, wouldn't help you if they could
Matt Emery
Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau
Some belonged to strangers and some to folks you know
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
To beautify the foothills and shake the many hands
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there, but don't be scared
Who needs action when you've got words?
When you're finished with the mop, then, you can stop
And look at what you've done
The plateau's clean, no dirt to be seen
And the work it took it was fun
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there, but don't be scared
Who needs action when you've got words?
The many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
Some said it was Greenland and some said Mexico
Others decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
But those were all just guesses, wouldn't help you if they could
Instant Zen
Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau
Some belong to strangers and some to folks you know
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
To beautify the foothills and shake the many hands
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
When you're finished with the mop then you can stop
And look at what you've done
The plateau's clean no dirt to be seen
And the work it took was fun
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there but don't be scared
Who needs actions when you got words
Well the many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
Some said it was Greenland and some said Mexico
Some decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
But those were all just guesses, wouldn't help you if they could
Hank McGurk
Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau
Some belonged to strangers and some to folks you know
Holy ghosts and talk show hosts are planted in the sand
To beautify the foothills and shake the many hands
[Chorus]
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there, but don't be scared
Who needs action when you've got words?
[Verse 2]
When you're finished with the mop, then, you can stop
And look at what you've done
The plateau's clean, no dirt to be seen
And the work it took it was fun
[Chorus]
There's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop
And an illustrated book about birds
You see a lot up there, but don't be scared
Who needs action when you've got words?
[Verse 3]
The many hands began to scan around for the next plateau
Some said it was Greenland and some said Mexico
Others decided it was nowhere except for where they stood
But those were all just guesses, wouldn't help you if they could
madbeast15
That guitar riff at the end is a perfect mix of sadness, happiness, regret and hope. One of the greatest riffs in my opinion.
Marcelo Ferraz
@Sangre EsRaro i feel the same, man. There' something very deep, emotional, i don't know how to explain
Sangre EsRaro
It makes me wanna cry
Colin Shea
My brother and I have called that riff "satisfying" for years. Still sticks.
Scuba Steve #2
@filip0p wrong - it sounds timeless 🤗😉
Cushpnk
@Hunter Wilde Lol Teen Spirit was written in a short time to be a radio-hit. Has little to no artistic value. Piss off.
Ryan Mason
This came out in 1984...this band was insanely ahead of their time
Burson Sprague
@Ryan Mason s/o to they might be giants!!!
mrjon75
Drugs
Arizona
Aliens
A. P.
It's all about profit. Back then, there were people making good non-commercial music that major labels wouldn't touch solely because it wouldn't sell, but bands like this had no desire to be on a major anyway. It was a statement-- fuck Reagan, fuck Growing Pains, fuck religion and your 2.5 child nuclear family bullshit.
Only when music industry douchebag execs realized they could make a hefty profit on underground music after Nirvana opened the floodgates was "alternative music" born. Bands like Meat Puppets were always doing what they wanted regardless if people discovered them or not. Punk ethics 101.