Miniature Tigers' sound was forged in the bedroom of frontman Charlie Brand, only to quickly outgrow the space, with the band soon finding itself on stage, in the studio and signed to Phoenix’s Modern Art Records in short order. Brand’s lyrics – a mix of deeply personal insights and playful references to the disparate cultural artifacts that have informed his existence – and effortlessly constructed indie-pop arrangements have made fans in his native Phoenix and beyond. The fans stretch to Los Angeles, where Brand reconnected with drummer, collaborator and fellow charter member of the band Rick Schaier while living in Hollywood, and far beyond thanks to the Internet, which it seems people are into these days.
Miniature Tigers’ debut album "Tell it to the Volcano" runs the lyrical gamut, taking inspiration from and referencing TV’s Lost (which rates a Dharma Initiative sticker on Brand’s acoustic) as easily as it probes the joy and heartbreak of Charlie’s own life, while managing not to take itself too seriously. Brand wrote the album while on the lam – not from the law, but rather from a relationship he described as "brutal." He left Phoenix to clear his head, landing in Los Angeles and collaborating with his friend Rick to complete the long-gestating album. It was his catharsis – with cannibals and volcanoes stepping in for the real-world problems that had both beset and inspired him. In the end the album represents Charlie’s effort to codify, examine, and ultimately move past a 2-year stretch of his life.
Charlie and Rick are joined in their live incarnation by friends and collaborators Lou Kummerer on bass and Lawrence Hearn on lead guitar and keyboards, for performances that seem to give equal time to playing songs and intra-band joking. They aim for a controlled chaos aesthetic that eschews "auto-pilot" at all costs.
In an effort to further confound the expectations of those around the band, they chose to have their video directed by someone who had never helmed one before…or at least never an authorized music video. The band tapped "Yacht Rock" creator JD Ryznar to direct their video for Cannibal Queen in the hopes he would recreate the magic of his wildly popular Internet video series. Ryznar quickly assimilated the band’s aesthetic and turned in a video equal parts "Weird Science" and "Frankenstein," to the band’s delight.
Like Or Like Like
Miniature Tigers Lyrics
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I was wearing that dumb sweatshirt
I looked like a goon, I was dressed for winter
Even though it was the middle of June
I watched you get undressed
I must have turned bright red
'Cause I couldn't stand to face you
'Cause I liked what I saw
And maybe we should just be friends
Tell me how you feel about me
Do you like or like, like me?
Tell me what you really feel
Do you like me? Just say you do
I climbed up your front porch
And I doorbell ditched ya
And I felt so bad, couldn't cope to what I did
So I laughed myself sick all the way to my car
Tell me how you feel about me
Do you like or like, like me?
Tell me what you really feel
Do you like me? Just say you do
Tell me how you feel about me
Do you like or like, like me?
Tell me what you really feel
Do you like me?
Tell me how you feel about me
Do you like or like, like me?
Tell me what you really feel
Do you like me? Just say you do
The song "Like Or Like Like" by Miniature Tigers is a catchy tune that tells the story of a person who has a crush on someone and is struggling to confess their feelings. The opening lyrics of the song reveal that the singer is spying on their love interest through the window and feeling like a "goon" because of what they are wearing. The person is so smitten with their love interest that they can't bear to face them.
The song is characterized by a playful and upbeat melody that is paired with lyrics that describe the singer's awkwardness and uncertainty. The chorus of the song repeats the question "Do you like or like, like me?" which is a nod to the common teenage dilemma of wondering whether someone is interested in you as a friend or as something more.
The second verse of the song adds to the story by describing the singer's attempt to connect with their love interest by "doorbell ditching" them. The singer explains that they felt guilty about what they did, but also couldn't help but laugh about it. The song ends with the singer once again asking for clarification about their love interest's feelings.
Overall, "Like Or Like Like" is a relatable song that captures the awkwardness and uncertainty of young love. The lyrics are easy to sing along to, and the melody is catchy and upbeat.
Line by Line Meaning
I watched you through your window
I secretly observed your activities from outside your house through your window.
I was wearing that dumb sweatshirt
I was dressed in a silly sweatshirt that made me look ridiculous.
I looked like a goon, I was dressed for winter
I appeared foolish as I was wearing heavy winter clothes despite the middle of summer.
Even though it was the middle of June
Although it was the summer month of June, I still dressed as if it was winter.
I watched you get undressed
I secretly observed you as you took your clothes off.
I must have turned bright red
I blushed and turned red due to the embarrassment of seeing you undress.
'Cause I couldn't stand to face you
I was too shy and nervous to confront you and admit my feelings.
'Cause I liked what I saw
I found you attractive and enjoyed seeing you undress.
And maybe we should just be friends
Perhaps it's best for us to remain as friends rather than pursue anything else.
Tell me how you feel about me
Express your true emotions and thoughts towards me.
Do you like or like, like me?
Do you have a romantic interest in me or simply a friendly fondness towards me?
Tell me what you really feel
Be honest and straightforward about your feelings towards me.
Do you like me? Just say you do
If you have any romantic inclination towards me, please tell me directly.
I climbed up your front porch
I ascended your front porch without permission or invitation.
And I doorbell ditched ya
I rang your doorbell and then immediately ran away before you could answer.
And I felt so bad, couldn't cope to what I did
I experienced guilt and regret for my immature actions.
So I laughed myself sick all the way to my car
I attempted to alleviate my guilt and awkwardness by uncontrollably laughing as I left your house.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLIE BRAND, RICK SCHAIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind