The Story So Far.....
Concieved in July 1994 with almost the same line up as today (the only difference being that vocalist Alex used to double up on bass), the band went through a lengthy gestation period (adding bassist Simon Bayliss in 1995 and replacing him with local hardcore man Martin Holt in 1997) before emerging with the 'Kicking Pigeons EP' in 1998.
Having sold 5000 copies at pub gigs the [spunge] boys decided that there was enough potential to jack in the day jobs and make the band a full time concern.
Having soon gained a manager in Dave Juste of Birmingham's Xposure Rock Cafe (a regular early haunt), [spunge] hit the road, and would eventually notch up well over three hundred gigs in just two years.
Less than a year later in 1999, [spunge] released their debut album Pedigree Chump on MoonSka Europe and thus set about introducing the band and their unique brand of ska, dub, punk and comedy to a wider audience.
Unfortunately Martin got sick of being on the road, so good friend Jarvis from local pop-punks B-Movie Heroes jumped in on bass despite being a guitarist and stayed there!
Their second album Room For Abuse was recorded at DEP International Studios (owned by UB40 strangely enough) and released on Sucka-Punch Records in 2000, featuring the single 'Ego' plus covers of Bob Marley's 'No Woman No Cry' and Sublime's 'Santeria'
The album version of 'No Woman No Cry' - complete with new lyrics from Alex - was the first cover of a Bob song ever to receive permission to be altered by the Marley family as Ziggy liked it so much.
All this attention brought them to the eyes of B-Unique and a deal was signed in February 2002.
The first single to be taken from the new album ‘The Story So Far' was 'Jump On Demand'. Produced by John Cornfield (Muse, Oasis), 'Jump On Demand' hit the Top 40 despite being ignored by radio and mainstream media magazines and also topped the Kerrang! TV chart for two weeks.
Following up this success was going to be difficult with next single 'Roots', but the band still managed to chart in the top 50 again with zero radio play showing that their army of fans were as loyal as ever.
However, things between the band and the label B-unique|Warners weren’t rosy. Both releases had been delayed after the band had arranged sold out tours and promotional appearances meaning that things were not coinciding as they should.
The album, 'The Story So Far' was then scheduled for release at the end of August 2002. On the same day as the Reading and Leeds festivals which the band were playing. Great timing. No, the band didn't think so either.
Most of their fans were at the festivals and wouldn't have the money to buy festival stuff and the album at the same time.
The band then recorded a cover of 'Oliver's Army' with Steve Harris, which Alex Donnelly at Radio 1 said he would A List, Alex having seen the band at a press show at London's Camden Monarch in July and at Reading. For once the band would have radio support for a release, who knew what that could mean?! The label again asked for a tour to go with the release and a huge UK tour was arranged for November/December 2002:
The band were in full control of all the promotion for the tour and most shows were sold out with over 15,000 tickets sold to [spunge] fans, with no financial support from the label, and no press coverage at all.
The single wasn't released.
Another meeting in December between label and band management had [spunge] pointing out that the label had let the band down again, that there had been 5 different production managers in 6 months (including 3 in seven days!), that the press representative had not even contacted the big four magazines to arrange press for the tour (a fact confirmed by the editors), and that overall the organisation was a sham. The label agreed. 48 hours later [spunge] and B-Unique parted company.
Despite this the band went on to play the very 1st Download Festival at Castle Donington in July 2003, alongside acts such as Audioslave, NOFX and Metallica as well as several other smaller festivals to great crowds.
This proved to the band that there was still a great audience out there for them and they decided it was time to make some big changes to the way things were being dealt with.
Firstly the band decided to part company with their manager Dave Juste mainly due to a difference of opinion in how the band should grow. After this split the band decided that, rather than get another manager, why not manage themselves? So that's exactly what they did.
This proved to be a good move all round with the gigs and the songs coming on stronger than ever. The next move seemed pretty obvious to [spunge]. They didn't have a label and they wanted to get more tunes out to the masses, so with this in mind they decided to start up their own label DENT’ALL RECORDS, for themselves and other bands that didn't get the help they deserved.
On Feb 23rd 2004 the label released it's first CD called ‘THAT SHOULD COVER IT’ a collection of covers [spunge] have done, some previously unavailable live demos and two BRAND NEW [spunge] songs to wet the appetite before the next full length album.
[spunge]’s first Dent’All Records release ‘That Should Cover It’ was a great success for the band with sales of the CD still going strong. Reception for the album was (and still is!) great with many people liking the covers better than the original versions by the Artists themselves!
This was a great boost to the band as it showed that they hadn't made a mistake by doing their own thing.
During 2004 the band returned to the studio for a short while to record two more brand new tracks for the next album with the intention of producing a video for one of them to release to coincide with a major tour in Oct/Nov 2004.
The two tracks chosen to record were ‘Backstabber’ and ‘One More Go’, the second track being the most likely candidate for the video release. They follow on the tradition of catchy riffs and infectious chorus’ that has become the [spunge] trademark.
A video was comissioned through Goblin Pictures for the song 'One More Go' and was sent out to all the tv stations etc in the hope of it getting played on air.
While all this was going on they also decided to put on an all-dayer at Cheltenham Town Hall. Hosted by Dent'all Records and [spunge] this was to become EXTRACTION FEST 2004 - something that they hope to host annually if possible. The show was a great success and they waited to hear which stations would be playing the new video.
The video wasn't added to ANY playlists, various excuses were made but the upshot was no-one was going to see this awesome video. They booked up the UKKO tour and went out and played it live to the masses instead. Another blow for [spunge] but it would take more than that to shake them.
The band decided that if the TV stations and labels didn't want 'One More Go' then they would release it themselves and why not a full length DVD ('The High Life') with the video on as well while they were at it!
The single and DVD were to be released on the same day, 21st March 2005, and to coincide with that they booked another tour entitled the ONE MORE GO TOUR to help promote both releases. The tour was great and although there were a few hiccups with getting the single into the shops on time, the releases came about and both did great, again with no backing from radio or tv.
With more bands being added to the label and the continued success of ‘That Should Cover It’ and the DVD 'The High Life' things are going from strength to strength.
Next plans are to tour in Norway after a long time away and another major tour in Oct/Nov 2005 after which they will be going into the studio to record the next full album, yet to be titled. [spunge] have 17 new songs written (4 of which are already recorded) and are writing more all the time. They are hoping to release the next full length studio album in early/mid 2006.
In early 2006, Wol decided to part company with the band after over a decade due to a change in circumstances.. [spunge] are still going strong as a 4 peice and will be recording the next full length album this year.
To Be Continued......
The Story So Far
[spunge] Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This started as a total hobby, now it's more of a lifestyle.
Has been for a long while.
Got ourselves a beat up van. Attacked it with a few spray cans.
Practised in an unused garage then we moved to a farm site.
Man, it was a bombsite.
We could come and go whenever we choose.
So we put up with the leaky roof's,
[Chorus]
Na, na na na na na, na na na na na na, na na na na na na,
Na na na na na na.
Line ups been the same since the start,
Apart from our bassist. Had 3 replacements.
I think were gonna leave it at that.
Before it gets too spinal tap.
First, place we played was a hall,
And we got a gig somehow. (think it's shut down now).
Played to a man and his dog.
But we knew it would be worth the slog, so we sang
[Chorus]
Tried to book a show in any place that would let us play
(Think that's the best way)
People liked the stuff they heard, and they went out and spread the word.
It feels like the sun is shining, even when it's rainin.
You wont hear us complaining.
'Coz were doin what we love to do.
And we know it 'coz of people like you.
Yeah,yeah,yeah,yeah
When you start out with nothing, and then you build it to something.
Lovin it, lovin it, lovin it, lovin it, Hell yeah!
When you start out with nothing, and then you build it to something.
Lovin it, lovin it, lovin it, lovin it, Hell yeah!
This is the story so far, can't wait for the next chapter.
This is the story so far, and i know it's far from over.
This is the story so far, can't wait for the next chapter.
This is the story so far, and i know it's far from over.
This is the story so far, can't wait for the next chapter.
This is the story so far, and i know it's far from over.
The [spunge] song "The Story So Far" tells the story of the band's rise to success from humble beginnings. The song starts with the sarcastic line "Ha, ha, ha, you're just a bunch of amateurs." This line sets the tone for the entire song, as it is clear that the band did not take themselves too seriously and did not expect to become famous. The band started as a hobby and quickly turned into a lifestyle. They got a beat-up van and spray painted it, then started playing music in an unused garage before moving to a farm site.
The song describes the band's dedication to their music, even when faced with hardship. They put up with a leaky roof and continued to sing. The line-up of the band remained relatively constant, except for the bassist, who was replaced three times. The band played in a hall for their first gig, and even though there were only a man and his dog in attendance, they persevered. They continued to book shows in any venue that would allow them to play, and people liked what they heard. The band's dedication to their craft paid off, as they developed a strong following.
Overall, "The Story So Far" captures the spirit of a band that started with nothing and through hard work and dedication, built something special. The song is an anthem for anyone who has a dream and is willing to work hard to make that dream a reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha, ha, ha, your just a bunch of ametours
We started as beginners, but now we take this very seriously.
Got ourselves a beat-up van. Attacked it with a few spray cans.
We had a van that needed some love, so we painted it to make it our own.
Practiced in an unused garage then we moved to a farm site. Man, it was a bombsite.
We started in a garage, but eventually moved to a farm that needed some work.
We could come and go whenever we choose. So we put up with the leaky roof's, And we sang.
We had a lot of freedom to practice whenever we wanted, even if it meant dealing with a leaky roof.
[Chorus]
The chorus is about the joy of doing what we love and being appreciated by our fans.
Line ups been the same since the start, Apart from our bassist. Had 3 replacements. I think were gonna leave it at that.
Our band has been fairly consistent, except for our bassist, whom we've had to replace several times.
First, place we played was a hall, And we got a gig somehow. (think it's shut down now). Played to a man and his dog. But we knew it would be worth the slog, so we sang
We played our first gig in a small venue and even though there were only a few people in the audience, we still loved it.
Tried to book a show in any place that would let us play (Think that's the best way) People liked the stuff they heard, and they went out and spread the word.
We would play anywhere that would have us, and eventually people started to come and hear us play, which led to more opportunities.
It feels like the sun is shining, even when it's rainin. You wont hear us complaining. 'Coz were doin what we love to do. And we know it 'coz of people like you. Yeah,yeah,yeah,yeah
Even when times are tough, we still feel happy and fulfilled to be playing music, and we are grateful to our fans for supporting us.
When you start out with nothing, and then you build it to something. Lovin it, lovin it, lovin it, lovin it, Hell yeah!
It's exciting to see how far we've come from our humble beginnings and we're really proud of ourselves.
This is the story so far, can't wait for the next chapter. This is the story so far, and i know it's far from over.
We're excited to see where our story goes next, and we know that there's still a lot more to come.
Contributed by Kayla R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@therealsevensoul
Tradução pra galera BR !
Nervo
Empurrão forte, sinta o grande fardo
É o mesmo amor que eu empurro para longe
É a mesma coisa que eu sempre debato
Por que você me deixou aqui para outra?
Esses dias eu tendo a ver vermelho
Porque todas as mulheres nadando na minha cabeça
Não são as mesmas deitadas na minha cama
Mas eu faço o meu melhor para ignorar
Mas você ainda surge
Você ainda surge
Está tudo na minha cabeça, não há muito o que eu possa fazer
Você define o seu ritmo, eu vou manter o meu também
Cada vez que eu persisto, me sinto aborrecido
Confundo o seu rosto com alguém novo
Eu acho que eu devo a você quase tudo
Como a maneira que me sinto e a maldição que você trás
Você tem muita coragem de querer me ouvir cantar
Depois que nos jogou na sarjeta
Irritado agora como eu era antes
Porque alguém sempre está perguntando por quem eu faço
Mas eu não quero fazer mais por você
Eu faço o meu melhor para ignorar
Sim, eu deveria deixar você ir
Longe do cinza que nós dois sabemos
E eu não posso passar por Índio
Sem me sentir triste
E deveria deixar isso pra lá
Mas isso fica tão agitado por mim mesmo
Você não pode se orgulhar se eu estou sozinho
@muhammadirsad7463
Hard shove, feel the heavy weight
It's the same love that I push away
It be the same thing I always debate
Why you left me here for another
These days I tend to see red
'Cause all the women swimming in my head
Are not the same ones laying in my bed
But I do my best to ignore it
But you still come up
You still come up
It's all in my head, there's not much I can do
You set your pace, I keep mine too
Each time I chase, I feel dark blue
Confuse your face for someone new
I guess I owe you for most everything
Like the way I feel and the curse you bring
You got a lot of nerve to wanna hear me sing
After you tossed us into the gutter
Mad now like I was before
'Cause somebody's always asking who I do it for
But I don't wanna do it for you anymore
I do my best to ignore it
But you still come up
You still come up
It's all in my head, there's not much I can do
You set your pace, I keep mine too
Each time I chase, I feel dark blue
Confuse your face for someone new
Yeah I should let you go
Away from the grey that we both know
And I can't pass through Indio
Without feeling indigo
Yeah I should let this go
But it gets so hectic on my own
You can't be proud if I'm alone
It's all in my head, there's not much I can do
You set your pace, I keep mine too
Each time I chase, I feel dark blue
Confuse your face for someone new
But you still come up
You still come up
@deminiatureandboardgames7291
My wife and I have seen The Story So Far every time they have come to Atlanta for the last 3 or 4 years. People look at us like where are your kids and then we start jumping up and down and singing all the songs. BTW we are in our forties. Love the groups energy and the music. This has become one of our favorite songs.
@lily-dy6em
D&E miniature and board games you're never too old to enjoy good music
@adamdanieldavies
D&E miniature and board games mate never stop going, I'm jealous of you guys haha. hope I'm that cool in my forties
@madisonwebster6882
This will def be me as a mom lol.
@ryanwheatley5280
adamdanieldavies im so jealous of any one got see the story so far playing live dont ever think they come to England if they dot be so much money man
@CynicalDuty
D&E miniature and board games
I really appreciate this comment <3
@Wilbrown89
My son was born with an immune-deficiency. Legit the hardest baby out of the 3 I raised. When he was like 14 months old, for whatever reason, this was the only song he wanted to hear. It was the only thing I found that would calm him down. 5 years later, it still puts him at ease.
Here's to Atticus. Daddy owes you for most everything.
@Vodka-182
You're a great dad. :)
@catmaksimus
It calms his nerve.
@mp-qz3pf
You named your kid Atticus good for you 😂