Formed in 1995, the original members were singer/guitarist and Seattle native, John Atkins from Hush Harbor and drummer Polly Johnson from Bell Jar. The band released two 7" records, the full-length album Salt Sinks, Sugar Floats and the EP We’re Solids in quick succession. With just two members 764-HERO were able to create a national following with their unique sound and powerful live shows.
The two members released their debut album Salt Sinks Sugar Floats in 1996. Known locally for their powerful live preformances the duo quickly garnered a national audience. For their second full length album, Get Here And Stay, James Bertram,(Lync, Red Stars Theory) played bass guitar. The third album, Weekends of Sound (considered by many to be the band's swan song) included Bertram as well, and the band also added a keyboard player. Bertram left soon after, but was replaced by another bassist, and the band remained a four-member act.
In 1998, the band was set to perform live on the radio and thought they'd mix it up a bit. They called their old friend James Bertram from Red Stars Theory (ex-Lync and Beck) and asked him to play bass. The session went so well they decided to make it permanent. With the new line up in place they recorded "Get Here and Stay". While "Salt Sinks" was undoubtedly a great record, "Get Here and Stay" was in a whole other realm, a fully realized sound with amazing songwriting and outstanding musicianship.
After several full tours and the "Whenever You See Fit" EP with Modest Mouse, the band got to work on "Weekends of Sound". Recorded in early 2000 with Phil Ek (who also produced "Get Here and Stay" as well as most of Built to Spill's releases) the band hasn't strayed to far from the sounds of "Get Here and Stay".
Following the release of "Weekends" the band embarked on a tour of the U.S. with pals Modest Mouse. Shortly after the tour, citing creative differences, James Bertram parted ways with 764-HERO. But it didn't take long before Robin P. stepped in to strap on the four stringed beast and bring 764 back up to speed. John and Polly met Robin while he played second guitar for Modest Mouse on tour. He started as a temporary replacement so the band could tour but quickly turned into a permanent member of the band.
Around 2001, John Atkins got together with friend Joe Plummer to release songs he felt woudn't fit under the 764-Hero title, and thusly, The Magic Magicians were born. In 2001, they released their debut album "Girls".
The band moved over to Tiger Style for their latest release "Nobody Knows This is Everywhere" and they headed out on tour in March 2002.
The band broke up in 2002
The Magic Magicians have continued on, though, with the latest release being their self-titled album in 2003.
Check the Address
764-HERO Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You check the address, it's not ours
And there's no time for what you're selling
You start to smile cos I'm telling everybody
And this goes off without warning
It starts in hours, ends in days
And there's no crimes for what you're telling
I'm going wild for, I'm going wild for a while
I'm going wild for, I'm going wild
And when that day's around the corner
I'll still be wearing the same clothes
And there's no rhyme to what you're yelling
You start to smile cos I'm telling everybody
I'm going wild for, I'm going wild for a while
I'm going wild for, I'm going wild
The lyrics of Check the Address by 764-HERO are open to interpretation, but one possible explanation is that the song is about being caught up in a chaotic situation that is out of one's control. The first lines "And it's on fire, but we keep walking / You check the address, it's not ours" suggest that there is turmoil or danger nearby, but the singer and their companion continue on their way, perhaps without realizing the severity of the situation. The repetition of the line "And there's no time for what you're selling / You start to smile cos I'm telling everybody" could signify a sense of urgency and a need to inform others about what's happening.
The chorus, "I'm going wild for, I'm going wild for a while / I'm going wild for, I'm going wild", could mean different things depending on perspective. It could be seen as a reaction to the chaos, a desire to break free from constraints, or a declaration of living in the moment while one still can. The verse "And when that day's around the corner / I'll still be wearing the same clothes / And there's no rhyme to what you're yelling / You start to smile cos I'm telling everybody" could suggest a resignation to fate or a disregard for appearances in the face of impending danger. Overall, the song conveys a sense of unease and unpredictability.
Line by Line Meaning
And it's on fire, but we keep walking
Despite potential danger, we continue moving forward.
You check the address, it's not ours
We verify that we are in the wrong location.
And there's no time for what you're selling
There is no room for your sales pitch.
You start to smile cos I'm telling everybody
You smile as I share information with others.
And this goes off without warning
The event happens suddenly and unexpectedly.
It starts in hours, ends in days
The event lasts for an indeterminate amount of time.
And there's no crimes for what you're telling
Your message is not illegal.
I'm going wild for, I'm going wild for a while
I am experiencing a period of uninhibited excitement.
And when that day's around the corner
As the event approaches.
I'll still be wearing the same clothes
I will remain in the same attire.
And there's no rhyme to what you're yelling
Your words lack coherence or consistency.
I'm going wild for, I'm going wild for a while
I am embracing temporary recklessness.
Contributed by Jonathan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.