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.
Dragon
764-HERO Lyrics
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Cause it's always washed when it comes to you
I kept my mouth shut for twenty miles
Then it was all I had to do was shut my eyes
Well, I can almost see the credits
And the lightsman and the page
As you figure out your line
To the spotlights and the serves
But the camera shows your age
You're livin' life like you like to see it written down
But what makes age let an evening down
Exploring new sound, no mapper pen
Stay and use it up all you can
I can almost see the credits
And the camera and the page
As you figure out your line
You make everybody listen
To the spotlights and the serves
But the camera shows your age
You've had it all
But you dim, dim
You've had it all
But you can't dim, dim
I can almost see the credits
And the camera and the page
As you figure out your line
The lyrics of 764-HERO's song "Dragon" seem to be about someone who is trying too hard to impress others or maintain a certain image. The first verse references the idea of getting "strain" before something even happens, implying an anxiety or anticipation about what's to come. The second line suggests that this person always appears "washed" or perfect when they come around, perhaps indicating a facade they put on for others to maintain their desired image. The next line, "I kept my mouth shut for twenty miles," could represent the singer keeping their thoughts and feelings to themselves in order to keep up appearances. Ultimately, the singer realizes that all they had to do was "shut my eyes," perhaps indicating that they wish they had ignored this person's attempts to impress.
The subsequent lines suggest that this person is trying to act a certain way to impress others, perhaps in a theatrical or performing sense. The imagery of "spotlights and serves" implies a stage setting, and the mention of "the camera shows your age" suggests that this person is trying to hide their true age or appearance through their performances. The chorus seems to reiterate the idea that this person has had it all but is starting to fade or lose their spark.
Overall, the song seems to be a critique of those who fake it to impress others, and the toll that this kind of performance can take on someone. The repeated line about "seeing the credits" suggests that the singer is witnessing someone's entire performance or act, from start to finish, and is thus seeing the truth behind the performance. It's a sobering realization that this person may not be all that they seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Getting strain 'fore it start to head that round
I'm feeling the pressure before it even begins
Cause it's always washed when it comes to you
Your presence has a way of manipulating the truth
I kept my mouth shut for twenty miles
I tried to avoid conflict by not speaking up
Then it was all I had to do was shut my eyes
But eventually, ignoring the issue was not enough to escape it
Well, I can almost see the credits
I can imagine the end of this situation
And the lightsman and the page
The people involved and the story being told
As you figure out your line
As you try to control the narrative for your own benefit
You make everybody listen
You demand attention and hold power over others
To the spotlights and the serves
To the attention and adoration you receive
But the camera shows your age
But your true self is still revealed, despite your attempts to hide it
You're livin' life like you like to see it written down
You're living life as if you're following a script, rather than being authentic
But what makes age let an evening down
But ultimately, no amount of pretending can escape the inevitability of getting older
Exploring new sound, no mapper pen
Trying something new and unconventional, without a clear plan or path
Stay and use it up all you can
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore and experiment
You've had it all
You've experienced success and fulfillment
But you dim, dim
But that success is fading or losing its shine
You've had it all
You've experienced success and fulfillment
But you can't dim, dim
But you can't ignore the reality that things are changing
I can almost see the credits
I can imagine the end of this situation
And the camera and the page
The truth of the situation and the story that will be told
As you figure out your line
As you try to control the narrative for your own benefit
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GINA WILMA KUSCHKE, LEW WILLIAMS, IFE LADI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind