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.
Weekends of Sound
764-HERO Lyrics
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Into what you have become
And you let her go
Without warning or a song
You've got your plans
And they're frightening to us all
Who's laughing now?
Summer takes your hand
"This part's scary", and you think
Who's laughing now?
Who's laughing now?
We're so tired of weekends of sound
We're so tired of weekends of sound
We're so tired of weekends of sound
We're so tired of weekends of sound
And you will, you'll sit down
You won't bore us anymore
You'll shut up
And you'll keep it honest, keep it honest
Summer calls your name
But you're not listening anymore
You're laughing now
You're laughing now
We're so tired of weekends of sound
We're so tired of weekends of sound
And you will, you'll sit down
You won't bore us anymore
You'll shut up
And you'll keep it honest, keep it honest
And you will, you'll sit down
You won't bore us anymore
You'll shut up
And you'll keep it honest, keep it honest
The song "Weekends of Sound" by 764-HERO is about the end of a relationship and the emotions that come along with it. The first verse describes how the singer watched their partner grow and change, only to leave them without warning or explanation. The second verse describes the fear and uncertainty of a new beginning and the laughter that comes along with it. The chorus conveys the exhaustion of constantly dealing with the ups and downs of a relationship and the hope that things will eventually get better.
As the song progresses, the tone becomes more accusatory, with the singer telling their former partner to sit down, listen and be honest. It seems that the partner is finally taking responsibility for their actions and the pain that they caused. The song ends on a note of hope, with the promise that things will improve as long as honesty is maintained.
Line by Line Meaning
Summer watched you grow
The passing of time and events led to the evolution of the subject, and Summer observed this change
Into what you have become
The subject has transformed into a new form, distinct from what they were before
And you let her go
The subject ended their relationship with Summer, without giving any indication or proper farewell
Without warning or a song
The subject's separation from Summer lacked communication or expression of emotions
You've got your plans
The subject has his own intentions, goals and ambitions that he wants to fulfill
And they're frightening to us all
The subject's plans have a negative impact or fear on people involved
Who's laughing now?
An expression of frustration or failure towards the subject's actions, wondering who is mocking them now
Summer takes your hand
Summer reaches out to the subject, attempting to comfort them
"This part's scary", and you think
Summer acknowledges the challenges ahead, and the subject ponders on the difficulty of those challenges
We're so tired of weekends of sound
The subject and group are exhausted from the constant noise and repetition of their lives
And you will, you'll sit down
The subject has reached a point of realization where he will make a change in his behavior
You won't bore us anymore
The subject acknowledges that they have been repetitive and predictable, and aims to change their actions
You'll shut up
The subject will cease talking or singing meaningless words
And you'll keep it honest, keep it honest
The subject will now be truthful, authentic and genuine with their expression
Summer calls your name
Summer attempts to communicate with the subject once again
But you're not listening anymore
The subject is too distracted or disinterested to pay attention to Summer's words
You're laughing now
The subject feels a sense of satisfaction or control in their current state
We're so tired of weekends of sound
Reiteration of the group's exhaustion with their uninspired lifestyle
And you will, you'll sit down
Reaffirmation of the subject's commitment towards changing their actions
You won't bore us anymore
Repetition of the subject's recognition of their uninteresting behavior and commitment to change
You'll shut up
Reiteration of the subject's vow to stop speaking or performing meaningless words
And you'll keep it honest, keep it honest
Reiteration of the subject's promise to be truthful and authentic in their expression
Contributed by John L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.