Belleruche released a series of three extremely limited 7” records on their own Hippoflex Recording Industries label before signing with Tru Thoughts. These individually numbered 45’s (with hand screen-printed sleeves) quickly sold out in the UK’s independent record stores and attracted a cult following in the UK and Europe, having been hand-distributed by the band at gigs.
In 2007 Belleruche signed to Tru Thoughts and their debut album Turntable Soul Music was released in July of the same year, gaining admiring reviews both at home and abroad and becoming the fastest-selling debut album in the label’s history.
The songs on ‘Turntable Soul Music’ were written in train carriages, dubious minicabs and pub backrooms around the UK whilst the trio gigged everywhere they could. The songs were then forged and reworked in the band’s electrifying live shows. From their initial sunday residency in the Salmon and Compass in Angel, London to gigs all over Europe, Australia and Asia. ‘Turntable Soul Music’ is like a weird trawl through a dusty basement full of the best records you’ve never heard of, whilst a voice you can’t quite pin down sings hooks you can’t forget.
Their live show marks them apart, using only a turntable, sampler, guitar and microphone, they combine to produce something markedly different. Sounding at once both weird and distinctive, but at the same time musical and compelling, they have played at venues as diverse as Montreux Jazz Festival, The Dance arena at Glastonbury, and many underground nightclubs.
In October 2008 Tru Thoughts released The Express, the bands second album. Following on from the live songwriting and broken leads ethic of Belleruche's debut, 'The Express' has maybe a tougher sound.
Their latest album 270 Stories - including the singles Clockwatching, Fuzz Face and 3 Amp Fuse - was released in October 2010. The band will be playing festival dates this summer and touring the new album in autumn.
Kathrin deBoer
Raised on a pirate boat sailing the South Pacific Ocean, with only Billie Holiday and Spanky Wilson records for company, Kathrins voice carries the soul of the wind off the cape mixed with the grit of illegal Polynesian rum bars. Lyrics written in bottles cast into the sea found their way into three continents; Kathrin jumped ship and found London.
Ricky Fabulous
Leo. Baby. Following an adolescence chasing girls and heavy rock bands, Fabulous found himself trapped working for a Maltese gangster in a frozen northern town. Whilst keeping warm locked in a damp basement, he found a stack of quarter inch tapes and discovered the work of Grant Green and Django Reinhardt, which gave him the energy to slip out of town, heading south on a freight car clutching a false identity and a forty-year-old guitar.
DJ Modest
Growing up in the deep south, in engine oil and mud, Modest discovered hiphop on a stolen radio, sneaking into clubs through broken windows to hear more. Building turntables and mixers from scavenged electronic gear and two stroke engines, he created a soundsystem and played unlawful hiphop parties in strange woodlands to farmers. He coaxes twisted Bluenote solos and broken drums from Shure m44-7s whilst drunk on moonshine.
How many times
Belleruche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Being sweet got you in troubles there
Being nice no never got you very far
You cop it sweet now get on play your part
Sweet memory can't help you grow
Unless you want to live in the past
And live in what you know
Someone's gonna push until they get a rise out of you
So come out and say it
This ain't the way you wanted to play it
When your frustration flies over your eyes
And you see your girl with another guy
How many times are you going to live this through
He ain't gonna change, he doesn't deserve you
If you're gonna try well it's got to come true
Pick up all your strength and we'll be waiting here for you
If you're got your doubts, think a year down the line
If you think it's bad now, well baby give it time
He seems to squeeze, all the love out of you
I'm scared he ain't gonna leave nothing left for you
So come out and say it
This ain't the way you wanted to play it
When your frustration flies over your eyes
And you see your boy with another girl
Oh being nice never got you anywhere
Being sweet got you in troubles there
Oh being nice no never got you very far
You cop it sweet now get on play your part
So come out and say it
This ain't the way you wanted to play it
When your frustration flies over your eyes
And you see your boy with another girl
Oh did it take you
Did it take you by surprise
Did it take you
Did it take you
Did it take you by surprise
The lyrics to Belleruche's song "How Many Times" touch on themes of disappointment, frustration and heartbreak in romantic relationships. The first verse advises against being too nice or sweet, as it can lead to being taken advantage of or getting into trouble. The second verse emphasizes the importance of self-growth and not living in the past. The chorus is a rallying cry for the listener - encouraging them to stand up for themselves, leave a toxic relationship and find the strength to move on.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has been repeatedly hurt by their partner's infidelity and disrespect, but is struggling to find the courage to end the relationship. The line "He ain't gonna change, he doesn't deserve you" speaks to the idea that sometimes, no matter how much someone may love or care for their significant other, it may be healthier for them to walk away. The final verse further emphasizes the importance of taking action and not staying in a situation that is hurting you.
The repeated refrain of "did it take you by surprise" suggests that the singer may have had some inkling that their partner was being unfaithful or disrespectful, but is shocked and hurt nonetheless. Overall, the lyrics to "How Many Times" offer a relatable and empowering message about standing up for oneself and leaving toxic relationships behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Being nice never got you anywhere
Being kind and polite didn't help you achieve anything significant
Being sweet got you in troubles there
Being excessively nice to others led you to difficult situations
Being nice no never got you very far
Showing kindness and compassion didn't lead you to a successful place
You cop it sweet now get on play your part
Accept the situation, act accordingly and move on with your life
Sweet memory can't help you grow
Living in the past and holding onto nostalgic memories won't help you move forward in life
Unless you want to live in the past
Unless you're comfortable living in a moment that has passed
And live in what you know
And live in what is familiar and known to you
You know the rules where'd they ever get you
You know the guidelines of life, but following them didn't bring you much success or happiness
Someone's gonna push until they get a rise out of you
People may try to test your patience and provoke you until you react
So come out and say it
Open up and speak your mind honestly
This ain't the way you wanted to play it
The situation is not going as per your plan or expectation
When your frustration flies over your eyes
When you're overwhelmed by emotions and can't think logically
And you see your girl with another guy
And you witness your partner cheating on you with someone else
How many times are you going to live this through
How many times will you put yourself through this pain and heartbreak
He ain't gonna change, he doesn't deserve you
Your partner is not capable of changing and isn't worth your effort
If you're gonna try well it's got to come true
If you're willing to put in the effort, make sure it yields positive results
Pick up all your strength and we'll be waiting here for you
Gather all your courage, and we will be there to support you
If you're got your doubts, think a year down the line
If you're uncertain about your decision, think about its consequences in the future
If you think it's bad now, well baby give it time
If you think the situation is terrible currently, it can only get worse with time
He seems to squeeze, all the love out of you
Your partner is draining you emotionally and taking away all your affection
I'm scared he ain't gonna leave nothing left for you
I'm worried that he may take away your ability to love and trust in the future
Oh did it take you
Did it come as a surprise to you
Did it take you
Did it surprise you
Did it take you by surprise
Did it catch you off guard
Contributed by Sydney R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jaka Plesnik
That guitar lick!)
ALEZTHEGREAT
omg AWESOME
ALEZTHEGREAT
foreveralone
Nota Chatzi
hahahahaha not that alone.