Started as a mere musical joke for friends, the trio became popular on the clubbing stage in St.Petersburg (2002) and Moscow (2003). Their program combines cover versions of Tom Waits’ songs, author’s compositions, American Gothic, own life experiences, stories told by friends and urban mythology. The Billy’s Band musicians call their style Funeral Dixieland with an Infinite Happy End. ... See their official website: http://www.billysband.ru/
Tackling anything by Tom Waits is like wrestling an alligator: do it well and you`ve got a new pair of shoes:, screw up and you`re dead, Jack. Describing themselves as a Dixiland funeral with an infinite happy end, Billy`s band is on the fringe in its St.Petersburg home and will be on the fringe of the fringe here. Bandleader, Billy Novik heard Waits` “Early Years, vol.1”, and that is all she wrote. Novik barks gruff and hip (in Russian and English) just like Waits – or perhaps Cookie Monster on a vodka bender. A great deal of the band`s repertoire is Waits` stuff, and when the band ventures out on its own, the genius, the oddity, and the antiquated charm still shines, just like those alligator shoes I was talking about.
Billy's Band, the Tom Waits-inspired outfit from St. Petersburg, Russia, was held up at the Canadian border Friday while on its way to the Rochester International Jazz Festival. But fest co-producer John Nugent, who has a lot of experience in dealing with passport issues and paper problems, managed to talk the guys into the country in time for their shows at Max of Eastman Place. Safely onstage, they stole the night with their blend of beat-poet ballads, off-kilter rhythms and comedic timing. CDs were snapped up by consumers hungry for the band's brand of compelling weirdness. All of the English-language ones were gone by the second show, but I bought two, anyway: Anybody out there speak Russian?
The word on the street, which I picked up rather late, was that the guys from St. Petersburg, Russia were tearing down the house over at Max. Having had plenty of straight-ahead jazz from the Hammers, I left early to see what the fuss was about. And now, after the fact, I'm kicking myself that I didn't heed the advice sooner.
Billy's Band is like a combined Dixieland and polka band that plays almost jazzy. When you hear a big smash, it's one of the dudes crashing cymbals over his head to a crazy march. The lead singer/bassist (yeah, it's a bassist heading the ship) Billy Novik has a voice that can only be compared to Louis Armstrong. It's gritty and feels like it comes straight out of his gut. But he's a funny little white guy with a funny hat and even funnier stories about being told the difference between a bass and a coffin ("the dead guy's inside of the coffin").
They were wearing worn-down trench coats and no shirts, letting their bellies show for everyone. You might call them strange, but just call them special. They were that kind of underground street band that's got oodles of talent, but you don't want them to be too big because that dark atmosphere really suits their style. The crowd went wild for these guys, bringing them out for an encore and standing ovation. might pick up a CD tomorrow -- they were that good.
If Thursday night is the unofficial start of the weekend, Friday is the real thing. Go out, enjoy the late-night stuff. If any of Billy's Band gets up there, I'm gonna be lovin' it.
temptation
Billy's Band Lyrics
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Everything is made from dreams
Life is made from honey slow and sweet
Only the fools know what it means
Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't resist
I know she's made of smoke
But I've lost my way
So that I must play
Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't still resist
Dutch pink and italian blue
She is waiting there for you
My will has disappeared
Now my confusion's oh so clear
Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't still resist
The song "Temptation" by Billy's Band is an expression of the human struggle to resist temptation. The lyrics convey the sense of being drawn towards something irresistible, despite knowing that it may not be in one's best interest. The first stanza starts with "Rusted brandy in a diamond glass," which suggests the contrast between something that has lost its charm and an exquisite holder. It speaks of the paradox of how appearances can often deceive, and how the illusions we create for ourselves can be powerful enough to make us want things that are not good for us. The next line, "Everything is made from dreams," suggests that our desires are only a figment of our imagination, and the reality of our situation is far from what we envision. The reference to life being made from "honey slow and sweet" denotes the pleasure we derive from indulging in these fantasies. However, it also implies that indulging too much is not wise, and only fools do so.
The chorus "Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't resist" is a repetition that highlights the songwriter's inability to resist succumbing to the temptation. It conveys an underlying sense of desperation, helplessness, and resignation to the fact that giving in to temptation is inevitable. The second verse begins with "I know she's made of smoke, but I've lost my way," which suggests the person's longing for something that is ephemeral and fleeting. The smoke metaphorically represents the illusion they want to cling to, while acknowledging that they are lost and uncertain of their direction. The line, "She knows that I am broke, so that I must play," speaks to the idea of how our vulnerabilities often become evident to others. Those who seek to exploit them use them to their advantage, knowing that we will do whatever it takes to satisfy our desires.
The third verse switches from the metaphorical imagery of the first two verses to more concrete references, such as "Dutch pink and Italian blue." It then goes on to talk about someone waiting for you and how one's will has disappeared. The lines "now my confusion's oh so clear" suggest that the person is aware of the confusion and turmoil caused by giving in to temptation. Still, they cannot help but succumb to it.
Overall, "Temptation" is a powerful song that explores the human predilection to give in to temptation. It effectively conveys the sense of longing, helplessness and the internal struggle in trying to resist it.
Line by Line Meaning
Rusted brandy in a diamond glass
I am drinking liquor that looks lavish, but it is old and musty.
Everything is made from dreams
The world we live in is shaped by our imagination, and not by anything concrete.
Life is made from honey slow and sweet
The good things in life take time to enjoy and savor.
Only the fools know what it means
People who pursue their dreams and passions without considering practicality are often looked down upon.
Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't resist
The allure of something forbidden or dangerous is too great for me to avoid.
I know she's made of smoke
The person I am drawn to is intangible and not real.
But I've lost my way
I am unable to make sound decisions and have become directionless.
She knows that I am broke
The person I desire is aware that I am financially unstable.
So that I must play
I am compelled to go along with whatever the person wants, even if it is not in my best interest.
Dutch pink and italian blue
The colors of the world are beautiful and varied.
She is waiting there for you
The person I desire is eager to have me come to them.
My will has disappeared
I have lost my ability to make independent choices.
Now my confusion's oh so clear
I am now able to see that I have been misled and am in a state of confusion.
Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't still resist
The pull of something that I know is not good for me is still too powerful and I am unable to stop myself from being drawn in.
Contributed by Ella B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mookiemu
terrific cover! I love it! And the video is very creative.
Yantryman
I dont think U can make a better video on a topic of this song, but the guitar riff is really lil' bit too hard core.