Terfry is also a host at CBC Radio 3, with hosting a program on the CBC Radio 3 website's web radio station during weekdays. In addition, he will be the host of the weekday 3-6pm CBC Radio 2 show beginning in the fall of 2008.
Early career and influences
Terfry was born in 1972 and raised in Mount Uniacke, a rural community outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was first exposed to rap music in the mid-1980s while listening to CBC Radio's late night show Brave New Waves, and then by listening to Halifax campus community radio station CKDU. CKDU then broadcast at only 33 watts, and he had to climb a tree in his yard to hear the station's hip hop show on his cheap transistor radio. Fascinated by hip hop, the young Terfry taught himself how to rap, DJ, and, later, to produce records. His musical influences include MC Shan, David Lynch, Gitche Manitou, and Kool Keith.
Using the moniker DJ Critical, he later hosted a hip-hop show on CKDU called "The Bassment" (later renamed "The Treatment Program", when he assumed the stage name Jesus Murphy), which aired for several years. This period overlapped with many of his non-major-label releases.
Stage Names
Buck 65 has also used a number of other stage names including Johnny Rockwell, Stinkin' Rich, Haslam, and Uncle Climax. These pseudonyms typically represent different characters in his raps (as in Uncle Climax, Johnny Rockwell and Stinkin' Rich) or different aspects of Buck's creativity (as noted above, DJ Critical was his DJ name on CKDU.) Rumours abound that Buck 65's alias comes from his childhood nickname of Buck and his weight of 165 pounds; possibly the pseudonym comes from the weight of the first buck he shot or the $1.65 standard bus fare for Halifax Regional Municipality riders. He has been known to say on stage, "They call me Buck 65... I don't know why." Buck 65's website mentioned previously that he was named after his uncle's 1965 Buick automobile ("'65 Buick" is a track on the Synesthesia album); he performed a show under that name but the promoter mistakenly wrote the name as it is now spelled.
Recently Buck 65 has recorded an EP under the name of Dirk Thornton alongside Irishman DJ Flip, it was scheduled for release early 2007 but the date was not set.
The first release under Dirk Thornton will be a 7" single with the tracks "Yesterday's News" and "Catwalk".
He is also involved in an online collaboration with "Greetings From Tuskan" auteur Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê, as Bike For Three, though a release is yet unforthcoming.
Early releases
In 1993, he released his first cassette of rap tunes while performing under the alias Stinkin' Rich on the Halifax label No Records. The five song cassette was titled Chin Music, which was a reference to his past interest in baseball. The release brought Stinkin' Rich to the attention of members of Halifax alternative rock band Sloan. Sloan signed him to their independent record label Murderecords and released a 7" single and a full length cassette called Game Tight, again featuring a reference to baseball. (Terfry has often stated in interviews that in his teens he had been scouted to play for the New York Yankees but that the death of the talent scout coupled with an injury had caused the deal to fall through)
After a brief break, Terfry returned reconstituted as Buck 65, releasing Language Arts on cassette and the 12" single Wildlife Trilogy, followed by Vertex, which included his popular song "The Centaur." He recorded Sebutonedef (released in 1996 by Funtrip Records) as a collaboration with fellow Halifax artist Sixtoo. Other releases by the duo, known as the Sebutones, are Psoriasis and 50/50 Where It Counts. While still far from mainstream success, he received several odd jobs in Canada's entertainment industry, including making soundtrack music and providing narration for a TV commercial for NBA apparel, and song lyrics for the popular children's program Sesame Street. During a live performance Buck 65 told a story in which he attributed why he was chosen for Sesame Street to three things; his upstanding lifestyle of not drinking, smoking, or doing drugs, his intelligence that wasn't too intelligent for the kids, and Sesame Street's assumption that he was a virgin.
Man Overboard, originally released on the anticon. label, was a significant turning point in his career. The record, and the entire anticon. collective (of which Sixtoo was also a part), were considered hallmarks of a new avant-garde movement in underground hip hop. It was at this time that Buck met Cincinnati DJ Mr. Dibbs who inducted him into the 1200 Hobos, a loosely-knit hip-hop collective named for their proficiency in manipulating the Technics 1200 turntable.
Critical Acclaim
Many of his early projects attracted attention after they were re-released, first on the independent Metaforensics label and subsequently by Warner Music Canada. While Buck 65 has gained critical acclaim and worldwide exposure through his major label deal, commercial success has escaped him. Although Warner's worldwide affiliates distribute his records, Warner USA does not. After a deal was signed with V2 USA, This Right Here Is Buck 65 was released in the States, a sort of "Best of" that was marketed as an introduction to his work. However after V2 chose not to release his next effort, Secret House Against the World, the deal was amicably dissolved. Since then Buck 65 was signed onto Strange Famous Records where he's planning on taking over hip-hop with Sage Francis. His latest release is titled "Situation".
Buck's most recent albums have gradually moved away from his original 'pure' hip-hop sound into territory influenced by folk, blues and electronica, with some even comparing elements of his sound to Tom Waits. Some of Buck 65's music is used on the Canadian show Trailer Park Boys, frequently in the character Julian's car. He gained additional recognition in 2006 when he appeared at the national Juno Awards with Pamela Anderson.
Kerrang! “Controversy”
In August 2004, he sparked controversy in the underground hip-hop world over comments he made to an interviewer in Kerrang! magazine. Buck was quoted as saying:
“I now hate hip hop, the more I’ve educated myself about music, the more I’ve grown to hate it. I don’t use that word lightly, either.”
In response, former anticon. label-mate Sage Francis (in a post on his website) stated that
"Buck has had his head up his arse for many years now."
Buck later wrote in a letter to Exclaim!:
“I’m apologizing for all that. I lost my cool on tape which is never good. The journalist was provoking me, calling me a sell-out and a whore. I was trying to make a point by playing devil’s advocate, but I went way overboard. No hint of irony or role-playing or intelligence came across in the story. Now I just look like an idiot. I take it back. I don’t really believe any of that. I don’t think being able to read music is a concern. Most of my favourite music was made by non-educated musicians. It doesn’t matter. I still have heavy criticisms of most hip hop, but I really didn’t make them well on this particular day. I put my foot in my mouth and I’m apologizing for that."
Dirty Work
Buck 65 released a 5 song digital EP called "Dirty Work". It was released over a month long campaign, adding one song per week for free download via his MySpace page. All five tracks are still available for download on his official website. The EP comes with artwork drawn by Buck himself, and the tracks are all b-sides from the full length record 'Situation'.
Situation to present
Buck 65 released the album Situation on October 30th, 2007, on Strange Famous Records in the US and Warner Music worldwide. The album is a concept album based around the year 1957, and is a return to a more 'pure' hip-hop sound than the previous blues, country and avant-garde influences in Secret House Against the World. It was produced by fellow Halifax DJ Skratch Bastid, aimed at making a "classic hip-hop record that pulses with joy and clarity of purpose".
Buck 65 is currently working on a new album which, judging from live material, will feature much more prominent electronic beats than before. Additionally, Buck 65's collaboration project with "Greetings From Tuskan" auteur Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê, Bike for Three!, has its debut album completed for release in early 2009.
He has been a host of CBC Radio 3's web radio for the past year, and recently accepted daily hosting duties on CBC Radio 2's national radio beginning fall 2008.
Hats on Beds
Buck 65 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The organ grinders had the whole thing planned.
Take his tongue and remove his two eyeballs.
Savin' em up for the day if that guy calls.
I'm almost certain, but this is speculation,
The notes are in a box marked "Christmas Decorations".
Remember what I told ya to do with the hair gel,
And don't let anyone see you in the stairwell.
I'll call him at quarter after twelve from a pay phone.
Make sure whoever stays the night has a dental plan.
The girls already came through with the rental van.
Shave all the hair on your body and bathe.
The convoy will be at the border by morning.
Take the appetite suppressants at sunrise.
Over-exerting tonight would be unwise.
We'll all be wearing the matching necklaces.
Double check everything; There's no room for recklessness.
Burn the clothes I was wearing on Wednesday.
Pay no attention to what your so-called friends say.
Bury the screwdriver set in the playground.
The blood donor said he needs a half-hour to lay down.
Only ever sign for parcels if you know the guys.
9:30 a.m. sharp - we mobilize.
Butane?
Check.
Electrical tape?
Check.
Five iron?
Check.
Insect repellent?
Check.
Snorkel?
Check.
Staple gun?
Check.
Blank tapes?
Check.
Kill the lights 'n wait for the snowplow.
You got the muscle, and I got the know-how.
Grievances aside, I think that if we act together,
And give the snake-charmer an extra day to track the weather,
We should have no problem seein' this through,
Even with the machine bein' this new.
Find out from the invoice what kind of supplies is it,
Then I think we should pay him a surprise visit.
Draw the map on the back of the placemat,
And mark with an 'X' where the testing was based at.
Roll all the coins in the jar by the radiator,
Then we can drop off the negatives (maybe later).
I still can't believe the pillowcases went missin'
Ask Jason if he knows how to get to the gas station.
Check the levels when the work enhances,
But don't take your wig off under any circumstances.
It's gonna get hot when the plugs are pulled.
Let go of the rope when the jugs are full.
Set the pager I gave you to vibrate,
And then glue a magnet to the bottom of the pie plate.
Give the kid ten bucks and show him how to light the torch.
There is no shame in this.
Cue up - Quick. The babysitter threw up.
The original canisters are hidden in the bannisters.
Gold Bond?
Check.
Sleepy seeds?
Check.
Dog whistle?
Check.
Clean towels?
Check.
Rosin bag?
Check.
Compass juice?
Check.
Divining rod?
Check.
(please extinguish all cigarettes)
The lyrics to Buck 65's Hats on Beds present a confusing and cryptic collection of instructions and directives devoid of any overt plot or narrative. Rather, the song seems to be a series of disconnected phrases and ideas that demand interpretation and extrapolation. Throughout the song, there are references to various tools and supplies, as well as instructions to perform seemingly innocuous tasks such as shaving and bathing. There are also more sinister hints, such as the demand to burn the clothes the singer was wearing on Wednesday and the directive to bury a screwdriver set in the playground. There are also suggestions of a conspiracy or criminal enterprise at work, such as the mention of a blood donor needing to lay down for half an hour and the allusion to a supply invoice.
The song seems to be intended to create a sense of unease or confusion, forcing the listener to try and piece together the various elements of the lyrics without any clear context or explanation. The repetition of the phrase "check" at the end of each section amplifies this effect, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and preparation, even if the reasons for doing so are not entirely clear. Ultimately, hats on beds can be interpreted as a meditation on the human capacity for organization and planning, even in the absence of a clear goal or plan.
Line by Line Meaning
Shoot the messenger, measure his wingspan.
Harm or punish the conveyors of bad news, and use the scenarios as a measure of their competence.
The organ grinders had the whole thing planned.
The people or groups dictating events behind the scenes have laid out a clear plan for the operation.
Take his tongue and remove his two eyeballs.
Maim, mutilate or silence anyone who may expose the involvement of anyone in the plan and make them disable themselves.
Savin' em up for the day if that guy calls.
Keep the body parts safe as evidence against the person who may betray the group.
I'm almost certain, but this is speculation,
Though confidence is high, there is still an element of uncertainty in the plan.
The notes are in a box marked 'Christmas Decorations.'
The important data or evidence is hidden under a ruse or disguise.
Remember what I told ya to do with the hair gel,
Do not forget the critical instructions you were given about a crucial component in the plan.
And don't let anyone see you in the stairwell.
Be alert and cautious while carrying out the task, so as not to draw any unwanted attention.
Tell the key cutter I said to stay home.
Disrupt the usual elements involved to ensure a smooth execution of the operation.
I'll call him at quarter after twelve from a pay phone.
Maintain contact and keep all members updated on developments and changes to the plan.
Make sure whoever stays the night has a dental plan.
Be prepared to face any unforeseen circumstances by ensuring the group is sufficiently insured or covered.
The girls already came through with the rental van.
Every member of the group must play their part, and it is essential to have trust and coordination within the team.
Shave all the hair on your body and bathe.
Remove all traces and evidence that can incriminate you in the operation.
The convoy will be at the border by morning.
Have a deadline in mind and ensure the operation is concluded before it for safe passage and less suspicion.
Take the appetite suppressants at sunrise.
Stay focused and alert, and don't let unforeseen events distract you from the main objective.
Over-exerting tonight would be unwise.
Rest or relax before going into action so you can maximize your efforts and sound judgment.
We'll all be wearing the matching necklaces.
Unify and ensure that all members are connecting and working together, maintaining a shared sense of purpose and identity.
Double check everything; There's no room for recklessness.
Be careful and thorough in every detail, no matter how small or trivial, to avoid making mistakes and putting the operation in jeopardy.
Burn the clothes I was wearing on Wednesday.
Destroy the evidence that could link you to the operation or criminal activity and minimize the damage or information you leave behind.
Pay no attention to what your so-called friends say.
Do not trust anyone outside the group or stray from the plan's objective or instructions, and focus on the goal.
Bury the screwdriver set in the playground.
Hide critical evidence or tools in unreachable or unpredictable locations to ensure discretion and security.
The blood donor said he needs a half-hour to lay down.
Be aware of and accommodate any unforeseen issues that may arise and adjust the plan accordingly.
Only ever sign for parcels if you know the guys.
Be aware of the origin of any incoming component or package and exercise caution to avoid getting into any trouble unnecessarily.
9:30 a.m. sharp - we mobilize.
Set a specific time and place for the operation to begin and ensure everyone has communicated and is ready to act.
Butane? Check. Electrical tape? Check. Five iron? Check. Insect repellent? Check. Snorkel? Check. Staple gun? Check. Blank tapes? Check.
Ensure that everything required for the operation is available and ready, and everyone involved is prepared for their tasks.
Kill the lights 'n wait for the snowplow. You got the muscle, and I got the know-how.
Stay on guard and prepare for the operation's challenges, and ensure that everyone else involved is equally committed.
Grievances aside, I think that if we act together, And give the snake-charmer an extra day to track the weather, We should have no problem seein' this through, Even with the machine bein' this new.
Put any personal grievances aside and stay focused on the operation's larger objective, which requires cooperation and coordination from all involved.
Find out from the invoice what kind of supplies is it, Then I think we should pay him a surprise visit.
Be informed of the necessary materials you need and obtain them through any means necessary, including by surprising those who have them.
Draw the map on the back of the placemat, And mark with an 'X' where the testing was based at. Roll all the coins in the jar by the radiator, Then we can drop off the negatives (maybe later).
Plan and prepare all the necessary components while keeping the location and the motives of the operation in mind.
I still can't believe the pillowcases went missin'. Ask Jason if he knows how to get to the gas station.
Keep track of all the critical elements of the operation and check again for any missing components, and try to obtain the necessary items, including information, even through unconventional methods.
Check the levels when the work enhances, But don't take your wig off under any circumstances.
Ensure that the operation is progressing steadily and without complications, while making sure to avoid unnecessary risks or mistakes.
It's gonna get hot when the plugs are pulled. Let go of the rope when the jugs are full.
Be ready for a potentially dangerous or stressful situation coming, such as the completion of the operation, and react quickly and wisely.
Set the pager I gave you to vibrate, And then glue a magnet to the bottom of the pie plate.
Maintain clear communication and coordination for the operation and ensure that all resources are carefully utilized and available whenever necessary.
Give the kid ten bucks and show him how to light the torch. There is no shame in this.
Delegate tasks to those best suited to handle them, even if it is not conventionally acceptable, and focus on the operation's end goal.
Cue up - Quick. The babysitter threw up. The original canisters are hidden in the bannisters.
Be agile and able to adapt to any unforeseen circumstances or obstacles that arise while keeping the operation's bigger picture in mind.
Gold Bond? Check. Sleepy seeds? Check. Dog whistle? Check. Clean towels? Check. Rosin bag? Check. Compass juice? Check. Divining rod? Check.
Ensure that all necessary components and elements are adequately met and accessible for the successful completion of the operation.
(please extinguish all cigarettes)
The slightest negligence could seriously hinder or jeopardize the operation's progress and completion, so know the importance of staying careful and alert throughout the process.
Lyrics © Red Brick Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: RICHARD TERFRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Hats on Beds
Whistle Tip Auto Shop & Repair
"Shoot the messenger, measure his wingspan."