Califone is the musical project of former Red Red Meat frontman Tim Rutili. Its regular and rotating contributors include many former members of Red Red Meat and some members of other Chicago bands, such as Tortoise. Their music is less rooted in blues-rock than Red Red Meat and is more directly inspired by experimental music and early American folk music as can be found on Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music.
Califone's current lineup includes Joe Adamik (drums), Jim Becker (banjo, violin), Ben Massarella (percussion), and Tim Rutili (vocals, guitar, keyboards). Each member is a multi-instrumentalist.
Tim Rutili has collaborated with a number of other artists as well. He joined up with Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock and others in 2002 to release the album Sharpen Your Teeth under the band name Ugly Casanova. Some members also toured with Freakwater and served as a backing band to record the album Thinking of You in 2005. In 2006, Tim Rutili teamed up with Wil Hendricks and Michael Krassner under the name The Unseen Hand to record the soundtrack for Rank, a documentary about bullriding. In the same year Califone worked with animator/musician Brent Green on a series of performance art pieces featuring animation, live music, and spoken word. They are also featured on the soundtrack for the movie Stranger than Fiction.
Better Angels
Califone Lyrics
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The lyrics of Califone's "Better Angels" are poetic and metaphorical, and can be interpreted in different ways. The song seems to be exploring themes of violence, pain, memory, and hope. The first lines mention William, who hovers like a predator with bear trap teeth, suggesting a threat or danger. The image of tender necks on tender knives evokes vulnerability and potential harm. Cindy is described as prone and hanging, soaking her dress in a long convulsion, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for distress or trauma. The unremembering nest on winter bears on broken trees that we can last suggests a sense of survival instinct, and perhaps the idea that we can endure despite adversity or in hostile environments, even if it means resorting to primal instincts (eating each other).
The second verse introduces some contrasting images, such as the arrival of spring and the shedding of wives by William. The line about wrists for pulses could suggest a sacrifice or self-harm, and the idea of seeding the clouds could be interpreted as an attempt to bring rain or fertility. The mention of cold logic and hot tears suggests a contrast between reason and emotion, which perhaps reflects the tension in relationships or inner struggles. The better angels are mentioned as drunk and slow, possibly suggesting a loss of restraint or guidance. The line about being sung to sleep in kitchen Spanish adds a layer of cultural and intimate references, as well as a surreal touch. The final lines about mercy and healing suggest a call for change and transformation, and a desire for peace and comfort.
Overall, "Better Angels" is a complex and evocative song that invites multiple readings and emotional responses. Its imagery and language are rich and open-ended, allowing for personal interpretations and connections.
Line by Line Meaning
william hovers bear trap teeth
William is lurking around with his mouth wide open, ready to attack like a bear trap.
tender necks on tender knives
He is looking to prey on those who are vulnerable and susceptible to harm.
cindy prone hung by heat
Cindy is exhausted and vulnerable, hanging by a thread in a heated situation.
soaks her dress in a long convulsion
She is having a physical and emotional breakdown, uncontrollably soaking her dress with sweat or tears.
unremembering nest on winter bears on broken trees that we can last (eat each other)
We are in a harsh and unforgiving environment, where survival depends on our willingness to turn on each other and become predators.
orbits crack spring comes late
Everything is falling apart and out of sync, with chaos and destruction on the horizon.
william sheds another wife
William is leaving behind his latest victim, as he has done before with his previous wives.
wrists for pulses seed the clouds
William's violence has led to bloodshed, tears, and a sense of impending doom.
quiet as the first snow cold logic
The situation is eerily calm and calculating, with a sense of detachment from emotions and morality.
now her hot tears make me erect
Even in the face of someone's pain and suffering, William is aroused and finds pleasure in their distress.
the shred of hope that we could last
Despite the bleak circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope that we might persevere and survive.
vexations gathering to re-assemble our impasse
Problems and obstacles are piling up and threatening to overwhelm us, with little hope of resolution or reconciliation.
better angels drunk and slow
Our better instincts and moral compass are impaired, leaving us vulnerable to making poor decisions and acting recklessly.
sung to sleep in kitchen spanish
We are lulled into a false sense of security, distracted and numbed by the sounds and sensations of everyday life (such as music or cooking).
unremembering nest on winter bears on broken trees that we can last (eat each other)
Once again, we are reminded of the brutal reality of our situation, and the harsh choices we may need to make in order to survive.
better angels of our nature mercy mercy let this change take
We are pleading for mercy and hoping that our better instincts will prevail, leading to positive change and a path towards redemption.
winter bears dream kitchen spanish mercy mercy let this healing take
Amidst the chaos and destruction, we hold onto a vision of a peaceful and healing future, where our better angels can guide us towards a better world.
Contributed by Blake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jimmyjazz2885
All this brain and body really needs to keep grounded.
@alancornelius1ghf
Good.
@clumsiii
In a world,
where songwriters are hunted for their pelts,
one man
goes into the dark web to like a video. Changing the fate of a hunted singer. Will they survive? Gotta wait til season 3 bish