Since its formation in 1991, the band line-up has included Neil Fallon (vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Tim Sult (lead guitar, backing vocals), Dan Maines (bass, backing vocals) and Jean-Paul Gaster (drums and percussion). To date, Clutch has released thirteen studio albums, and several rarities and live albums. Since 2008 the band have been signed to their own record label, Weathermaker.
Clutch (originally called “Glut Trip” and stemmed from “Moral Minority”) was formed in 1991 by Dan Maines (bass), Jean-Paul Gaster (drums), Tim Sult (guitar), and Roger Smalls (vocals) in Germantown, Maryland. Smalls soon departed and was replaced by Neil Fallon, a longtime schoolmate of the other members at Seneca Valley High School. The band quickly gained notice through constant touring. The 12" single “Passive Restraints” on the Earache label was Clutch’s first commercial release, garnering attention from other labels. Their debut LP, Transnational Speedway League, was released in 1993. It was followed by a self-titled album two years later that gained Clutch mainstream exposure. The band moved to the larger Columbia label for the 1998 album The Elephant Riders. They followed it in 1999 with a self-released groove-based album Jam Room.
On April 28, 2009 Clutch released Slow Hole to China, a collection of unreleased tracks.
On June 10, 2012, the band released a new single, “Pigtown Blues”, on iTunes, backed with an acoustic version of “Motherless Child” from Strange Cousins from the West.
On March 16, 2013 Clutch released their tenth album Earth Rocker which entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #15 giving Clutch their highest chart position to date. It would remain on the chart for a total of 5 weeks. The album also reached #4 on iTunes’ overall Top 100 album charts and was #1 in their rock chart. Earthrocker won “Album of the Year” 2013 from British publication Metalhammer, and was rated highly on many rock/metal magazines’ and websites’ end-of-the-year “Top Tens”.
In an interview on January 7, 2015 with music and entertainment company 88 Miles West, Fallon stated that the band was heading to Dripping Springs, Texas, to record their upcoming eleventh album. Fallon states the venture to Texas was due to the relocation of record producer Machine, with whom they worked on Blast Tyrant and Earth Rocker, and who recently opened a new studio there. He stated in the interview that “Septemberish, give or take a couple of months” is when they hope to release the new album.
Their eleventh studio album is titled Psychic Warfare, and was released October 2, 2015. Fallon said the concept is influenced by science fiction author Philip K. Dick. “His general philosophy and questions have always crept into my lyrics, because I share an interest in it,” he adds. “On Earth Rocker, ‘Crucial Velocity’ was definitely a Philip Dick song for me. On this record, ‘X-Ray Visions’ certainly is.”. Gaster described the new material as more diverse than ever.
In April 2018, Neil Fallon announced through the radio station The Eagle Rocks that the band's twelfth studio album would be titled Book of Bad Decisions. The album will be released on September 7, 2018. The album was recorded at Sputnik Sound Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with producer and engineer Vance Powell.
On November 13, 2020 Released The Weathermaker Studios Vol. 1. A collection of re-recorded hits and 4 unreleased covers and songs.
On September 16,2022 Clutch released their 13th Studio album: Sunrise on Slaughter Beach.
Between 2004-2018 Clutch created seven straight top 10 releases on Billboard’s Independent Album Chart.
Neil Fallon – vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, keyboards, percussion
Tim Sult – lead guitar
Dan Maines – bass guitar
Jean-Paul Gaster – drums, percussion
Power Player
Clutch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Any prior knowledge shape or kind.
You don?t know nothing about a Russian hooker.
Some bloke broke in and straight up took her.
Western European journalists, devious little monkeys,
They?re bloody relentless.
Call the consulate, and burn the evidence,
Don?t speak another word, just burn the evidence.
I don?t care about the altitude, I just want another drink.
Get your hands off me, you don?t know who I am.
I?m a power player, I?m a power player.
Get your hands off me, you don?t know who I am.
I?m a power player, I?m a power player.
You can always tell the terrorist by his cologne and the watch on his wrist.
It says I?m the type of man that can kick off anywhere, kick off anywhere.
I?m not giving you attitude, I just want another drink.
I don?t care about the altitude, I just want another drink.
Movers, shakers, money makers, deal breakers, and dogs,
In this game you?ve got to lose a couple of your pawns.
I?m not giving you attitude, I just want another drink.
I don?t care about the altitude, I just want another drink.
Movers, shakers, money makers, deal breakers, and dogs,
In this game you?ve got to lose a couple of your pawns.
The lyrics to Clutch's "Power Player" present a character in denial and on the defensive, reacting to accusations of wrongdoing. The first line, "Diplomatically, emphatically deny any prior knowledge shape or kind," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is trying to distance themselves from any potential legal or moral transgressions, denying knowledge of a "Russian hooker" who was supposedly taken by force. The singer also accuses Western European journalists of being "devious little monkeys" who won't give up pursuit of a story.
The chorus, "I'm not giving you attitude, I just want another drink," repeats multiple times throughout the song. This line ties in with the song's title, "Power Player." The singer presents themselves as a powerful and influential figure, but also someone who wants to indulge in vices and pleasures without question. The line "I don't care about the altitude, I just want another drink," can be interpreted to mean the singer's desire to continue to climb the social or corporate ladder, regardless of any potential consequences or criticism.
Overall, the lyrics to "Power Player" provide a glimpse into the mindset of someone who is willing to use their power and influence to protect themselves, while also indulging in reckless behavior. It presents a commentary on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the use of power for personal gain.
Line by Line Meaning
Diplomatically, emphatically deny
State with assurance and clarity that you have no association or knowledge of the events being discussed.
Any prior knowledge shape or kind.
Emphasize that you have no familiarity or information regarding the issue at hand.
You don?t know nothing about a Russian hooker.
Affirm that you have no information or involvement with a female Russian sex worker.
Some bloke broke in and straight up took her.
Explain that an individual unlawfully entered and abducted the Russian sex worker.
Western European journalists, devious little monkeys,
Describe journalists based in Western Europe as sneaky and untrustworthy individuals.
They?re bloody relentless.
Assert that these journalists are determined and persistent in their investigative efforts.
Call the consulate, and burn the evidence,
Advise to contact the embassy and destroy any incriminating items or documents.
Don?t speak another word, just burn the evidence.
Instruct not to disclose any further details and proceed to destroy any evidence immediately.
I?m not giving you attitude, I just want another drink.
Clarify that you are not displaying a negative attitude, but only requesting another beverage.
I don?t care about the altitude, I just want another drink.
Reiterate that you are not preoccupied with the altitude or elevation, but are simply desiring another drink.
Get your hands off me, you don?t know who I am.
Demand that your personal space be respected and acknowledge that your identity is not known.
I?m a power player, I?m a power player.
Declare that you hold a position of influence and control.
You can always tell the terrorist by his cologne and the watch on his wrist.
Suggest that a person can be identified as a terrorist based on their fragrance and watch.
It says I?m the type of man that can kick off anywhere, kick off anywhere.
Imply that the watch signifies the individual's tendency to start trouble anywhere they go.
Movers, shakers, money makers, deal breakers, and dogs,
List various individuals who are influential and powerful players in business and politics.
In this game you?ve got to lose a couple of your pawns.
Explain that in this field, there will be times when minor sacrifices must be made in order to achieve larger goals.
I?m not giving you attitude, I just want another drink.
Reiterate that your request for another drink is not indicative of an attitude problem.
I don?t care about the altitude, I just want another drink.
Emphasize again that you are not preoccupied with the altitude or elevation, but only desiring another drink.
Movers, shakers, money makers, deal breakers, and dogs,
Reiterate the previously listed influential and powerful figures in the field.
In this game you?ve got to lose a couple of your pawns.
Restate that in this industry, there will be times when minor sacrifices must be made to achieve larger goals.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAN MAINES, JEAN-PAUL GASTER, NEIL FALLON, RICHARD TIMOTHY SULT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind