In 2006 Dananananaykroyd released two limited edition 7" singles, "Totally Bone" and "Some Dresses" on Moshi Moshi and Jealous Records respectively. A Japan-only CD EP, collecting both singles, was later released on Kanazawa's Klee/Rallye records. Singer Giles Bailey left the group and was replaced by drummer Calum Gunn while John Baillie Jnr joined the band on drums and additional lead vocals.
Dananananaykroyd released their first EP, Sissy Hits, on London-based Holy Roar Records in June 2008. Shortly after, they introduced ex-Russia drummer Paul Carlin as their new (other) drummer after James Hamilton of Errors left the band. Dananananaykroyd signed to Best Before Records shortly thereafter, and recorded their debut full-length album Hey Everyone! in the US with producer Machine.
The band have toured the UK extensively with bands such as Foals and in 2009 completed a European tour with the Kaiser Chiefs. They played at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2009.
In June 2009, the band announced that bass player Laura Hyde had left, and would be replaced on tour by Ryan McGinness.
In August 2009 during a concert in Sydney, Australia, near the beginning of the band's set, singer John Baillie Junior jumped off stage and broke his arm causing the band to cancel the remainder of their Australian tour, as well as appearances at Pukkelpop and Belladrum festivals. Baillie snapped both bones that run from the wrist to the elbow, shearing a large chunk of bone from his elbow. Emergency surgery was needed in Sydney to fix the injury, leaving four metal screws in his arm permanently. His return show (with Calum and John sharing vocals duties) was Reading Festival only 3 weeks later which the band opened, playing to 10,000+ people on the Radio 1/NME stage. Baillie had said that one day he wanted to return to the venue in Sydney and continue the show from the floor where he fell and from the point in the set where it was cut short. The band were able to do this in July 2011, in which they performed at the Annandale Hotel exactly two years to the date after the accident.
The band announced that they were disbanding on 29th September 2011. Some of the former members of Dananananaykroyd went on to form Alarm Bells. Gunn joined Her Parents, while Baillie took on production duties in pop project Bossy Love.
E Numbers
Dananananaykroyd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of an entire, clutch, of reasonable guys
I flip a coin, seems, the luck has run out
It's 2:40 and the clocks are wrong
Another stain, matched, by the reward
Another work, made, to show off the pose
Another way, stop, and show some respect
I want something that, something that I can't see
Through the prism of stigmatism
With a white lie, the shrinking of its structure
Feed the kids, the E numbers
Feed the kids, the newscasters
Where do our tantrums go
Where do our tantrums go
She seemed to know how twisted is this
My back is ricked, spiked, down to the spine
Lie flat on floors, with vertebrae down
Pitch perfect like a slamming door
But when it comes I'll be prepared
This off course rain jostling down
Blaming the mind, or, anything close
You can't put it on forgetfulness, so
I want something that, something that I can't see
Through the prism of stigmatism
With a white lie, the shrinking of its structure
Feed the kids, the E numbers
Feed the kids, the newscasters
Where do our tantrums go
Where do our tantrums go
Where do our tantrums go
Where do our tantrums go
Zoom out at speeds with sharp intakes of breath
Heads spinning up in the corners
Closer than it even began
I want something that, something that I can't see
Through the prism of stigmatism
With a white lie, the shrinking of its structure
Feed the kids, the E numbers
Feed the kids, the newscasters
Where do our tantrums go
Where do our tantrums go
Where do our tantrums go
Where do our tantrums go
The lyrics of "E Numbers" by Dananananaykroyd seem to be about the frustration that comes when things just don't seem to work out, even when one has put in the effort. The song opens with the mention of a stain and a symbolic wiping of it off. This stain may be symbolic of something that has gone wrong or not gone according to plan. The next stanza talks about another stain that is matched by a reward. This could be a reference to the fact that sometimes one's good work goes unnoticed, while one's errors are always highlighted.
The chorus of the song takes a turn towards commentary on society, with a reference to E numbers being fed to kids. The use of the term "E numbers" is a reference to the additives and preservatives that are present in many processed foods, and which have been linked to health issues in children. The mention of newscasters in the same breath could be an indication of how mass media and advertising play a role in shaping consumer behavior and attitudes towards food.
The final lines of the song repeat a refrain about the whereabouts of our tantrums. This could be interpreted as a call to action to change the status quo, to rage against the things that we perceive as unjust, and to demand better for ourselves and our children.
Line by Line Meaning
Another stain, wipes, over the face
More shame, wiped away, from their faces
Of an entire, clutch, of reasonable guys
From a whole group of seemingly sensible men
I flip a coin, seems, the luck has run out
I take a chance, but it seems I'm out of luck
It's 2:40 and the clocks are wrong
The time is off, it's currently 2:40
Another stain, matched, by the reward
More shame, met with appropriate reward
Another work, made, to show off the pose
More work done just to show off and impress
Another way, stop, and show some respect
A different approach is needed, to stop and show respect
For those trying and abandoning
For those who try and give up
I want something that, something that I can't see
I desire something that is intangible
Through the prism of stigmatism
Through the lens of prejudice and stereotype
With a white lie, the shrinking of its structure
With a small deception, the foundation begins to crumble
Feed the kids, the E numbers
Provide children with harmful additives
Feed the kids, the newscasters
Give into the sensationalism of the news media
Where do our tantrums go
What happens to our outbursts and fits of anger?
She seemed to know how twisted is this
She appeared to understand how warped this is
My back is ricked, spiked, down to the spine
My back is painfully twisted, down to the very spine
Lie flat on floors, with vertebrae down
Lay on the floor with spine pressed against the ground
Pitch perfect like a slamming door
Precisely executed, like the sound of a slamming door
But when it comes I'll be prepared
I'll be ready when the time comes
This off course rain jostling down
This unexpected rain is pouring down heavily
Blaming the mind, or, anything close
Accusing my mind, or anything nearby
You can't put it on forgetfulness, so
Forgetting is not a plausible excuse
Zoom out at speeds with sharp intakes of breath
Rapidly pull back, taking in a deep breath
Heads spinning up in the corners
Minds are racing in every direction
Closer than it even began
Closer than it initially seemed
Contributed by Lily C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sandra1tzel94
amazing <3
@TomPecarski
to me, this is more Dananananaykroyd than Muscle Memory, both amazing songs, just this one is more familiar to me haha
@Cactuar678
I miss the awesome guitar riffage that the first album although both E Numbers and Muscle Memory are still fucking awesome songs! I do hope though that I can expect some sweet riffage on the second album.
@bolesquerda
I can't understand.