Formed in 1996, they played consistently for two years in and around the north-eastern United States and Canada, opening for The New Bomb Turks, Nashville Pussy, Blonde Redhead, The Make-Up, The Dirtbombs, The Chrome Cranks and The Demolition Doll Rods. Originally they did not even want to release an album opting to have the band's live reputation spread via word of mouth.
Eventually, the trio relented and put out a self-titled six song e.p. on Sonic Unyon records in 1998. In 1999 they released the self-produced My Love Is Bold E.P. and achieved national exposure with the single "Bounce". They were nominated for a Juno Award in 2000 for Best Alternative Album.
In 2001 Bad Taste Records released a compilation of the band's early recordings, demos, and b-sides entitled, I'm Alive and On Fire. A 5 week European tour followed to promote the release including shows at the Roskilde festival in Denmark and Hultsfred festival in Sweden. By the end of the year they had returned 2 more times, most notably as main support for the Backyard Babies.
2002: Born A Lion
In 2002 they released their first full-length album, Born A Lion, produced by Bill Bell, on Bad Taste Records in Europe and on Universal in Canada. The band did several European tours and two Canadian tours to promote the record including an unprecedented repeat performance at Roskilde and the now legendary return to Hultsfred as well as notable stops to Pukkelpop in Belgium and The Lowlands festival in the Netherlands. They also managed to grab the opening slot with The Rolling Stones on their "40 Licks" World tour kick-off show at the Palais Royale in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 16, 2002.
2003: We Sweat Blood
2003 saw the release of We Sweat Blood, produced by Matt DeMatteo, and the group taking a heavier approach to their hard-rock sound. More touring followed that included Europe and Japan. They were also nominated for two Junos: Best Rock Album (Born a Lion) and Best video (Lovercall).
While success was happening abroad, home relations with Universal Canada had soured and the band was dropped mid-album run. Explanations from the label were vague, but speculations point to Jones' February 2004 appearance on CBC Sunday where Jones appeared as a pro-downloader opposite then CRIA president, Brian Robertson. Getting dropped from Universal Canada did little to stop the group as they continued to tour heavily for the rest of the year well into 2004 with bands like Turbonegro, Sepultura and The Bronx. While touring they managed to pick up another Juno nomination for Best Rock Album (We Sweat Blood) and tour Australia as well as more European dates including Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park in Germany and Download, Leeds and Reading in England.
2005-2006: Sleep Is The Enemy
Early 2005 was taken up by recording the follow-up to We Sweat Blood, but not without a series of tours amidst recording that brought the band to the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa. In April, American label, Razor & Tie released We Sweat Blood and the band set out to America in support as well.[6] Working two releases simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic proved quite hard and the worldwide release for the upcoming album, Sleep Is The Enemy, produced by Matt DeMatteo, was pushed back to 2006.
During the summer and fall of 2005 the band toured America heavily with two of We Sweat Blood's singles being second most added to active rock radio in America ("Lovercall" and "Forget My Name"). Stateside tours with Flogging Molly, Our Lady Peace, The Supersuckers, and The (International) Noise Conspiracy followed. Prior to the release of Sleep Is The Enemy drummer Damon Richardson left the band, citing fatigue as a reason for leaving. He was replaced by Dan Cornelius.
In January and February 2006, under new Canadian label, Aquarius Records, the band set out to do their first Canadian tour in almost 4 years opening up for Nickelback, With the release of Sleep Is The Enemy came more touring including America and a headlining European club tour with support from Brant Bjork & The Bros.
The summer saw them perform at Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park, With Full Force and Wacken Open Air in Germany; Hellfest and Furiafest in France, Metaltown in Sweden, Pinkpop and Lowlands in The Netherlands, Tuska Festival, Ruisrock and Ankkarock in Finland, Gampel in Switzerland and Wireless in the UK among at least a dozen more. In October 2006, a 2 week tour of Norway saw the band play with ex-Kyuss front-man, John Garcia who appeared on the song "Invisible" off Sleep Is The Enemy.
2008: Never Too Loud
Their fourth album, Never Too Loud was released on February 27, 2008[9] and produced by Nick Raskulinecz. The album yielded three singles, "Code Of The Road" followed by "Take Me Home" and "King Of Magazines". A major city tour of Europe in April 2008 was followed by a Canadian tour in May and a three month stint in Europe playing almost 30 dates on the festival circuit that included Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park and With Full Force in Germany; Bospop and Lowlands in The Netherlands; Sziget Festival in Hungary; Rabarock in Estonia; Provinssi Rock in Finland; and Eurockeennes and Hellfest in France, where Jones got to sing on stage with one of his favorite bands, Death Angel for the song, "Bored". In the fall/winter of 2008 Danko Jones toured England, Germany, France and Benelux opening for Motörhead.
2009: B-Sides
On February 3, 2009 B-Sides was released in Europe only - a collection of previously released b-sides from European singles and unreleased tracks that spanned 1996 to 2008. On February 24 they commenced a 7 week tour in support of the release that spanned The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France and the UK with support coming from The Backyard Babies, Winnebego Deal and The Black Spiders. The CD yielded the singles "Sugar High" and "My Problems (Are Your Problems Now)". A greatest hits compilation titled This Is Danko Jones was released on April 7 the same year in Canada only.
In the summer the band managed a few festival appearances, most notably, the Sziget Festival in Hungary on the main stage with Faith No More and The Offspring, as well as Huntenpop in The Netherlands, Wintherthur and Gampel Open Air in Switzerland, Parken Festival in Norway and Jurassic Rock in Finland. In January and February 2010 the band toured across Canada with Guns N' Roses and Sebastian Bach. In March the same year they toured the United States with Clutch.
2010: Below the Belt
Their fifth album Below the Belt was released on May 11, 2010 and produced by Matt DeMatteo. The album's first single, "Full of Regret", features Elijah Wood, Lemmy Kilmister, Selma Blair and Mike Watt in the accompanying video. It debuted at #36 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks in November. It is also featured on EA's NHL 11 soundtrack. The second single, "Had Enough", has Ralph Macchio appearing in the accompanying video.
On June 8, 2011 Danko Jones announced on the band's website that drummer Dan Cornelius was no longer with the band. In the same statement Danko Jones said Atom Willard had joined as a replacement. In a March 2012 question-and-answer session with fans on Twitter Danko Jones said: "Dan's time with the band had run its course but it was completely mutual from both sides. An amicable split."
2012: New Album
In early 2012 Danko Jones revealed the band was working on a new album, posting footage of the writing process on the band's YouTube channel. Jones said the album was likely to be out in the European fall (autumn). He added a book and DVD about the band's history would also be released in 2012.
Albums
Born a Lion (2002) (Bad Taste Records / Universal Canada)
We Sweat Blood (2003) (Bad Taste Records / Razor & Tie)
Sleep Is the Enemy (2006) (Bad Taste Records | Aquarius Records)
Never Too Loud (2008) (Bad Taste Records / Aquarius Records)
Below the Belt (2010) (Bad Taste Records / Aquarius Records)
EPs and Others
Sugar Chocolate 7" (1998) (Sonic Unyon)
Danko Jones EP (1998) (Sonic Unyon)
My Love Is Bold (1999) (Sound King / Outside Music)
I'm Alive and on Fire (2001) (Bad Taste Records)
Ritual of the Savage 10" (split with Gluecifer & Peter Pan Speedrock) (2003) (Drunken Maria / Suburban)
B-Sides (2009) (Bad Taste Records)
This Is Danko Jones (2009) (Canadian-only greatest hits release) (Emd Int'l Records)
Having Fun on Stage with Danko Jones 7 (2009) (Yeah Right! Records)
Mouth to Mouth (2011) (digital-only release)
Bring On the Mountain (2012) (DVD)
First Date
Danko Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you walk in, you suck my circuitry
Back it up, with attitude
When people sweat it out, you always play it cool
I think I know you, I'm gonna bet
That you like Superchunk, and Joan Jett
Get your quick fix, in my car
You got a sweet tooth and I'm your chocolate bar
And it goes on and on and on and on
On and on and on
And I say
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
'Cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do
New York doll, on the catwalk
I like the play it discreet, you only wanna shock
Spray paint your tight jeans on
And cruise yourself, it don't feel wrong
So take a chance, give me a shot
You think I'm bluffing?
I think I'm not
Get on your high heels, give me a heart attack
I got a question for your sweet ass
And it goes on and on and on and on
On and on and on
And I say
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
'Cause I do, do you too?
Wanna do it with you
If you do would you do what I do?
Woo-hoo
Well, hello baby, you look so hot tonight
Can I hold your hand?
Thank you
Now this is what we're gonna do on our date today
We're gonna do all the things the other couples like to do
We're gonna go to a movie, we're gonna have some dinner, take a walk
Look at the moonlight
Anything you want
But baby, I got a question
Do you kiss on the first date?
Hey, let's do it on the first date
Hey, what do you do on the first date?
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
'Cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do
The song "First Date" by Danko Jones talks about the excitement and anticipation of a first date with someone who is attractive and has an attitude. The singer feels an intense connection to their date when they first meet, describing the encounter as electric and mentioning the analogy of sucking his circuitry. He admires the coolness and confidence of his date, even in high-pressure scenarios where others would sweat. He assumes that they share a love for music and asks if they would be willing to kiss on the first date. The lyrics have a playful and flirtatious tone, with the singer trying to impress his date and create a memorable experience.
The song aims to capture the excitement and eagerness that people have when they go on a first date with someone they are attracted to. It talks about the desire to make an impression and how small gestures like holding hands or sharing interests can create a bond. The singer wants to have a good time with his date and perhaps take things further. However, it is left vague as to whether the date is successful or not, leaving it up to the listener's imagination.
Line by Line Meaning
First date, electricity
The excitement of a first date is electric and full of energy.
When you walk in, you suck my circuitry
The person's attractive presence draws the singer in completely.
Back it up, with attitude
The person exudes confidence and style.
When people sweat it out, you always play it cool
The person remains unflappable and cool, even in stressful or awkward situations.
I think I know you, I'm gonna bet that you like Superchunk, and Joan Jett
The artist thinks he understands the person's taste in music and is interested in finding out if his assumption is true.
Get your quick fix, in my car
The car provides a getaway for the couple to have some alone time and possibly engage in intimacy.
You got a sweet tooth and I'm your chocolate bar
The singer is offering himself as something irresistible to the person, like a piece of candy.
And it goes on and on and on and on, On and on and on
The excitement, anticipation, and nervousness of the first date continues to build.
Hey, do you kiss on the first date?
The artist is curious about the person's stance on first-date intimacy.
'Cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do, 'cause I do
The artist is revealing his own interest in first-date kissing and potentially more.
New York doll, on the catwalk
The person is fashionable and stylish, resembling a fashionable model from New York.
I like to play it discreet, you only wanna shock
The artist prefers a more subtle approach to life, while the person is more inclined to be provocative or attention-grabbing.
Spray paint your tight jeans on, And cruise yourself, it don't feel wrong
The person is confident and comfortable expressing themselves through their fashion choices, even if it may be unconventional.
So take a chance, give me a shot
The singer is asking the person to take a risk and go on a date with him.
You think I'm bluffing? I think I'm not
The singer is serious about his interest and intentions with the person and not just playing games.
Get on your high heels, give me a heart attack
The person's beauty, confidence, and poise are overwhelming to the artist.
I got a question for your sweet ass
The artist has a playful and slightly suggestive question for the person.
Do you kiss on the first date?
The singer is asking about the person's stance on first-date intimacy yet again.
Wanna do it with you, If you do would you do what I do? Woo-hoo
The singer is expressing his desire to engage in physical intimacy with the person and is asking if the feeling is mutual.
Well, hello baby, you look so hot tonight, Can I hold your hand? Thank you
The artist is impressed by the person's beauty and asks for permission to hold their hand.
Now this is what we're gonna do on our date today, We're gonna do all the things the other couples like to do, We're gonna go to a movie, we're gonna have some dinner, take a walk, Look at the moonlight, Anything you want
The artist is planning a romantic and clichéd first date, offering to do whatever the person would like.
Hey, let's do it on the first date, Hey, what do you do on the first date?
The artist is continuing to express his interest in first-date intimacy and is curious about the person's past experiences with it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: John Louis Christopher Calabrese, Rishi James Ganjoo, John Damon Richardson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind