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)
I Love Living in the City
Danko Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Made out with your sister, the one I think is pretty
I think you're cool but you're acting kinda silly
Don't want your girl man she's too damn ugly
I went down south, but I left in a minute
You said it was kickin' but you was only shittin'
I love the girls but the girls get crazy
I... love... living... living in the city
I... love... living... living in the city
You got the shakes but I like the way your movin'
You want a lucky break but you need more improvin'
I like the way you coped your stuff from sticky fingers
I'd compliment you but your head keeps getting bigger
I take the side streets to avoid a confrontation
I think I'm out of step like minor threat baby you look me up and down while standing in line
You got a lot of attitude for someone going out of style
I... love... living... living in the city
I... love... living... living in the city
Break
I... love... living... living in the city
I... love... living... living in the city
I... love... living... living in the city
I... love... living... living in the city
The lyrics of Danko Jones’s song “I Love Living in the City” are a statement of rebellion against normal society, as the singer declares his love for the city and its wild lifestyle. The first verse starts off with the singer bragging about his illegal activities, including breaking into a safe and making out with someone’s sister. He then berates the person he’s talking to for being too uptight and not able to enjoy life, while also insulting their girlfriend.
The following verses continue with the singer’s love for living in the city, and how he enjoys the craziness of the girls but finds himself perplexed by their mothers. He criticizes someone for their lack of talent and excess self-importance, and then declares his love for living in the city once more, repeating the phrase several times throughout the song.
Overall, the lyrics of “I Love Living in the City” are an anthem to the joys of living life to the fullest and not being held back by the expectations of society.
Line by Line Meaning
Busted the safe stole the key to the city
I committed a crime and stole something valuable, the key to the city.
Made out with your sister, the one I think is pretty
I kissed and maybe did more with your sister, who I find attractive.
I think you're cool but you're acting kinda silly
I like you as a person, but your behavior is foolish.
Don't want your girl man she's too damn ugly
You can keep your unattractive girlfriend, I'm not interested.
I went down south, but I left in a minute
I briefly visited the southern part of the city, but didn't stay long.
You said it was kickin' but you was only shittin'
You claimed that something was exciting or enjoyable, but you were lying or mistaken.
I love the girls but the girls get crazy
I enjoy being around women, but they can be unpredictable and wild.
I always wonder why but then I meet the mommy
I often question the actions of others, until I meet their mother and understand their upbringing.
I... love... living... living in the city
I really enjoy and feel alive in the city.
You got the shakes but I like the way your movin'
You seem nervous or scared, but I appreciate your dance moves.
You want a lucky break but you need more improvin'
You hope for good fortune but you should work on improving yourself instead.
I like the way you coped your stuff from sticky fingers
I admire how you stole something without getting caught.
I'd compliment you but your head keeps getting bigger
I would give you a compliment, but your ego is becoming inflated.
I take the side streets to avoid a confrontation
I choose to walk on less busy roads to prevent any conflicts.
I think I'm out of step like minor threat baby you look me up and down while standing in line
I feel out of place, like the band Minor Threat. You're scanning me up and down while we wait in line.
You got a lot of attitude for someone going out of style
You act like you're better than others, but you're not as popular or relevant anymore.
Break
This is a musical interlude.
I... love... living... living in the city
I really enjoy and feel alive in the city.
I... love... living... living in the city
I really enjoy and feel alive in the city.
I... love... living... living in the city
I really enjoy and feel alive in the city.
I... love... living... living in the city
I really enjoy and feel alive in the city.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
j. voidlaender
man.. i bought this album 5 years ago and still love it to death.
Caveman Joe
Dude this album is still in heavy rotation and I bought the CD when it came out
guitardudemick
man i love this song! its easy 2 play on the guitar too, so i might cover it with my band!
EricEden
Every time I watch Danko, his stuff just keeps on getting better.
xlide31
so what about today !!
Diego Pacheco
hope they will come to europe on tour soon. can´t wait any longer to hear these crazy guys in berlin in the arena in treptow.
PKking
It's a dude with a pretty consistent band. Lots of great hits on their first couple of albums... The most recent one is a bit different but still good. He definetly knows how to pump up a crowd though :D
attaoui52
j'adore le hard rock çà donne bcp d'énergie et remonte le moral.
Erik
a proper rock n roll band !
Olli A.
A very very great Rockn Roll Band Regards all over the world