Signing to Caroline Records (home to The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole), but with their records released on Hut in the UK, Drop Nineteens immediately garnered college radio airplay in the US with their 1992 debut album, Delaware. Formed by Greg Ackell (vocals, guitar), Steve Zimmerman (bass), Chris Roof (drums), Motohiro Yasue (guitar), and Paula Kelley (vocals, guitar), the band made three music videos that were prominently played on MTV. They also topped the UK's Indie Album & Singles charts with early releases, toured on the success of their first album, headlined/co-headlined and opened tours in England, Europe, and North America, recorded BBC radio sessions for John Peel and Mark Goodier, and played summer music festivals like England's Reading Festival and North America's Lollapalooza.
Due to artistic differences, several member changes occurred between the first and second full length releases. Kelley, Roof, and Yasue went on to pursue other interests, and Megan Gilbert (vocals, guitar), Pete Koeplin (drums, now drummer for the band Kahoots) and Justin Crosby (guitar) were added to the lineup in 1993. Shortly thereafter, Drop Nineteens released their second full-length album, National Coma, but after a disappointing reaction to this record and various artistic differences the band broke up in 1995.
Beyond Drop Nineteens, Ackell and Koeplin recorded an album under the band name Fidel in the late nineties, which was never formally released. Kelley went on to lead Hot Rod, Boy Wonder, and is currently a solo artist with the Paula Kelley Orchestra. Rumors of a third Drop Nineteens album have circulated over the past decade, but no release date has ever been announced.
On January 18, 2022, Ackell posted to the band's Twitter, announcing that the original lineup of the band would be reuniting and that they were working on new material. Since then, a new album, "Hard Light," has been announced for 2023, as well as "1991," a re-mastering of early unreleased material.
Discography
Mayfield (1991, unreleased)
Delaware (1992, Plan 9/ Caroline/ Hut)
"Winona" single (1992, Caroline/ Hut/ Virgin)
Your Aquarium CD/10" EP (1992, Plan 9/ Caroline/ Hut)
National Coma (1993, Caroline/ Hut/ Virgin)
Limp 7"/ 12" EP (1993, Hut/ Virgin)/(1994, Caroline)
Ease It Halen
Drop Nineteens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spanish flag, dancing in the street, love walks in, drop dead legs
Source of infection, fifty one fifty, beautiful girls, ice cream man
Dancing the night away,
finish what you started, where have all the good times gone
You really got me, the full bug, feels so good, summer nights
I was born to party, you were born to bring it down
Running with the devil through pain now
Crash on my bed, sixteen
That was the summer
Are you talking about love, happy trails, bottoms up
Why can't this be love, for unlawful carnal knowledge
When it's love, Van Halen 1, Van Halen 2
I was born to party, you were born to bring it down
Running with the devil through pain now
Crash on my bed
That was the summer, be free
You and me
You and me
The lyrics to Drop Nineteens' "Ease It Halen" are a collection of various song titles and snippets from Van Halen's discography. It reads like a tribute to the legendary rock band, with references to several of their most famous songs, such as "Top Jimmy," "Running with the Devil," "You Really Got Me," and more. The lyrics also mention specific album titles, like the debut album Van Halen, Van Halen 2, and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, making it clear that this is a nod to the band's entire oeuvre.
The lyrics seem to capture the exhilarating feeling of being at a Van Halen concert, with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. References to songs like "Dancing in the Street" and "Love Walks In" conjure up images of crowds of people dancing and singing along to their favorite tunes. The line "I was born to party, you were born to bring it down" could be interpreted as a statement of defiance against anyone who doesn't understand the thrill of rock and roll.
Overall, "Ease It Halen" pays homage to one of the most iconic bands in rock history, celebrating their unforgettable music and the influence they've had on countless fans over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Top Jimmy, loss of control, light up the sky, best of both worlds
This line references Van Halen's songs and albums, highlighting their most popular hits and classic guitar riffs.
Spanish flag, dancing in the street, love walks in, drop dead legs
These lyrics showcase the rockstar lifestyle, with references to parties, love interests, and carefree dancing.
Source of infection, fifty one fifty, beautiful girls, ice cream man
This line includes several song titles by Van Halen, touching on themes such as mental health, flirtation, and nostalgia.
Dancing the night away, finish what you started, where have all the good times gone
These lyrics reminisce about the good times and parties of the past, while also suggesting a desire to continue the fun and finish what was started.
You really got me, the full bug, feels so good, summer nights
This line includes several more Van Halen song references, commenting on the pleasures of love, partying, and summer nights.
I was born to party, you were born to bring it down
These lyrics suggest a contrast between the singer's desire for fun and the listener's more pessimistic outlook on life.
Running with the devil through pain now, crash on my bed, sixteen
These lyrics describe reckless behavior and youthful abandon, with references to drugs and alcohol.
That was the summer, be free, you and me, you and me
This line continues the theme of nostalgia for carefree summers past, while also emphasizing the importance of freedom and relationships with others.
Contributed by Michael L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.