Their first single was 1993's "Stutter", which was a word-of-mouth hit largely due to the promotional efforts of Radio 1 DJ and Deceptive Records label boss Steve Lamacq. In spite of a period of relative quiet, Elastica's fame grew throughout 1994 as Frischmann's relationship with Blur's Damon Albarn made tabloid headlines. Elastica's first LP, Elastica, entered the charts at #1.
Further UK chart hit singles followed: "Connection" and "Waking Up". In 1995 there was a lawsuit from Wire claiming that many of the band's melodies were taken from Wire compositions. Notably, Wire's "I Am the Fly" has a chorus similar to Elastica's "Line Up", and the intro of "Connection" is nearly identical to Wire's "Three Girl Rhumba". Indeed the band had originally intended to sample the intro of the song directly. The Stranglers also passed comment that Elastica's "Waking Up" bore a marked resemblance to their song "No More Heroes". The band did not deny these accusations and were not ashamed by these similarities, stating that all pop bands have borrowed ideas and all music was eventually recycled.
Elastica were able to garner better American sales than other Britpop bands, replacing Sinéad O'Connor on Lollapalooza in 1995. "Connection" and "Stutter" were huge airplay favorites on modern rock radio in the United States and also both charted Pop. Among their extensive tour schedule the band performed at Glastonbury in 1995, where their set was interrupted by a streaker, a George Best look-alike, who would briefly join the band as a keyboard player in 1997.
After extensive touring, the band began to experience personnel problems. In 1997, bassist Annie Holland left the band, citing repetitive strain injury following excessive touring as her reason for departure. In 1999 Donna Matthews left the band. There were several line up changes and keyboard players. Various supporting musicians came and went. Their second album was much delayed after several years of recording. There were worrying rumours of entire albums being scrapped and band tensions due to the perfectionism of Frischmann. The "lost years" of the band were often compared to the Stone Roses recording their Second Coming album.
A quickly recorded lo-fi self-titled EP was released in 1999, and the follow-up LP, The Menace, was finally released in 2000 to moderate sales. A less focused effort than their debut, the album nonetheless contained some interesting moments and more electronic songs than before. One of the high points was "How He Wrote Elastica Man" featuring Mark E. Smith (of The Fall) on vocals, and a cover of Trio's 1982 hit "Da Da Da". A new line up was revealed with two keyboard players replacing Matthews for tour dates.
The band made their long-awaited UK comeback at the Reading Festival in 1999, where they headlined the Radio 1 stage. A largely successful UK tour followed in 2000 to support the release of The Menace, although their festival appearances that year were marred by illness. The band released a final single "The Bitch Don't Work" on limited edition 7" and announced their break-up in September 2001.
Elastica's song "Connection" was used in May 2004 in Garnier television commercials, and was also used as the theme of Trigger Happy TV.
2:1
Elastica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In circumstances
Is impossible
Cannot describe
So many decisions
It's impossible
To know which is
The proper order
To be in
Take advantage
Or so it seems
The way it goes.
It's tragic, Sandman comes
Laid down on your side, two to one
Too easy, in the dark
You know that, you know, dark reflections
You're soaking wet, in my head
You talk too much, in my bed
It's not necessary, again
Before the ice melts, sandman goes
I just want to say, two in tow
This racket's yours, wet and dumb
Don't ask for more, three's the number
'Cause somewhere along the line, coming down
Coming round again
I've forgotten already
The lyrics to Elastica's song, 2:1, depict the struggles of decision making and trying to maintain a brave face in tough circumstances. The first stanza suggests that there are many decisions to be made, but it's impossible to determine which one is the best. The second stanza paints a picture of some sort of tragedy occurring, where the Sandman (representing death) comes, and someone is left helpless at a two to one disadvantage. The lyrics then shift to a more intimate setting, where there is conversation happening in bed, but it's too much and unnecessary. The third stanza ends with a sense of forgetfulness, as if the previous events have been blocked out and forgotten.
One interesting fact about this song is that it was originally a b-side track to Elastica's hit single, "Connection". Another fact is that the title, "2:1", refers to a UK university degree classification, where a second-class honors, first division degree (2:1) is considered a very good grade. The line "too easy, in the dark" has been interpreted by fans as a reference to the band's previous hit song, "Connection," which contains the lyrics, "I don't know what it is that I'm feeling / But I'm feeling it a lot, babe." Elastica has been accused of plagiarizing the riff from the song "Three Girl Rhumba" by fellow British band, Wire, but a settlement was reached out of court.
The chords for the song are as follows:
Intro: G, Bb, F, C
Verses: A, G, C, D
Chorus: G, F, C, D
Overall, "2:1" is a complex song with intriguing lyrics that can be interpreted in many ways. Its catchy melody and up-tempo beat make it a memorable addition to Elastica's discography.
Line by Line Meaning
Keeping a brave face
Trying to hide your emotions from others
In circumstances
During a particular situation or context
Is impossible
Cannot be done
Cannot describe
Difficult to explain
So many decisions
Numerous choices
It's impossible
Cannot be done
To know which is
Figuring out what option is best
The proper order
The right sequence of events
The best position
Most beneficial situation
To be in
To find oneself
Take advantage
Utilize a positive opportunity
Or so it seems
Maybe it's not actually true
The way it goes.
That's just how things happen
It's tragic, Sandman comes
An unfortunate event is happening
Laid down on your side, two to one
Two people in bed together
Too easy, in the dark
Something is being done effortlessly and in secret
You know that, you know, dark reflections
Realizing the negative consequences of one's actions
You're soaking wet, in my head
Intense thoughts and emotions are affecting the person
You talk too much, in my bed
Over-analyzing the situation
It's not necessary, again
Not required to say/do something
Before the ice melts, sandman goes
An opportunity or chance is fleeting
I just want to say, two in tow
Wanting someone to be with
This racket's yours, wet and dumb
The singer is unhappy with the other's behavior
Don't ask for more, three's the number
Accepting the current situation and not wanting any changes
'Cause somewhere along the line, coming down
At some point in the past, things changed
Coming round again
Things are returning to how they were before
I've forgotten already
The singer has moved on or is not dwelling on the past
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONNA LORRAINE MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leaabril5370
Keeping a brave face
In circumstances
Is impossible
Cannot describe
So many decisions
It's impossible
To know which is
The proper order
The best position
To be in
Take advantage
Or so it seems
The way it goes.
It's tragic / Sandman comes
Laid down on your side / Two to one
Too easy / In the dark
You know that, you know / Dark reflections
You're soaking wet / In my head
You talk too much / In my bed
It's not necessary / Again
Before the ice melts / Sandman goes
I just want to say / Two in tow
This racket's yours / Wet and dumb
Don't ask for more / Three's the number
'Cause somewhere along the line / Coming down
Coming round again
I've forgotten already
@NEWCASTLE.UNITED.
Trainspotting , best soundtrack to a film ever
@celineparis6350
Yeah ❤️❤️❤️
@lungtoktenzin3787
+1 bro!))
@user-nf3zh8mt3r
Craft
@davidkendrick2893
I discovered this in the 90's when I was in my 40's.30 years later I still love it.
@swannproust9287
This is my best song in my life. When I was 29, (now I'm 50) I drove across America. I listened to this song all way long with my cigar thinking of my life. Keeping a brave face is very difficult to me. But you gave me a courage. I love you Elastica. Why don't make a music video for your precious song?
@vinzelrato
Sick Boy & Begbie hidden in a top-cupboard : YAAAAAAAA !!!
@PatanaGore
Excelente tema y banda.. Y plan Z, que recuerdos!!
@user-fd3sl9cm5e
PatanaGore
@exelm.l.4841
Comunista!!! Jaja broma