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.
Car Wash
Elastica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Translated just for you we introduce the latest conveyer belt
Best equipment as you can see with promises to
Delete all work strain no gain fact and vacuum your interior
It's hard luck, no short cuts
It's hard luck, no short cuts
It's just examples you know i'm curious
It's hard luck - no short cuts
The lyrics of Elastica's song "Car Wash" touch on the themes of capitalism, materialism and the culture of instant gratification. The opening lines, "The five star short cut is the way to boost/Translated just for you we introduce the latest conveyor belt" sets up the theme of shortcuts and the promise of quick and easy solutions. The song highlights the modern-day desire for instant solutions and the allure of technology and consumerism.
The chorus line, "It's hard luck, no short cuts" serves as a stark reminder that sometimes there is no easy way out, no instant solutions to problems. The idea is that sometimes, we need to acknowledge the inevitability of hard work and persistence, and not give in to the temptation of instant gratification or easy answers. The line "Can't say no to the good thing then that's just expected" suggests that modern society is conditioned to seek out immediate pleasure and gratification in all aspects, even if it means compromising on quality or effort.
Overall, the song critiques a culture that prioritizes material gain, quick results, and the use of shortcuts to achieve these goals, rather than valuing diligent work, dedication and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
The five star short cut is the way to boost (to start)
We offer a superior, quick way to get things going and improve your situation
Translated just for you we introduce the latest conveyer belt
We have a state-of-the-art system that we offer, specifically tailored for your needs
Best equipment as you can see with promises to Delete all work strain no gain fact and vacuum your interior
Our equipment is top-of-the-line and will take away all of your stress and strain, while also making sure your car looks great
It's hard luck, no short cuts
There's no easy way out or quick fix for life's problems
It's just examples you know i'm curious
I'm just curious and want to use examples to explain things more clearly
Can't say no to the good thing then that's just expected
When something good comes along, it's natural to want to take advantage of it
It's hard luck - no short cuts
Once again, life is tough and there are no easy fixes
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONNA LORRAINE MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gonsalo7 Paniagua
Não conhecia essa faixa ....muito boa aliás o cd single todo!
Seederman
One of my favorite sub-90-second songs ever...
I am Peculiar, Satsuma
Love this tune
Nain Barría
Donna on lead vocals