1. An alterna… Read Full Bio ↴There are two artists that have used the name Electric Six
1. An alternative rock band from the United States
2. A musical group from South Africa
1. Electric Six is a six-piece Detroit-based rock band consisting of Dick Valentine (vocals), Tait Nucleus? (synthesizers), Johhny Na$hinal (guitar), Da Ve (guitar), Percussion World (drums), and Smorgasboard (bass) who play a mix of rock, funk and disco.
The band's first notorious formation comprised Valentine, Rock and Roll Indian (guitar), Surge Joebot (guitar), Disco (bass, former member of Detroit Cobras), and M (drums). Dick Valentine (real name Tyler Spencer) has always been the primary songwriter (both music and lyrics) of Electric Six, currently and under their former incarnation, when they were known as the Wildbunch. During the band's temporary split at the end of the 1990s, Spencer formed his own band called The Dirty Shame and released one CD entitled Smog Cutter Love Story which featured, among other tracks, a first version of Fire track "Vengeance and Fashion". The band reformed by 2001 to record and release the first release of 'Danger! High Voltage' and record the track 'Dealin' With Death N' Stealin' In The Name Of The Lord' with Troy Gregory for his Sybil album.
Electric Six fuses rock and punk with the laid-back funky rhythms and falsetto vocals of disco, and a distinctly comic touch. However, they tend to reject such genre classifications as disco-metal and disco punk. They formed the band in 1996 and were initially known as The Wildbunch, eventually dropping that name due to pressure from the Bristol trip-hop collection of the same name. Throughout the latter half of the '90s, they played about once a month at the Magic Bag in Ferndale, Magic Stick, and the now-defunct Gold Dollar in Detroit, the center of a scene that produced breakout acts like the White Stripes.
Electric Six's 2002 breakout single "Danger! High Voltage" was an infectious dance-rock number, and Jack White from The White Stripes helped sing back up vocals to this track. White has denied this, though Spencer has confirmed it in several interviews. The single reached number 2 on the UK singles chart, and they enjoy icon status in that nation.
Their second single, "Gay Bar", released in 2003, became a hit as well in the UK, reaching #5 in the charts and further aided the group's growth. Curiously, in the American Radio Edit of this track, The words "Nuclear War" are censored with whip-crack sound effects. After fulfilling their recording duties (namely their debut album) three members left in June, leaving Dick Valentine, Tait Nucleus? (synthesizer), and M.
The Colonel (Zach Shipps, guitar, ex-member of Brendan Benson and Mood Elevator), John R Dequindre (guitar and whose stage name is a combination of two Detroit streets) and Frank Lloyd Bonaventure (bass) subsequently joined the group, though they had all been credited on the album and most had been associated with the group for some time. At that time, they were touring in the UK, and they managed to seamlessly replace the members without interrupting the gigs. In time, Johnny Na$hinal joined the group on guitar, Dequindre switched to bass, and Bonaventure switched to law school.
The band's sophomore album, Señor Smoke, was released in the UK on February 14, 2005. Percussion World replaced M on drums around the same time.
The first single from the album put the band at the center of controversy, especially with Queen fans following a cover of the Queen hit song "Radio Ga Ga". The controversial music video shows lead singer Dick Valentine as the ghost of Queen's flamboyant lead singer Freddie Mercury and a backing band of poodles. Queen drummer Roger Taylor, who wrote the song, said that he was "unimpressed" with the video; however, Queen guitarist Brian May reportedly liked it. Electric Six claims they were contractually obligated to commit the song to the album. Issues with Warner Brothers caused a switch to Metropolis Records, who released Señor Smoke in the US.
Switzerland was released in September 2006. A plethora of videos have also been released, and a fan contribution contest led to the video for the single "I Buy the Drugs."
I Shall Exterminate Everything Around Me That Restricts Me From Being the Master was released in October 2007. Their next album, titled Flashy, was released in October 2008. In October 2009, their sixth album, KILL, was released. The 7th album, Zodiac was released on September 28, 2010, with one tour-exclusive single ("Jam it in the Hole") and the 8th, Heartbeats and Brainwaves, on October 11th 2011.
A double live album is set for release in 2012.
2. Electric Six was a Soweto-based South African combo active in the 1960s and 1970s
Countdown to the Countdown
Electric Six Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See you come around and they gonna roll ya.
See you in the ghetto like the chola cola.
They start the countdown.
Now you with somebody wanna throw you a bone
Looking for a conflict to call your own
Well, here's another song about the danger zone
35 seconds 'til the countdown starts
25 seconds 'til the countdown starts
94 seconds 'til the countdown starts
It's the countdown to the countdown
Time elapses
Love collapses
Over and over
Come over
Red rover
Our ship sails from Dover
It's cargo is time
Hey, good lookin' with the helmet on
Driving real fast on the Autobahn
Staring at yourself up on the Jumbo tron
They stop the countdown
35 seconds 'til the countdown starts
25 seconds 'til the countdown starts
94 seconds 'til the countdown starts
It's the countdown to the countdown
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
I need a product to use
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
It's called payin' your dues
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
They put a movie on TV
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
It's called payin' your dues
It's called payin' your dues
The lyrics to "Countdown to the Countdown" by Electric Six depict a theme of rebellion against control and the anticipation of a chaotic event. The song begins by questioning where one will be when they no longer conform to authority, suggesting that the listener will face consequences for their actions. The mention of being in the "ghetto like the chola cola" implies a sense of danger and unpredictability in their surroundings.
The lyrics then shift to describe the desire for conflict and excitement in one's life, expressing a need for personal validation and self-expression. The song acknowledges that this is not the first time such themes have been explored in music, referring to it as "another song about the danger zone." The repetition of the phrase "it's about to go down" reinforces the impending chaos and tension.
The following lines of the song introduce a countdown, indicating the imminent occurrence of an event. The specific time intervals mentioned, such as 35, 25, and 94 seconds, add to the anticipation and urgency. This countdown serves as a metaphor for the buildup to a transformative or significant moment.
The second part of the song introduces new imagery, highlighting the need for constant stimulation and entertainment. The mention of driving fast on the Autobahn, staring at oneself on a Jumbo tron, and consuming media reflect a society obsessed with instant gratification and seeking validation through external sources. The repeated line of "they stop the countdown" introduces a moment of pause or disruption in the chaotic sequence of events.
The final lines of the song emphasize the inability to escape the influence of media and the concept of "paying your dues." It suggests that society demands payment in the form of attention and engagement with products, movies, and other forms of media. This can be interpreted as a critical commentary on the commodification of culture and the pressure to conform and consume.
Overall, "Countdown to the Countdown" by Electric Six explores themes of rebellion, anticipation, and the desire for validation while simultaneously commenting on societal dependence on media and the price we pay for our engagement.
Line by Line Meaning
Where you gonna be when they can't control ya?
What will you do when they lose control over you?
See you come around and they gonna roll ya.
When they see you, they will dominate and exploit you.
See you in the ghetto like the chola cola.
Observing you in the impoverished neighborhood, like a cheap soda brand.
They start the countdown.
They initiate the countdown, signifying forthcoming events.
Now you with somebody wanna throw you a bone
Now that you're with someone, they want to give you a small favor.
Looking for a conflict to call your own
Seeking a personal dispute to claim as your own.
Well, here's another song about the danger zone
Here's another track concerning risky situations.
It's about to go down
A significant event is about to occur.
35 seconds 'til the countdown starts
In 35 seconds, the countdown will commence.
25 seconds 'til the countdown starts
In 25 seconds, the countdown will commence.
94 seconds 'til the countdown starts
In 94 seconds, the countdown will commence.
It's the countdown to the countdown
This is the countdown leading up to the actual countdown.
Time elapses
Time passes.
Love collapses
Love falls apart.
Over and over
Repetitively.
Come over
Approach or visit.
Red rover
A reference to the game 'Red Rover.'
Our ship sails from Dover
Our vessel departs from Dover.
It's cargo is time
Its load is time.
Hey, good lookin' with the helmet on
Hello, attractive person wearing a helmet.
Driving real fast on the Autobahn
Speeding on the Autobahn.
Staring at yourself up on the Jumbo tron
Gazing at your own image on the large screen.
They stop the countdown
They halt the countdown.
Can't stop listening
I am unable to cease listening.
Can't stop watching
I am unable to stop observing.
I need a product to use
I require a product to consume/utilize.
It's called payin' your dues
It is referred to as fulfilling one's obligations.
They put a movie on TV
They broadcast a movie on television.
It's called payin' your dues
It is referred to as fulfilling one's obligations.
It's called payin' your dues
It is referred to as fulfilling one's obligations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LaserGadgets
How can all other songs have 50k hits and this only 5?? It rocks.
gene flowers
cant stop listening cant stop watching x3
J B
Where you gonna be when they can't control ya?
See you come around and they gonna roll ya.
See you in the ghetto like the chola cola.
They start the countdown.
Now you with somebody wanna throw you a bone
Looking for a conflict to call your own
Well, here's another song about the danger zone
It's about to go down
35 seconds 'til the countdown starts
25 seconds 'til the countdown starts
94 seconds 'til the countdown starts
It's the countdown to the countdown
Time elapses
Love collapses
Over and over
Come over
Red rover
Our ship sails from Dover
It's cargo is time
Hey, good lookin' with the helmet on
Driving real fast on the Autobahn
Staring at yourself up on the Jumbo tron
They stop the countdown
35 seconds 'til the countdown starts
25 seconds 'til the countdown starts
94 seconds 'til the countdown starts
It's the countdown to the countdown
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
I need a product to use
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
It's called payin' your dues
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
They put a movie on TV
Can't stop listening
Can't stop watching
It's called payin' your dues
It's called payin' your dues
Rooster
Been humming this song continually at work. Poor colleagues!