Tovey began his musical career after studying performance art at Leeds Polytechnic, but started recording upon his move back to his native London, UK. The songs of his early career (under the pseudonym) all feature synthesizers plus, sometimes, machine sounds like that of an electric razor or an electric drill. Almost all of his songs create a dark, mystical atmosphere, with Gadget's voice hovering monotonously over then unheard of, groundbreaking and still brilliant synthesizer sound effects. The lyrics are either very earnest, discussing subjects like guilt or life and death, or convey a black, sarcastic humour.
Initially, Fad Gadget was merely a moniker for Tovey, but as time went on a band was formed (although keeping Tovey as the main focal point). His longest-serving sidekick was drummer Nick Cash. Other members were keyboardist David Simmonds, bassist Peter Balmer, guitarist & bassist David Rogers and viola player & backing vocalist Joni Sackett
Singles included Back To Nature, Ricky's Hand and Collapsing New People. Fad Gadget was the first artist signed to the then-fledgling Mute label, on which he released four full length albums, Fireside Favourites (1980), Incontinent (1981), Under The Flag (1982) and Gag (1984). After 1984's Gag, Tovey released a compilation, (The Fad Gadget Singles), and recorded five more albums under his own name, whose styles ranged from semi-industrial electronic ballads to folk-oriented protest songs. He last appeared on a European tour supporting his latest album in 1993 and then virtually disappeared for some eight years.
In 2001 Tovey (and Cash) resurfaced with a comeback appearance and subsequently supported Depeche Mode on the Exciter tour later that year, again under his pseudonym Fad Gadget and backed by members of Temple X, whose album he had been producing. (Depeche Mode cite Tovey/Gadget as an icon and a paragon, and his influences can be heard in their music.) Tovey died of a heart attack on 3 April, 2002, aged 45, having suffered heart problems throughout his life.
State of the Nation
Fad Gadget Lyrics
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A room you never use
See yourself in power
That sweet sick enemy
Home is where there's danger
Send it to your friend
State of the nation
A room you never use
Life begins when you're ready to face it
I've changed my mind because I'm stuck on
The state of the nation
I know you've got potential
So what's your price, I'll pay it
Consumer guide to help you
And a cheque card just to let some (fun)
It's time I had a wash out
Cold storage, no more head room
Collecting things I don't need
In a room I never use
Life begins when you're ready to face it
I've changed my mind because I'm stuck on
The state of the nation
"State of the Nation" by Fad Gadget is a song about feeling trapped and powerless in a society that is governed by those who are corrupt and self-serving. The opening line, "State of the nation, a room you never use" suggests that the state of the world is so overwhelming that people retreat into their own private spaces where they can avoid the problems of society. The repeated phrase "A room you never use" acts as a metaphor for the broader idea of ignoring the state of the nation and avoiding any responsibility to make a change.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of consumerism and the ways in which it can distract us from the larger problems in society. The line "Consumer guide to help you" suggests that people are being sold a false sense of satisfaction through material items. The chorus of "Life begins when you're ready to face it" suggests that the only way to truly start living is to confront the problems of the world head-on and be an active participant in creating change.
Overall, "State of the Nation" is a call to arms for people to stop ignoring the problems that exist in society and to take action to create a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
State of the nation
The current status of the country.
A room you never use
A symbol for something that has no practical use or purpose.
See yourself in power
The desire to have control and influence over others.
That sweet sick enemy
A reference to something that is attractive, yet harmful or toxic.
Home is where there's danger
An observation that life is inherently risky and unpredictable.
Send it to your friend
The act of sharing information or ideas with others.
Life begins when you're ready to face it
The notion that life only starts when you are willing to confront its challenges.
I've changed my mind because I'm stuck on
The state of the nation
The artist's changing perspective as a result of contemplating the current state of the country.
I know you've got potential
An acknowledgment of someone's talents or abilities.
So what's your price, I'll pay it
The offer of financial or material compensation for services or favors.
Consumer guide to help you
A reference to the commercialization of information and expertise, and its consumption for personal gain.
And a cheque card just to let some (fun)
The use of money or financial resources to indulge in pleasurable experiences or activities.
It's time I had a wash out
The need for purification or cleansing, whether literal or metaphorical.
Cold storage, no more head room
A reference to the singer's desire to rid themselves of excess baggage, both material and psychological.
Collecting things I don't need
The accumulation of possessions that have no practical or emotional value.
Contributed by Mateo F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.