Family Fodder was formed in London around 1979, emerging from the post-punk melting-pot of '70s/'80s London alongside This Heat, Flying Lizards, The Pop Group, The Slits and many others. They released 11 vinyl singles and 3 albums before disbanding in 1983, but have been reforming sporadically ever since.
The original formula consisted of psychedelic and new wave influences, incisive song-writing, improvisation, experiment and far-out dub mixing. Lyrics are in English, French and German. They paid tribute to Debbie Harry in a song as well as made a cover (with a dub version) of Blondie's title 'Sunday Girl'. They also have a version of Syd Barrett's title 'No man's land'. Other known songs are ‘Playing Golf’ and ‘Savoir Faire’, and albums ‘Monkey Banana Kitchen’, ‘Sunday Girls’ and ‘Schizophrenia Party’.
Family Fodder was often more at home in the studio than on-stage, but completed several European tours as well as cherished performances in their native London.
The album " Classical Music" was released in 2010, coinciding with a flurry of musical activity from Alig. He recorded a track for artist David Shrigley’s new ‘Worried Noodles’ album; collaborated with Domino Records’ Psapp; has a 7” out on the Berlin Tom Lab label and just out is a new mini-album ‘Baby Talk’ as ‘Idol Fodder’ with Dominique’s daughter Darlini, on Slender Means Society. ‘More Great Hits!’ includes a brand new track ‘Hippy Chick’ (“Devon is full of them – it’s now 2nd and even 3rd generation hippy chicks”).
The album ‘Water Shed’ was released on US indie Dark Beloved Cloud along with other recordings. They’ve been covered by Unrest, Steveless and Zion Train, coveted by DFA Records and hailed as ‘unsung heroes’ in The Wire and elsewhere.
Reviewers are often effusive in their comments: -
‘A dozen shining moments turn arty abstraction into astonishingly delightful thinking man’s bubblegum. Debbie Harry is easily one of post-punk’s best and weirdest 45s.’ – CMJ New Music News.
‘Alig can write songs. Byrne-quality love-songs’ – New York Press.
‘Family Fodder exude an exhilarating sense that everything was possible, that there weren't any limits to imagination and humour. The scope of their musical range remains as dizzying and exciting as it once was.’ - Time Out New York
Some words from a fan…
“On the rare occasions I’ve had to describe Family Fodder I have not really been able to do it very well. I reviewed their strange 12” 45 rpm album ep thing from years ago and said it was “total mayhem” and involved “children singing and some hyper fast mental decisions”.
This album is really no different. I don’t think any children were involved this time but it is no less charming. Musically I’ve got no idea what they are up to (just like before), but what they manage to create is a strange engaging sort of sound that messes with your head in a most peculiar way. It’s a little invasive, and very touching at the same time, a bit like being beaten to sleep, or having sex with a big cactus. The influences that seep through the album come from all corners of the globe and the mind, there are unexpected instruments, bizarre arrangements, plinks where you expect plonks and other things, including warped hooky vocals and really clever bits that you’ll only get after about ten listens. It’s possibly best if I sum it up as something like nothing else. And if you can think of something Family Fodder sound like then please let me know.
I’ve just realised children are involved.”
Jonny Trunk 2010
Savoir Faire
Family Fodder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be with me in someone else's dreams and then
You learn to be alone with me again
You miss your friends are lost in tone-dreams
Why can't we be friends again?
In my new illusion I feel safe and strong
My friends are with me they're not close
Why can't we be friends anyway?
I learn to be free - I bring you to me
(but, but, but, but, but )
Apprendre à faire des rasoirs
Apprendre à faire des pasoirs
Apprendre à faire des lumiéres
Apprendre à faire des éclairs
Apprendre à faire des petits pains
Hey Savoir Faire!
Apprendre à faire avec les mains
Trust me baby
I will help you find your lost illusions
Back in dreams you learn to be alone
At first you try to fake it
Why can't we be friends again
And then you learn again
I can't hurt you anymore
You learn to trust us slowly
Dreaming hands to hold you underwater
You learn to breathe the water - I'm not drowning
Why can't we be friends - again I'm smiling
I save you for my dream fish through deep sky
Apprends à faire des rasoirs - Apprends à faire des passoirs
Apprends à faire des lumières - Apprends à faire des éclairs
Apprends à faire des petits pains Hey Savoir Faire!
Apprends à faire avec les mains
The lyrics to Family Fodder's song Savoir Faire appear to explore the dynamic of learning to be with someone in their dreams, then being lost and alone when those dreams end. The opening lines "First you learn to be with me in someone else's dreams and then you learn to be alone with me again" suggest a shift in the relationship between two people, perhaps brought on by an end to a shared dream or ideal. The next lines "You miss your friends are lost in tone-dreams, why can't we be friends again?" could be interpreted as a plea from one person to another for the relationship to continue despite the changes that have occurred.
The rest of the lyrics continue to explore the theme of learning and growing in a relationship, with lines like "trust me baby, I will help you find your lost illusions" and "I can't hurt you anymore, you learn to trust us slowly." These suggest that the relationship has been through some challenges, but there is hope for it to continue and grow stronger. The final lines "I save you for my dream fish through deep sky" could be interpreted as a message of love and commitment, with the singer expressing a desire to hold onto the other person despite any hardships that may come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
First you learn to
Be with me in someone else's dreams and then
You learn to be alone with me again
You miss your friends are lost in tone-dreams
Why can't we be friends again?
Initially, you become accustomed to being in someone else's dreams with me, following which you start to feel comfortable being alone with me once again. However, you seem to miss your friends and seem lost in a dream-like state. Why can't we be friends again?
In my new illusion I feel safe and strong
My friends are with me they're not close
At all that sound I'm watching what's that sound?
Why can't we be friends anyway?
In this fresh fantasy of mine, I sense security and strength, and albeit my friends being with me, they aren't around physically. Audibly, I hear something and observe it. Why can't we be friends regardless?
I learn to be free - I bring you to me
(but, but, but, but, but )
I attain liberation and bring you towards me. (Repetitive emphasis)
Trust me baby
I will help you find your lost illusions
Back in dreams you learn to be alone
At first you try to fake it
Why can't we be friends again
And then you learn again
Believe in me, my love. I'll aid you in discovering your vanished fantasies. When you're in a dream, you learn to rely on yourself. Initially, you attempt to pretend, but eventually, you learn once again. Why can't we be friends afresh?
I can't hurt you anymore
You learn to trust us slowly
Dreaming hands to hold you underwater
You learn to breathe the water - I'm not drowning
Why can't we be friends - again I'm smiling
I can no longer harm you in any way. Gradually, you begin to trust us. Imaginative hands hold you submerged, and you learn to breathe underwater, without me being in any danger. Why can't we be friends once more? I'm smiling again.
I save you for my dream fish through deep sky
Apprends à faire des rasoirs - Apprends à faire des passoirs
Apprends à faire des lumières - Apprends à faire des éclairs
Apprends à faire des petits pains Hey Savoir Faire!
Apprends à faire avec les mains
I reserve you for my dream fish as we soar through the deep sky.
Learn to create razors, strainers, lights, flashes, and loaves of bread, my friend. Greetings, Know-How! Learn to make these things using your hands.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DOMINIQUE LEVILLAIN, JOHN ROBERT PEARCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind