Frenetically creative, and playing only by his own rules, Thirlwell has never stopped experimenting and evolving his sound. While his music is most often outside of any genre, it is most frequently described as Industrial or No-Wave. His earlier music is usually quite harsh and distorted, although since Love, his music has become increasingly orchestral and symphonic, sometime sounding like a full orchestra, but is actually only J.G Thirlwell himself, though sometimes assisted by guest musicians on select tracks. His latest album, Hide, goes even further in this direction than Love did, beginning with an operatic piece sung by Abigail Fischer.
He has inspired many following industrial artists; like Nine Inch Nails, Pig and Cop Shoot Cop, among others, with his sonic assault and innovative use of studio technology, and was a key contributor on Coil's groundbreaking debut album Scatology as well as appearing on a few early Nurse With Wound recordings.
Thirlwell has also worked on collaborations under the names of Steroid Maximus (multiple collaborators), Stinkfist (with Lydia Lunch), Flesh Volcano (with Marc Almond), Baby Zizanie (with Jim Coleman) and Wiseblood (with Roli Mosimann of Swans); and does remix work as well, often under the name of Foetus. He also lent his voice to the introduction of album Misguided by Argyle Park.
Thirlwell is currently the Composer In Residence for Adult Swim's "The Venture Brothers".
For the video release of Season 3, a soundtrack album was also released, titled "The Venture Bros.: The Music of JG Thirlwell". This is the same audio CD included as a bonus with the Blu-ray version of Season 3. While the CD release was originally made available at Adult Swim's website, it was given a wide release on May 12, 2009;[15] the vinyl LP release came out a month earlier. It can also be downloaded from most major digital retailers. The CD features 20 tracks, while the vinyl LP release is 16 tracks.[16]
In the episode "The Trial of the Monarch," The Monarch mentions a picture of Dr. Girlfriend "skinny dipping with Jim Foetus," a reference to Thirlwell.
fin
Foetus Lyrics
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FEAST OR FOETUS?
GET DOWN ON THINE KNEES
The lyrics to Foetus's song Fin are intense and thought-provoking. The phrase "Beast or Famine, Baby? Feast or Foetus?" seems to represent the idea of choice and decision-making, and the consequences that come along with those choices. The mention of "Feast or Foetus" suggests the options of either indulging in gluttony and excess, or of shrinking away and being denied sustenance. The singer then commands the listener to "Get down on thine knees," which could be interpreted as a call to surrender or submit to the inevitable outcomes of their choices. The lyrics are presented in a confrontational and provocative manner, challenging the listener to confront their own decisions and motivations.
Overall, these lyrics seem to be a reflection on the human condition and our struggles with temptation and desire. The choice between "Beast or Famine" represents the extremes of our nature, and the pressure to choose between them can feel overwhelming. The mention of "Foetus" adds a sense of vulnerability, as if we are all frail and helpless beings struggling to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
BEAST OR FAMINE, BABY?
Are you willing to give in to your primal instincts or will you hold yourself back and starve?
FEAST OR FOETUS?
Do you choose to indulge in life's pleasures or suffer in silence and isolation?
GET DOWN ON THINE KNEES
Submit yourself to a higher power, whether it be religion or societal norms, and be humble in the face of authority.
Contributed by Ryan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robowolf
on Hauss-On-Fah
Hmm