The band's first release was Patio (1992), a 10" collection of various live, home and studio recordings released on the Welsh Ankst label (this was later expanded for the 1995 CD version). In 1994 their first full studio album, Tatay appeared. Bwyd Time followed the next year - both were produced by Alan Holmes who also provided their colourful artwork. These early releases show a huge range of influences and styles: "Thema o Cartref", the opening track of Tatay, for example, is a relatively gentle harmonium-backed song, while "When You Hear the Captain Sing" appears to be a tribute of sorts to Captain Beefheart and "Amsermaemaiyndod/cinema" presents one song in the right channel and a completely different one in the left.
Gorky's also released a number of singles and EPs on Anskt. Running through all the Ankst records is a kind of psychedelia and playfulness evidently inspired by the Canterbury scene of the 1960s and 1970s (Kevin Ayers' album Shooting at the Moon is cited in the notes to Tatay as "the best LP of all time", and the record also includes a version of Robert Wyatt's "O, Caroline"). Bwyd Time in particular also features a wide range of instruments, with parts for the celesta and sitar credited on "Iechyd Da", for instance. The 1996 compilation Introducing Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, their first release in America, was a compilation of this material from the Ankst years.
For their next album, Barafundle (1997), produced by Gorwel Owen (who had also worked with the Super Furry Animals) they moved to the larger Fontana label. The wide-ranging instrumentation remained ("Diamond Dew" has a prominent part for the jew's harp) and there were still psychedelic touches, but the album as a whole is more laid back than their earlier work, tending more towards folk music.
This gentler direction was largely maintained and refined in their later records, though the occasional poppier and rockier number, such as "Poodle Rockin'" from Spanish Dance Troupe or "Mow the Lawn" from Sleep/Holiday, continued to crop up.
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci split up on 26 May 2006, Euros Childs and Richard James having released solo albums. James' is in the folky vein of later Gorky's, wheras Childs' has moments that hark back to earlier moments in their career (so far he has released four albums). And John Lawrence releases as Infinity Chimps.
As of Summer 2007, no re-issues of the first 3 albums have surfaced, but Autumn 2007 is a likely date for the expanded & re-mastered Patio.
Final lineup
Euros Childs - vocals, keyboards (1991-2006)
Megan Childs - violin, vocals (1992-2006)
Richard James - bass, vocals (1991-2006)
Rhodri Puw - guitar (1999-2006)
Peter Richardson - drums (2000-2006)
Previous members
John Lawrence - vocals, guitar (1991-1999)
Euros Rowlands - drums (1995-2001)
Osian Evans - drums (1991-1995)
Sion Lane - keyboards (1991)
Cenwyn Brain - guitar (1991)
Sammy Davies - keyboards (1991-1992)
Steffan Cravos - violin (1991-1992)
Pen Gwag Glas
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
lalalalalalalala....
Efallai bydd mwy i ein gorffennol
Perhaps there's more to our past
Na rhagor pwdr y capel
A Iesu yn hwyliau o-ho
O mae'r dyfodol dim ond breuddwydio o
lalalalala
oooooooo
lalalalala
Pen gwag glas
Bydd ti'n rhoi dy pen....
Ti dim ond dod lan da tri....
lalalalalalalallalalalala.........
Efallai bydd y canu yn caru
Yn agor y nefoedd uwchben
A Iesu yn hwyliau o-ho
O mae'r dyfodol dim ond breuddwydio o-ho
A Iesu yn hwyliau o-ho
O mae'r dyfodol dim ond breuddwydio o
The lyrics of "Pen Gwag Glas" by Gorky's Zygotic Mynci seem to speak of the past, present, and future. The opening line, "Perhaps there's more to our past," suggests an uncertainty and mystery around their history. The line "Na rhagor pwdr y capel" roughly translates to "No more dust in the chapel," which could mean they are looking to move away from the past and focus on the future. The line "A Iesu yn hwyliau o-ho" could refer to a religious perspective or a metaphorical one of being led by a higher power.
The chorus, "Pen gwag glas, bydd ti'n rhoi dy pen. Ti dim ond dod lan da tri," is translated as "Empty glass, you will put your head. You only come up good three." The meaning of this line is unclear, as it could be interpreted in different ways. It could mean that they are empty or lost in life, but have the potential to do something great. The line "Ti dim ond dod lan da tri" suggests that they only have a limited number of attempts to do so.
Overall, the song raises questions about the past, present, and future, and leaves the listener with an unsettled feeling. The lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, highlighting the band's unique style and creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
Efallai bydd mwy i ein gorffennol
Maybe there's more to our past
Na rhagor pwdr y capel
No more dust of the chapel
A Iesu yn hwyliau o-ho
And Jesus in his chariots oh-ho
O mae'r dyfodol dim ond breuddwydio o
The future is just a dream
Pen gwag glas
Empty grey head
Bydd ti'n rhoi dy ben
You will put your head
Ti dim ond dod lan da tri
You only come up good three
Efallai bydd y canu yn caru
Maybe the singing will love
Yn agor y nefoedd uwchben
Opening the heavens above
A Iesu yn hwyliau o-ho
And Jesus in his chariots oh-ho
O mae'r dyfodol dim ond breuddwydio o-ho
The future is just a dream oh-ho
A Iesu yn hwyliau o-ho
And Jesus in his chariots oh-ho
O mae'r dyfodol dim ond breuddwydio o
The future is just a dream
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jameshazelwood9433
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