Their first releases were very limited vinyl singles on various different small, indie, and some now defunct, record labels, although 555 records who released '(The) Weight' in 1998 is still alive.
In 1994, record labels Fluff and Slumberland released Hood's first full length album, entitled 'Cabled Linear Traction'. It was a landmark for the band, some still say it's their best album. It had similarities to bands like The Cure, Sonic Youth and Pavement.
The album was issued on CD in 1999 by Slumberland, who also released 1996's 'Silent 88' album. The latter was similar sounding to 'CLT', but with much more experimentation going on and far more use of electronics.
A collection of limited and rare singles was put together by Happy Go Lucky records in 1997 and released on CD and vinyl, the vinyl version coming with a free 7" record.
In 1997, Domino Record Co snapped up Hood and released the single 'Useless'. A lo-fi indie electronica affair, not too dissimilar to the aforementioned '(The) Weight' released the next year.
Around this time Chris was releasing instrumental electronic material as Downpour, often involving heavily distorted drum and bass.
After another handful of singles and eps for Domino, they released the album 'Rustic Houses, Forlorn Valleys' in 1998. A dense, dark and tension building album, sounding somewhere in between Labradford, Mogwai and Massive Attack and produced by the band and Matt Elliott from Third Eye Foundation.
A year later came 'The Cycle of Days and Seasons', once again produced by Matt Elliott. With an ever changing line up still revolving around the two brothers, the sound of the band changed yet again, moving further into indie electronics.
Colaborating with friends Doseone and Why? from the Anticon collective came Hoods 5th studio album 'Cold House' in 2001, their most well known and collectively appreciated ablum. It contained elements of Post Rock, IDM, Indie as well as Doseone and Why?'s voice and lyric talents. Features the single 'You Show No Emotion At All'. Released on Domino.
In early 2005, Hood released 'Outside Closer', an emotional journey through ambience and hip hop beats. More line up changes occured, meaning this album was yet again different to the previous. Taking influence from The Remote Viewer, Prefuse 73 and Empress (the singer of which appears on the album). The tracks 'The Lost You' and 'The Negatives' were released as singles, featuring b-sides and videos for the tracks.
Since the release of 'Outside Closer' Hood have toured with Why? promoting his new album 'Elephant Eyelash' and released various remixes.
During 2006, Gareth S Brown, who played in the aforementioned tour, has been working on a solo album, due for release in November on Richard's girlfriend's label Misplaced Pets.
Currently due for release on record label anticon, is a solo album from Hood lead singer Chris Adams under the name of Bracken. The lead single from the album, titled 'Heathens', is due out in November, the album, titled 'We Know About the Need' follows in January.
In 2007 Richard Adams formed a side project The Declining Winter which has spawned a 7" The Future Sound of Hip Hop parts 1 and 2 and an album Goodbye Minnesota.
There are no plans for any further Hood releases.
The Day to Stand Alone
Hood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
So darling, darling
Oh stand, stand by me
Stand by me
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me
Stand by me
So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh stand by me, won't you stand now, oh, stand
Stand by me
Hood's version of “Stand by Me” is a soulful and emotional tribute to relationships that stand the test of time. The opening lines draw an image of darkness and isolation, but there is no fear as long as the person they address is standing by them. The song is an ode to the comfort and safety of companionship, particularly in the face of hardship. Hood asserts that they will remain stoic and resilient, impervious to the dangerous threats of their surroundings, as long as they have someone to share those moments with.
The stanza “If the sky that we look upon / Should tumble and fall / Or the mountain should crumble to the sea” showcases Hood’s dire picture of danger, chaos, and destruction. However, this is quickly countered by a sense of comfort and safety in the sentiment “Just as long as you stand, stand by me.” The song finishes with a plea for a reciprocal relationship not just in times of crisis and danger but also in the good times by saying, “Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me.”
Line by Line Meaning
When the night has come
In times of darkness and despair
And the land is dark
When everything appears bleak and discouraging
And the moon is the only light we'll see
When hope and optimism are in short supply
No I won't be afraid
The presence of another provides comfort and reassurance
Oh, I won't be afraid
Confidence is instilled in us when we're not alone
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Assurance comes from a steady, supportive presence
If the sky that we look upon
When the seemingly unbreakable becomes vulnerable
Should tumble and fall
When all that was once secure and unchanging is disrupted
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
When the formidable becomes weak and defenseless
I won't cry, I won't cry
With strength and guidance from another, we remain resilient
No, I won't shed a tear
Tears aren't necessary when we have unwavering support
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Assurance comes from a steady, supportive presence
So darling, darling
A term of endearment expressing the dependability of one another
Stand by me, oh stand by me
A plea for the steadfastness of another
Oh stand, stand by me
A repetition of the request for support
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
The unconditional offer of supporting one another through hard times
Oh stand by me, won't you stand now, oh, stand
The importance of having that constant support in the present
Contributed by Audrey M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.