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.
small town prejudices
Hood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who fell on real hard times when the boom went broke
And they work real hard, and they pray real loud
‘Cause there’s a real big heart in this real small town
The cost of living it may shift just like sand
But on my grandfather’s land
iI’s been steady as his hand I used to hold when
And that’s where he taught me how
To make my living from the ground
And I don’t intend to let him down
‘Cause this is a real small town full of real fine folks
Who fell on real hard times when the boom went broke
And they work real hard, and they pray real loud
‘Cause there’s a real big heart in this real small town
Every Sunday I start the week off getting right
Get direction for my life at the downtown Church of Christ
Next to the courthouse where they decorate the grass
With fifty-seven flags for the lives we won’t get back
And I don’t intend to forget the past
This is a real small town full of real fine folks
Who fell on real hard times when the boom went broke
And they work real hard, and they pray real loud
‘Cause there’s a real big heart in this real small town
I couldn’t paint a picture of this place
Of my younger days, oh how times change
‘Cause this is a real small town full of real fine folks
Who fell on real hard times when the boom went broke
And they work real hard, and they pray real loud
‘Cause there’s a real big heart in this real small town
The lyrics to Hood's song "Small Town Prejudices" depict a close-knit community that has experienced difficult times. The town, once thriving during an economic boom, has fallen on hard times and the people are facing the challenges that come with it. Despite the hardships, the residents of this small town are resilient and determined. They work hard and have a deep faith, seeking solace in their prayers. The song emphasizes the genuine and caring nature of the town's inhabitants, describing them as "real fine folks" with a "real big heart."
The first verse highlights the connection the singer has with the land and his grandfather's teachings. The mention of checking cows and making a living from the ground speaks to the agricultural nature of the town and the importance of maintaining the legacy of hard work. The singer feels a sense of responsibility not to let his grandfather down and intends to continue the tradition.
The second verse brings attention to the importance of faith and community in the singer's life. The downtown Church of Christ provides guidance and direction as the singer begins each week. The reference to the courthouse and the flags memorializing lives lost suggests a patriotic atmosphere and a recognition of the town's history. The singer expresses a desire not to forget the past and the struggles the town has faced.
Overall, the lyrics of "Small Town Prejudices" convey a heartfelt love and appreciation for a community that has faced adversity but remains strong through their hard work, faith, and sense of unity.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a real small town full of real fine folks
This town is populated by genuinely good and respectable people
Who fell on real hard times when the boom went broke
The town faced severe financial difficulties when the economic prosperity came to an end
And they work real hard, and they pray real loud
The residents put in immense effort and express their devotion fervently
‘Cause there’s a real big heart in this real small town
Despite its size, the town possesses a strong sense of compassion and unity
The cost of living it may shift just like sand
The expenses required to live here fluctuate unpredictably
But on my grandfather’s land
However, on my grandfather's property
It’s been steady as his hand I used to hold when
The stability has been consistent, just like the firm grip of my grandfather's hand
We’d go out and check the cows
We used to inspect and take care of the cows together
And that’s where he taught me how
That's the place where he imparted valuable knowledge to me
To make my living from the ground
To earn a livelihood by working the land
And I don’t intend to let him down
I am determined not to disappoint or fail him
Every Sunday I start the week off getting right
I begin each week by seeking guidance and aligning myself morally
Get direction for my life at the downtown Church of Christ
I find spiritual guidance for my existence at the local Church of Christ located downtown
Next to the courthouse where they decorate the grass
Adjacent to the courthouse, where they adorn the lawn
With fifty-seven flags for the lives we won’t get back
They display fifty-seven flags symbolizing the lives lost that can never be reclaimed
And I don’t intend to forget the past
I am committed to remembering and honoring the history
I couldn’t paint a picture of this place
I am incapable of accurately representing or capturing the essence of this town
Of my younger days, oh how times change
Of my youth, emphasizing how drastically things have transformed
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ADAM HOOD, WILL GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind