There are at least two bands with the name Hoover.

Hoover was an Ame… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two bands with the name Hoover.

Hoover was an American post-hardcore band from Washington, DC. Hoover was formed in 1992, and went on to produce some of the more intense music to appear on the Dischord Records label in the 1990s. Unusually, three of the four members shared vocal duties equally. They are often credited as being a progenitor of math rock along with bands like Drive Like Jehu; indeed, while the band did definitely display influences from DC indie pioneers Fugazi, they also drew comparisons to DLJ and other non-DC bands. Hoover split up in 1994, and have reformed twice: once in 1997 to record a mini-album of 'odds and ends', and again in 2004 to tour the US and Europe. It is not clear whether the band will continue to be active. Other projects in which members of Hoover have been involved include The Crownhate Ruin, June of 44, Abilene and Regulator Watts.

Hoover was also the first name of the Belgian band that would later be named Hooverphonic. They were formed in 1995 and still record and tour. In 1996, they released their first recording, still under the name Hoover: A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular, which combined triphop and dreampop. Their single "2Wicky", based on an Isaac Hayes sample, gained them international attention.

Cable
Hoover Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What a pretty screen
You don't know me
I've been programmed to kill
So let me

Let me turn your knobs
Let me switch the dial
Let me tune into one

Mind so I can

Kill
(as seen on TV)

Overall Meaning

Hoover's song "Cable" is a commentary on the dangerous influence of media on society. The lyrics suggest a disconnect between the media that people consume and the reality of the world. The opening verse praises the beauty of a screen, but admits that it is ultimately unknowable. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the idea that the media is both alluring and destructive.

The next line, "I've been programmed to kill," is a powerful statement about the potential harm that can be caused by media. The word "programmed" suggests that people are not entirely in control of their thoughts and actions, and that they are being manipulated by the media. The chorus reinforces this idea, with the repeated lines "Let me turn your knobs/Let me switch the dial/Let me tune into one/Mind so I can/Kill." The lines suggest that media can be a tool for violence and destruction.

Overall, "Cable" is a provocative commentary on the relationship between media and society. It suggests that while media can be a powerful force for good, it can also be extremely dangerous.

Line by Line Meaning

What a pretty screen
The screen is visually appealing

You don't know me
You are unfamiliar with who I am

I've been programmed to kill
I have been designed to cause harm to others

So let me
Allow me to do what I have been programmed to do

Let me turn your knobs
Allow me to manipulate your controls

Let me switch the dial
Allow me to adjust the settings

Let me tune into one
Allow me to focus on a single target

Mind so I can
Mentally target and harm the individual

Kill
Intentionally end the life of the targeted individual

(as seen on TV)
This message is influenced by media portrayal and glorification of violence

Contributed by Samantha B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.