The Neo-Progressive movement
IQ were one of a small number of British bands formed during the early 1980s, including Marillion, Pendragon, Twelfth Night, Pallas, and Quasar that continued with the progressive rock style forsaken by 1970s bands such as Genesis and Yes. The music press coined the phrase neo-progressive to describe these bands, often accusing them of simply copying the styles of other bands. This accusation has been strenuously denied by IQ, which are against of the use of the term "neo progressive"and claim to have a wide-ranging and eclectic selection of musical influences.
The line-up
From 1982, the line-up consisted of Peter Nicholls (vocals), Mike Holmes (guitar), Martin Orford (keyboards), Paul Cook (drums), and Tim Esau (bass). Nicholls left in 1984 to form a new band, Niadem's Ghost, and was replaced by Paul (P. L.) Menel, but subsequently returned in 1990. Nicholls also created the cover art for most of the albums on which he appears. In early 2005 member Paul Cook left the band, and was replaced on drums by Andy Edwards. On 20 July 2007 Martin Orford announced he was leaving IQ and was replaced by Mark Westworth from prog-rock band Darwin's Radio. Despite his departure, Martin continues to run the band's label GEP and is still closely involved with the band, although he announced in late 2008 that he will leave the music business entirely and hand over the reins of GEP to someone else (as yet unnamed) in early 2009.
Musical style
The band's musical style, especially earlier in their career, was reminiscent of Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett era Genesis because of singer Peter Nicholls' vocal and stage-presence similarities to Gabriel and keyboardist Martin Orford's grandiose keyboarding. However, guitarist Mike Holmes' role was far more assertive in the band, giving them a harder edge musically. After Nicholls' departure, the band's style became increasingly commercial and radio-friendly - albeit without much success - on Nomzamo (1987) and Are You Sitting Comfortably? (1989), although each album still featured some progressive rock-style tracks. Beginning with Nicholls's return on 1993's Ever, the band returned to its prog rock roots, with longer tracks featuring intricate arrangements and complex musicianship.
Band members
Current members
Peter Nicholls – vocals, backing vocals (1981–1986, 1993–)
Mike Holmes – guitars (1981–)
Paul Cook – drums (1982–2005, 2009–)
John Jowitt – bass guitar, backing vocals (1993–)
Mark Westworth – keyboards (2008–)
[edit] Former members
Martin Orford – keyboards, backing vocals (1981–2007)
Paul (P.L.) Menel – vocals (1986–1990)
Tim Esau – bass guitar (1981–1990)
Les 'Ledge' Marshall – bass guitar (1990)
Mark Ridout – drums (1981–1982)
Andy Edwards – drums (2006–2008)
Discography
Albums
Seven Stories into Eight (cassette) (1982)
Tales from the Lush Attic (1983)
The Wake (1985)
Nomzamo (1987)
Are You Sitting Comfortably? (1989)
Ever (1993)
Subterranea (1997)
The Seventh House (2000)
Dark Matter (2004)
Frequency (2009)
Live Albums
Living Proof (live) (1986)
J'ai Pollette D'arnu (1991) (b-sides and live tracks)
Forever Live (1996)
Subterranea : The Concert (2000)
The Archive Collection: IQ20 (2003) ("official bootleg" of live concert)
Compilations
Nine in a Pond is Here (1985) ("official bootleg" of demos etc, CD version is abridged)
Seven Stories into Ninety Eight (1998) (original 1982 album plus new re-recorded version)
1. Capital Letters (In Surgical Spirit Land) 2. About Lake Five 3. Intelligence Quotient 4. For Christ's Sake 5. Barbell Is In 6. Fascination 7. For The Taking 8. It All Stops Here 9. Eloko Bella Neechi
The Lost Attic (1999) (rarities)
Limited edition Frequency Tour CD 1 (2008) (rarities and live tracks)
Limited edition Frequency Tour CD 2 (2008) (rarities and live tracks)
[edit] Videos
Forever Live (VHS/CD set 1996, DVD set 2007)
Subterranea : The Concert (DVD, 2000)
IQ20 - The Twentieth Anniversary Show (VHS 2000, DVD 2004)
Live From London (DVD, recorded 13 May 1985 in London, 2005)
IQ Stage (DVD, 2006)
Constellations
I.Q. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
She aint use to seeing spaceships
She aint use to
Diamonds dancing in her face yeah
Yeah
Lost in constellations
Diamonds stand out in a cold world
They wasn't on me you wouldn't know me girl
You wanna be a star in my life
Above ground
Head in clouds
Switching times
You just fly
Lost in constellations
Diamonds stand out in a cold world
Houston having problems
If they wasn't on me you wouldn't know me girl
You wanna be star a in my life
Above ground
Head in clouds
Switching times
You just fly
When it get dark
It's amazing
Spot me from them all of Them infamous
Smoked 28 grams in my space ship
Lately i been on her playlist
The point of the picture you famous
Take all of the attention
You dangerous
The intention of her is to tame him
Who
Yeah
Roll up a rocket so fat
Bad girl, like Rihanna that fuck up racks
Trip on the moon rocks
It's trippie to hippies
But I'm never forgetting
That ultimate feeling
A dime in her feelings
I can't fall for all yo traps
I played this game
So check my stats
Men are from mars
Women from Venus
Listen and learn my dialect
I'm from bottom of the of map
Woah
She was just choosing her choice
I name her a star and she gave me her vowels
My lifestyle is wild
The life of a stars
Can't decoded
This moment right here is so golden
Lift off from a cup and then roll it
Lost in constellations
Diamonds stand out in a cold world
Houston having problems
If they wasn't on me you wouldn't know me girl
You wanna be star a in my life
Above ground
Head in clouds
Switching times
You just fly
Lost in constellations
Diamonds stand out in a cold world
Houston having problems
If they wasn't on me you wouldn't know me girl
You wanna be star a in my life
Above ground
Head in clouds
Switching times
You just fly
The lyrics of "Constellations" by I.Q. are about the artist's desire to explore space, to find new stars, and to escape from the mundane reality of life. The song is a tribute to the beauty and mystery of the universe, and the way it can inspire one's imagination and dreams. The title "Constellations" is a reference to the patterns of stars in the sky that have inspired stories and legends for millennia.
The song begins with the artist singing "Lost in constellations", which suggests that he has become immersed in the vast universe, and it is a place where he feels at home. He talks about "diamonds dancing in her face", which could be a metaphor for the stars, and how they symbolize the beauty and brightness of life. He then speaks about Houston having problems, which could be a reference to the mission control center in Houston, where many space missions are planned and monitored.
When the artist says "You wanna be a star in my life", he is speaking to someone who wants to be a part of his life and his journey. He talks about his head being in the clouds, which suggests he is lost in his own thoughts and dreams. The second verse is about smoking cannabis in his spaceship and exploring the galaxy. He also mentions taking a photo of himself to become famous, saying "The point of the picture you famous, take all of the attention, you dangerous".
Line by Line Meaning
Lost in constellations
Feeling overwhelmed by the beauty and vastness of the stars in the sky
Yeah
Casual affirmation or agreement
She aint use to seeing spaceships
The person is not accustomed to seeing advanced technology like spaceships
She aint use to
She is not accustomed to
Diamonds dancing in her face yeah
The beauty of the stars is overpowering and visually stunning
Diamonds stand out in a cold world
The splendor of the stars is very noticeable in the bleakness of the world
Houston having problems
A reference to difficulties or challenges being faced
They wasn't on me you wouldn't know me girl
If not for the support and attention received, the artist would not have achieved success or recognition
You wanna be a star in my life
The person wants to be an important part of the artist's life
Above ground
Living life to the fullest and standing out among others
Head in clouds
Dreaming big and having lofty aspirations
Switching times
Adapting to change and embracing modern methods
You just fly
You are soaring to new heights and achieving your dreams
When it get dark
During difficult times or when faced with challenges
It's amazing
Something is awe-inspiring or impressive
Spot me from them all of Them infamous
The artist is recognizable and stands out from the crowd
Smoked 28 grams in my space ship
A reference to drug use while being transported through space (metaphorically)
Lately i been on her playlist
The artist has been on the person's radar or in their thoughts recently
The point of the picture you famous
The purpose of the photo is to accentuate or promote the artist's fame
Take all of the attention
Absorbing or capturing people's focus and admiration
You dangerous
You are powerful or influential
The intention of her is to tame him
The person's goal is to control or shape the artist's behavior
Who
A casual expression of confusion or disbelief
Roll up a rocket so fat
Rolling a large or impressive joint
Bad girl, like Rihanna that fuck up racks
A woman who is like the singer Rihanna in being confident and successful, able to spend a lot of money recklessly
Trip on the moon rocks
To be under the influence of particularly strong drugs
It's trippie to hippies
A play on words that suggests the artistry of the song appeals to those who are into psychedelic culture
But I'm never forgetting
Despite the risks or pitfalls, the artist still perseveres and remembers their goals
That ultimate feeling
The incomparable satisfaction of achieving one's wildest dreams
A dime in her feelings
A beautiful woman is emotionally invested or involved in the artist's life
I can't fall for all yo traps
The artist will not succumb to the negative intentions or actions of others
I played this game
The artist has experience dealing with the complexities and obstacles of life
So check my stats
Consider the artist's achievements and track record as evidence of their skill and expertise
Men are from mars
A reference to gender differences and diverse ways of thinking
Women from Venus
A continuation of the gender-based metaphor, highlighting the dichotomy between men and women
Listen and learn my dialect
Pay attention to the artist's unique perspective and style of communication
I'm from bottom of the of map
The artist comes from a place that is perceived as inferior or less important
Woah
An exclamation of surprise or excitement
She was just choosing her choice
The woman was making her own decisions and exercising her autonomy
I name her a star and she gave me her vowels
The artist gave the woman an affectionate nickname and she responded by expressing her commitment
My lifestyle is wild
The artist's way of life is unconventional and unpredictable
The life of a stars
A reference to the lives of celebrities, which are often glamorous but filled with unique challenges
Can't decoded
Difficult to interpret or understand
This moment right here is so golden
The current experience is particularly memorable or valuable
Lift off from a cup and then roll it
To light up and smoke a joint using a special technique
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Terry Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind