The band originated with vocalist Stephen Holt (vocals) and guitarist Graham Lambert. Another uncredited founding member, was basist Glenn Chesworth. His partnership with the band lasted only a couple of years. The band emerged alongside The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays from the indie scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bassist, Martyn Walsh, and drummer, Craig Gill, joined in 1984. Playing garage rock, they were joined by keyboardist, Clint Boon, who changed their sound based around harmonic (and often psychedelic) keyboards and jangly guitars.
After a couple of singles on a local indie label, Holt left the group and was replaced by Tom Hingley. The band were propelled to fame after being 'discovered' by the Radio 1 DJ John Peel and had their greatest chart success in the UK with a single entitled This is How it Feels, which is a song about loneliness and unemployment.
At the time of their initial success, the band earned some notoriety for their squiggly-eyed cow 'Cool as Fuck' T-shirts; a student at Oxford Polytechnic was prosecuted on obscenity charges for wearing one. One of their roadies, Noel Gallagher, went on to great success with the band Oasis. The band is named after an Inspiral Carpets tour poster which included the venue Swindon Oasis.
They reworked their single Find Out Why as the theme tune to early 90's kids TV show 'The 8:15 From Manchester'. Another release I Want You was used by Sony to advertise their in-car entertainment systems on this advert ; an early example of advertising agencies co-opting and promoting non-mainstream music to add kudos to mainstream brands (a trend that has increased significantly).
After the release of their 4th studio album, Devil Hopping, they started to record new, more darker-sounding demos in 1995 which their label, Mute Records rejected. An amicable split followed but they re-formed in 2003 for a tour and new compilation. For the next several years, they played gigs on and off, until Hingley could no longer give his 100% commitment so original vocalist, Stephen Holt, rejoined in March 2011.
Theme from Cow
Inspiral Carpets Lyrics
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So serene
You point the camera at me
Cow theme!
The lyrics of Inspiral Carpets' "Theme from Cow" are simple yet enigmatic. At first glance, the song seems to describe a peaceful pasture with its green fields and serenity. However, the sudden exclamation of "Cow theme!" introduces an element of mystery and intrigue. The song seems to suggest a hidden story or alternate meaning lurking beneath the surface.
One possible interpretation of the lyrics is that they refer to the act of capturing something on camera. The line "you point the camera at me" suggests a recording or documentation of an event or moment. The mention of a cow theme could be seen as a nod to the idea of capturing the essence of a subject or scene, much like a photographer might try to capture the essence of a cow in a pasture. Alternatively, the cow theme may be intended as a metaphor for something else entirely, with the lyrics hinting at a deeper or symbolic meaning beyond the immediate sensory experience.
Overall, the lyrics of "Theme from Cow" are open to interpretation and leave plenty of room for speculation and imagination. The enigmatic quality of the song has helped it become a cult favorite among fans of alternative rock and indie music.
Line by Line Meaning
The field is green
The grass in the field appears lush and verdant.
So serene
The surroundings evoke a feeling of calmness and tranquility.
You point the camera at me
The gaze of the camera is directed towards me.
Cow theme!
This is a thematic reference to cows, possibly indicative of an interest or affinity for them.
Writer(s): clint boon, craig gill, graham lambert, martyn walsh, tom hingley
Contributed by William J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.