Kerbdog were formed in 1991 by Cormac Battle (vocals/guitar), Colin Fennelly (bass guitar) and Darragh Butler (drums) under the repressive regime of the Christian Brothers. Darragh went to St. Kieran's College thus escaping the Christian Brothers. The band members were underage drinkers and self-described lousy students, (despite obtaining 3rd level degrees) devoting their energies to music rather than studies. Their early live shows primarily consisted of cover versions of songs by Sonic Youth, Loop, Spaceman 3 and Fudge Tunnel. Billy Dalton (guitar) joined the band in March 1992.
Initially Cormac was suspicious of Billy's liking for Metallica and Slayer. Though he liked elements of the sound, he feared the genre's tendency toward dragging its knuckles along the ground. Equally Billy regarded Cormac's fascination with the British and New York undergrounds as obnoxious and elitist. What they both recognised in each other was a certain uncompromising determination.
The songs that resulted from the disparate influences of the band's primary members was visceral and cerebral, a large sound that left you "thinking as your mind blew". Realising that they had a potential for success with the band, Cormac, Colin and Darragh dropped out of college and Billy left his job as a truck driver with his family's prosperous Milling company.
After only three gigs at the New Park Inn (since demolished) in Kilkenny, their fanbase grew rapidly within Ireland. By mid-1992 word of the band reached the ears of an A&R man from Los Angeles, who, finding himself in Ireland, decided to hear them play. Before the end of the opening number of the band's act, Cleaver, he found himself winded and crushed against the stage beneath swarms of sweaty teenagers. Battered and bruised, he returned to Los Angeles, wondering whether to sign the band or sue them.
In 1993, Kerbdog recorded their self-titled debut album at the studios of Vertigo Records in London. The album was produced by Jack Endino, who had also worked with artists like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney and Gruntruck. They were also planning a major tour of the British clubs.
1996 saw the band back in the recording studio, although Billy Dalton was kicked out of the band the previous year. This time they were with a different record label - Mercury/Fontana, part of the same organisation (PolyGram) as Vertigo Records. Produced by GGGarth of Rage Against The Machine fame, and recorded in Los Angeles, On The Turn set out to be their best album.
Quote from GGGarth about the making of the On The Turn album. "We did one record with a band named Kerbdog, and we started off with about 25 cabinets and amps. It took about two days just to go through em all, but we got the best sounds that we have ever gotten. We used old Les Pauls, old Strats and Teles, different strings, different pickups." Book - 'Music Producers: Conversations with Today's Top Hit Makers'
They disbanded in 1998 and Cormac and Darragh went on to form another band Wilt. However, after just two albums Wilt also broke up and after much speculation Kerbdog was reformed in 2005. Thus far they have played several gigs in Ireland, (notably sell-out concerts in the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin) including a triumphant set at the Oxegen music festival in July 2005. Due to the great changes in their lives they have no plans to record which ultimately means December's 2005 gigs will be their last!
Their fan base remained loyal throughout the bands' short lived span evident in Kerbdog's 'comeback' gigs. Cormac Battle lives in Dublin, Ireland and hosts a Sunday night radio show on Ireland's national 2FM. Colin Fennelly lives outside Dublin and works as a civil engineer in a cement factory. Darragh Butler lives and works in Kilkenny, Ireland where he owns a music store Rollercoaster.
Sally
Kerbdog Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh yeah again
Got to get your hearing right or the fright
Never know what you're getting into now again
Oh yeah again
So you tell me lend me an ear, you're to hear
I'm the one and only hand that you can hold again
Oh yeah again
Some small mercies all you will ever have again
Oh yeah again
So the stakes couldn't make
I don't need the help of you
Could you try out of sight?
For I haven't got a clue
Haven't got what it takes to
Got it wrong Sally's won
Denim suits get it
that's just what I was told and I don't care if I was sold
So you were right, Sally flied
I don't know what to hit
I accept and can take the blame
Can you fake when the fake is lame?
Changing round I have found
Whether you're in can only leave you drowned again
Oh yeah again
Get the message loud and clear for my dear
Places I will go to lumber with my gear again
Oh yeah again
If you need a little help to move let me know
Cause hardly I can wait to say to you let it go
Vilify me if it makes the cut turn you on
And I'm sure by the time you gain
The lyrics to Kerbdog's song Sally appear to delve into themes such as confusion, helplessness, and a sense of being lost. The singer seems to be reflecting on his interactions with Sally and how they have left him feeling unsure and disconnected. He mentions needing a car to get her home again, suggesting that perhaps she is unreliable or prone to wandering off. The line "Got to get your hearing right or the fright" may be referencing the need for clear communication in the relationship, or perhaps the fear that Sally causes due to her unpredictable behavior.
The singer also seems to be grappling with his own inadequacies, mentioning that he doesn't have what it takes and getting it wrong. He describes himself as the "one and only hand that you can hold," perhaps suggesting that he is the only stability in Sally's life. He also acknowledges that "some small mercies" are all they will ever have again, indicating a sense of resignation or acceptance of their circumstances.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics take on a more optimistic tone as the singer talks about going places and being ready to let things go. He offers to help Sally move and seems more willing to take action and make changes. The final lines, "And I'm sure by the time you gain," leave the listener wondering what exactly Sally will gain and whether the relationship will continue to evolve or remain stuck in confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a clue and a room, I would need a car to get you home tonight again
I lack the resources to help you, and you always need someone else to get you home safely
Got to get your hearing right or the fright
You need to listen carefully or else something scary might happen
Never know what you're getting into now again
You always put yourself in unpredictable situations
So you tell me lend me an ear, you're to hear
You're asking me to listen to you
I'm the one and only hand that you can hold again
I'm the only one you can rely on
Not to say a bird in the hand should be glad
You should appreciate what you have, even if it's not much
Some small mercies all you will ever have again
You won't always have much to be thankful for in life
So the stakes couldn't make
The situation can't get any more intense
I don't need the help of you
I don't need your assistance
Could you try out of sight?
Can you please leave or stay out of view?
For I haven't got a clue
I have no idea what to do
Haven't got what it takes to
I'm not capable of doing something
Got it wrong Sally's won
Sally was right and I was wrong
Denim suits get it
I understand what you're saying
that's just what I was told and I don't care if I was sold
I heard that before, I don't mind if it was a lie
So you were right, Sally flied
You were right and I was proven wrong
I don't know what to hit
I'm lost and not sure what to do
I accept and can take the blame
I'm willing to take responsibility for my actions
Can you fake when the fake is lame?
How can you pretend when it's obvious and pointless?
Changing round I have found
I've learned from my mistakes and turned things around
Whether you're in can only leave you drowned again
Being in certain situations can only harm you
Get the message loud and clear for my dear
I want you to understand what I'm saying
Places I will go to lumber with my gear again
I'll go to new places with my equipment
If you need a little help to move let me know
If you need my help, just tell me
Cause hardly I can wait to say to you let it go
I really want to tell you to move on from something
Vilify me if it makes the cut turn you on
If blaming me makes you feel better, go ahead
And I'm sure by the time you gain
I know eventually you'll realize the truth
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Colin James Fenelly, Cormac Murray Battle, Darragh Butler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@daveincork
My brother was born in 81, he came of age when these guys were around and had their stuff around the house, the AMOUNT of times I listened to this song, and No Worries from the next band, Wilt. I owe my brother so much for his music tastes.
@adrianshotbolt3820
I championed this band and album whilst working in an independent record store during the 90s. I love this album!!
@Quoyth
I thank you for that.
@phrike7588
I used to be a singer/guitarist/song writer in a metal band in Sweden in the 90s and my music was heavily inspired by Kerbdog :). Great and unique band, for sure.
@BenKennedy-Weeks
Should have been way bigger than they were. Awesome band, loved them
@Whissht
Just picked up tickets for Whalens in May! Can’t wait!
@thebatman1019
robbed of the big time...
@duncefunce1513
...by lack of star quality or decent songs or an original or interesting sound or a remotely winning personality.
@Maxbev14
@@duncefunce1513idiot.
@paddykennedy3820
So true