Consisting of Edward Larrikin (vocals), Micko Larkin (guitar), Alfie Ambrose (bass) and Coz Kerrigan (drums), and also occasionally including violinist Rob Skipper from The Holloways or roving violinist Jonnie Fielding, the band were one of the cornerstone outfits of what NME named the 'Thamesbeat' scene. They experimented with many different styles of music including punk, reggae, calypso, and bluegrass, and tend to add something of an Irish folk flavour to the typical indie sound. While often compared musically to bands such as The Clash, The Pogues and The Libertines, the band draw many of their lyrical influences from literature, including writers such as Rimbaud, Wilde and Orwell.
After releasing their first two singles on the independent labels Young and Lost Club and Transgressive Records respectively, the band signed to Warner as part of a 'consultancy deal' between Warner and Transgressive. The band released their debut album, The Freedom Spark on 25 September 2006.
It was reported on 4th May 2007 that Larrikin Love had split up amicably.
"Further details of ongoing projects from all members will be announced in the fullness of time."
Calypso
Larrikin Love Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I wrote the quavers that Beethoven sussed
And I danced the dance that old Flattley loved
And I solved the crimes before Columbo turned up
You didn't see me
Nuevello's iced tea
Eternal release
Well I sewed the stitches that Marilyn bust
And I wrote the quavers that Beethoven sussed
And I danced the dance that old Flattley loved
And I solved the crimes before Columbo turned up
I never asked for much
My pleasure was a t-t-touch
I could have taken everything and flaunt it
Well that was something that I never wanted
Well I sewed the stitches that Marilyn bust
And I wrote the quavers that Beethoven sussed
And I danced the dance that old Flattley loved
And I solved the crimes before Columbo turned up
The opening lines of "Calypso" by Larrikin Love touch on the idea of artistic creation and how the things we create can far outlive us. The lines "Well I sewed the stitches that Marilyn bust / And I wrote the quavers that Beethoven sussed" suggest the idea of the singer being involved in the creation of iconic pieces of art, Marilyn Monroe's white dress and Beethoven's music, for example. The use of the word "sussed" implies that the singer was involved in the process of understanding and creating these works of art.
Furthermore, the line "And I danced the dance that old Flattley loved" is a reference to the Irish dancer Michael Flattley who is known for his unique style of stepdance. This line could suggest that the singer is someone who has experienced life to the fullest and has been involved in different aspects of art and culture.
The final line "And I solved the crimes before Columbo turned up" suggests that the singer is someone who is perceptive and insightful, able to see things before others do. The reference to the detective show "Columbo" implies that the singer has an ability to solve mysteries and understand what is going on before others do so.
Overall, "Calypso" celebrates the idea of living life to the fullest and experiencing as much as possible. It suggests that the singer has been involved in different aspects of art and culture, and has a unique perspective on life that allows them to see things others do not.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I sewed the stitches that Marilyn bust
I contributed to Marilyn Monroe's success by creating her clothing.
And I wrote the quavers that Beethoven sussed
I helped Beethoven write his music by adding the musical notes.
And I danced the dance that old Flattley loved
I performed a dance that was enjoyed by Michael Flatley.
And I solved the crimes before Columbo turned up
I had great detective skills and was able to solve mysteries before the famous character Columbo appeared.
You didn't see me
Despite my accomplishments, I often went unnoticed.
Nuevello's iced tea
I enjoyed a refreshing drink from a specific brand.
Eternal release
I experienced a sense of liberation that lasted forever.
Well I was lightning in a tree
I had a lot of energy and potential that was not realized or recognized.
I never asked for much
I did not have extravagant desires or expectations.
My pleasure was a t-t-touch
I found joy in the small things in life, like a simple touch.
I could have taken everything and flaunt it
I had the ability to acquire anything I wanted and show it off, but I chose not to.
Well that was something that I never wanted
I did not desire material possessions or attention.
Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ross Leeson
I would kill for the demo for this