As with many of their contemporaries such as The Chemical Brothers and Underworld, Leftfield pioneered the use of guest vocalists throughout their career. Among the more prominent were Toni Halliday (of Curve), who sang on "Original", Djum Djum on "Afro-Left" and Earl 16 and Cheshire Cat on "Release the Pressure".
Neil Barnes' entry into the music world was as a DJ at The Wag Club while simultaneously playing percussion instruments. Around 1989, inspired by Afrika Bambaata, Barnes decided to try his hand at electronic music production. In 1990, he released the single "Not Forgotten" on the Rhythm King label. It was followed by "More Than I Know" in 1991.
For the remixes of these tracks, Barnes called upon Paul Daley, then a hairdresser, but also in A Man Called Adam and a formerly a session musician for the Brand New Heavies and Primal Scream, appearing on their Dixie Narco EP. Barnes and Daley had previously worked together as percussionists at The Sandals' first club, Violets. As their mutual interest in electronic music became clear the pair decided that they would work instead upon Leftfield, once Barnes had extricated himself from his now troublesome contract with Rhythm King.
Leftfield's first major career break came in 1993 with the single "Open Up", a collaboration with John Lydon. That single was soon followed by their debut album, Leftism in 1995. On this album, Leftfield blended styles like dub, breakbeat, and techno. Five singles supported the album: "Release the Pressure" (featuring Earl 16 and Chesire Cat), "Song of Life", "Open Up" (featuring John Lydon), "Original" (featuring Toni Halliday) and "Afro-Left" (featuring Djum Djum).
Leftism was shortlisted for the 1995 Mercury Music Prize but lost out to Portishead's Dummy. In a 1998 Q magazine poll, readers voted it the eightieth greatest album of all time, while in 2000 Q placed it at number 34 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever. The album was re-released in 2000 with a bonus disc of remixes.
In 1996, the song "A Final Hit" featured on the Trainspotting soundtrack.
Their second and final album, Rhythm and Stealth was released in 1999 and it reached #1 in the UK Albums Chart. The album maintained a similar style, and featured Roots Manuva, Afrika Bambaataa, and MC Cheshire Cat from Birmingham.
Rhythm and Stealth was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize in 2000 but lost out to Badly Drawn Boy's The Hour of Bewilderbeast. Three singles were issued: "Afrika Shox", "Dusted" and "Swords". The song "Phat Planet" featured on Guinness' 1999 advert, Surfer.
In 2002 the band split. In 2005, they issued the greatest hits compilation A Final Hit. In 2010, Leftfield reunited and played a string of shows. However, Leftfield is now represented by Barnes alone with a backing band and singers, as Daley is concentrating on his DJ work, as well as releasing a solo album.
Official site: http://www.leftfieldtour.co.uk
21st Century Poem
Leftfield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How many lives can they take, till we break?
How many dreams tells lies, till we rise?
How many visions will they burn, till we learn?
How many homes set alight, till we fight?
How many futures must we dream, till we scream?
How many sins must they repeat, till we're beat?
How many times?
The lyrics to Leftfield's song 21st Century Poem are a poignant commentary on the current state of society and the need for change. The repeated refrain of "How many?" builds a sense of urgency and frustration, as the song asks how much destruction and pain can be inflicted before people finally stand up and demand a better world.
The first verse asks how many bridges must be burned before people turn away from the destructive path they are on. The second verse asks how many lives must be taken before people break free from the cycle of violence. The third verse questions how many dreams must be crushed by lies before people rise up in protest. And the final verse asks how many visions must be destroyed before people learn from their mistakes and work to create a better future.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of despair and anger at the state of the world, but also a glimmer of hope that change is possible if people come together and fight for what is right. The lyrics are a call to action, urging listeners to join in the fight for a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
How many bridges can they burn, till we turn?
How many connections and relationships can they destroy until we finally stand up and oppose them?
How many lives can they take, till we break?
How many people must suffer until we can't take it anymore?
How many dreams tells lies, till we rise?
How many disingenuous hopes and aspirations must we endure before we take action?
How many visions will they burn, till we learn?
How many forward-thinking and innovative ideas must they extinguish before we comprehend the urgency of the situation?
How many homes set alight, till we fight?
How many residences must they set ablaze before we react and resist their oppressive tactics?
How many futures must we dream, till we scream?
How many futures and scenarios do we have to envision until we vocalize our frustration and demand change?
How many sins must they repeat, till we're beat?
How many immoral actions and behaviors must they perpetuate until we're defeated and exhausted?
How many?
How much more can we take?
How many times?
How frequently must we endure this until we act?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: NEIL BARNES, PAUL DALEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind