Their earlier work is noted for genre-crossing style, distorted and at times alien lyrics, distinctive funk bass lines and extensive use of lo-fi recording practices; although it would be a stretch to call the style of the music as a whole 'lo-fi' in the more traditional sense. This work is best exemplified by their debut album "How To Operate With A Blown Mind" on Skint Records. After its release, on the eve of a UK tour, the band's singer [known as The Wrekked Train] left with Sheriff John Stone. Phil took over as the singer but since then other members of the band (Johnny, Andy and Martin) have all sung, along with guests Greg Dulli, Jamie Lidell and Bootsy Collins.
Their later work has less vocal distortion but the lyrics and sound remain distinctive. The 2002 album "Don't Be Afraid of Love" covers a range of styles but all are drenched in funk and includes the aforementioned guest vocalists.
The group have recently finished working on their third studio album "Northern Stomp", featuring the tracks "Northern Stomp", "Smash and Grab World" and "Southside Lowdown" (featuring Greg Dulli). The album is set for release around Easter 2009 on Corsair Records.
They are also recording and playing live under the name Technically Men. Tracks are available on www.lofidelityallstars.co.uk www.technicallymen.com and the bands' MySpace pages (www.myspace.com/lofiallstars www.myspace.com/technicallymen). Phil also has a weekly radio show on www.wirelessfm.net on Tuesdays from 10pm - midnight, UK time.
Will I Get Out of Jail?
Lo Fidelity Allstars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Certain death, one last breath
It's taking you so suddenly
Wise is that, believe me
'Cause soon in vain, will out your company
Do you see, leaves me troubled
But it's plain to see you're not to blame
I feel the sensation of love when you're near me, dee
We plunged into the universe
What is this game we're playing
Where do the pieces go
Will I get out of jail, well I just gotta know
Your voice haunts me at twice the normal speed
Who knows where this might lead
I said goodbye today, I know it's not for good
Full steam ahead I'll see you on the other side
You'll shoot me down, you'll hold my hand
And welcome me to your new land
This is for battle
What is this game we're playing
Where do the pieces go
Will I get out of jail, well I just gotta know
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
Straight, I love me a freak
Oh, your majesty what a travesty
It is to be alive
Oh, your majesty what a travesty
It is to be alive
It is to be alive
It is to be alive
It is to be alive
...
The song "Will I Get Out of Jail" by Lo Fidelity Allstars is open to interpretation, but it seems to touch upon themes such as life, death, love, and the unknown. The beginning of the song seems to allude to someone's impending death and questions the futility of friendships because soon, the person will not have company anyway. The next section suggests that the singer is in love with someone, and their presence brings them a profound sensation of happiness. The bridge of the song adds to the already ambiguous tone of the song, with lyrics such as "You'll shoot me down, you'll hold my hand/And welcome me to your new land/This is for battle." It is left to the listener to decide what this might mean.
The repeated phrase "Will I get out of jail, well I just gotta know" seems to tie into the overall themes of the song, perhaps an allusion to the uncertainty of life and the afterlife. The song ends with the repetitive phrase "Never been burnt, never was a time to burn" and "Straight, I love me a freak" which again, can be interpreted in many ways, but both indicate a willingness to explore and defy societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
The time has come
It is the moment when something significant is about to take place.
Certain death, one last breath
The end is near, and the person will take one last breath.
It's taking you so suddenly
The happening is occurring promptly and unexpectedly.
Wise is that, believe me
It is a prudent decision, trust me.
'Cause soon in vain, will out your company
Because your team will be of no use shortly.
Do you see, leaves me troubled
It is causing me distress, do you realize?
In fact you've doubled on a pain
It has become even more stressful than before.
But it's plain to see you're not to blame
It is apparent that someone else is responsible, not you.
I feel the sensation of love when you're near me, dee
I experience a strong feeling of affection when you're around, darling.
We plunged into the universe
We have ventured deep into the cosmos.
What is this game we're playing
What is this activity we are participating in?
Where do the pieces go
Where do the elements of the game fit?
Will I get out of jail, well I just gotta know
Can I escape confinement? I need to find out.
Your voice haunts me at twice the normal speed
Your sound lingers in my mind faster than usual.
Who knows where this might lead
It is uncertain where this will go.
I said goodbye today, I know it's not for good
I bid farewell today, but I am confident that it is not permanent.
Full steam ahead I'll see you on the other side
I will continue at full speed until I meet you again.
You'll shoot me down, you'll hold my hand
You will betray and assist me simultaneously.
And welcome me to your new land
And invite me into your new territory.
This is for battle
This is for a fight or confrontation.
Never been burnt, never was a time to burn
I was never injured, there was never a suitable moment for such a thing.
Straight, I love me a freak
Honestly, I enjoy an unconventional person.
Oh, your majesty what a travesty
Oh, my lord, what a disaster.
It is to be alive
To exist and be breathing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID RANDALL, PHILIP GEOFFREY WARD, KENNY GAMBLE, LEON HUFF, C. SPENCER, H. DIXON, W. GAINES, F. GORMAN, MACK RICE, BETTY CRUTCHER
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