Formed in 1989 as Machines of Loving Grace (named for a Richard Brautigan poem), the original lineup consisted of Scott Benzel (vocals), Stuart Kupers (guitar and bass), and Mike Fisher (keyboards), with Brad Kemp (drums) added shortly thereafter.
Mammoth Records released their demo as the band's label debut without any rerecording in 1991. Their self-titled album Machines of Loving Grace was followed by two EP singles- Rite of Shiva and 1992's Burn Like Brilliant Trash which featured Trent Reznor remixes.
Two years later, the band released Concentration. It continued their signature sound, but was more refined in the combination of beat- and bass-heavy riffs, with hard edged guitar. With the release of two videos, the band was able to get national-level MTV airplay, and join in the industrial rock wave that was ushered in by Nine Inch Nails.
1994 saw a new song by the band, Golgotha Tenement Blues featured on the soundtrack to The Crow.
In 1995, Machines of Loving Grace released their third album, Gilt. This record was marked by an increased guitar presence. New band members included David Suycott (formerly of Stabbing Westward and Spies Who Surf) on drums, Ray Riendeau (bass) and Tom Coffen (guitar).
The song Richest Junkie Still Alive was included on the soundtrack to Hackers. The song Tryst was released on the ill-fated MegaMan Soundtrack. Furthermore, various mixes of three of their songs—Perfect Tan, Butterfly Wings, and Lilith/Eve—were featured on the '95 horror Devour. Butterfly Wings was also featured on the television show Due South, in the episodes Chicago Holiday and Flashback.
In 1997, the band was working on a new record, but before it was completed the band broke up. This was precipitated by trouble at the label, and Benzel's desire to work on other projects, among other reasons. A new album was to be called Love Scenes at the Slave Market, but after a fruitless search for a label (Mammoth was in the process of being sold), the project was abandoned.
As of 2006, Benzel is involved with an electronic band called Soulo. Mike Fisher is currently with Amish Rake Fight.
In 2008, Butterfly Wings from 1993's Concentration was featured on the soundtrack of the motion picture Punisher: War Zone.
Previous Members:
Scott Benzel: vocals (1989-1997)
Stuart Kupers: guitar and bass (1989-1995)
Mike Fisher: keyboards (1989-1995)
Brad Kemp: drums (1989-1995)
Ray Riendeau: bass (1995-1997)
David Suycott: drums (1995-1997)
Kevin Doc Sullivan: keyboards (1995-1997)
Discography:
Studio Albums
1991 - Machines of Loving Grace
1993 - Concentration
1995 - Gilt
Remix EPs
1991 - Rite of Shiva
1992 - Burn Like Brilliant Trash
Singles
1991-1992
-- X-Insurrection
-- Rite of Shiva
-- Burn Like Brilliant Trash
1993
-- Perfect Tan (Bikini Atoll)
-- Butterfly Wings
-- If I Should Explode
1994
-- Golgotha Tenement Blues
1995-1996
-- Richest Junkie Still Alive
-- Suicide King
Perfect Tan
Machines of Loving Grace Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sex for desire
Desire for obscenity
And ultimately desire for pain
And I love you
And I hate you
I remember the time
Never say repression
Unless you're ready to mean it, baby
Candy cane sunrise refracted in your eyes
Candy cane sunrise refracted in your eyes
Through the valley of death with sea air
Flowers on your breath
And in your hair
Somebody's sugar daddy
(hand in hand with a perfect tan)
Susie - every alchemical fuck's a Masachio exchange
Sex for desire
Desire for obscenity
And ultimately desire for pain
And I love you
And I hate you
I remember the time I mind raped you
Somebody's sugar daddy
(hand in hand a perfect tan)
You know you get so alone
Where the hell is that promise
Where the hell is my world
You know you get so alone
Like snakes detecting infrared
Exuded by some juicy prey
Slip the girl a little dust
It makes 'em more receptive
Feel the serpent twisting up the spine
Somebody's Sugardaddy
(hand in hand a perfect tan)
The Machines of Loving Grace's song "Perfect Tan" begins with the lyrics "Susie - every alchemical fuck's a Massacio exchange, sex for desire, desire for obscenity, and ultimately desire for pain". This set of lyrics is full of metaphors and is quite difficult to fully understand. Alchemical sex, according to some interpretations, is a spiritual concept in which the physical act of intercourse is used as a metaphor for the merging of the male and female aspects of the universe, which can lead to enlightenment. The lyric goes on to suggest that sex is used to exchange desire for obscenity and ultimately leads to pain.
The lyrics continue "And I love you, and I hate you. I remember the time that I mind raped you". This shows a strong sense of duality and conflict throughout the song. Susie is form of an archetype in this song, representing the female aspect of the universe. The lyric "Never say repression unless you're ready to mean it, baby" suggests an urge to live life fully and openly, and not to repress any emotions. The "Candy cane sunrise refracted in your eyes" lyric is the romantic and perhaps idyllic section of the song.
The final set of lyrics "Like snakes detecting infrared, exuded by some juicy prey, slip the girl a little dust, it makes 'em more receptive. Feel the serpent twisting up the spine" suggests malevolent intent, perhaps subjecting a woman to a drug that will alter their actions without their knowledge or consent. The lyric "Somebody's sugardaddy (hand in hand with a perfect tan)" is repeated in the song, leading us to interpret that the woman mentioned throughout the song may be subject to the influence of a wealthy benefactor.
Line by Line Meaning
Susie - every alchemical fuck's a Massacio exchange
Susie is compared to every alchemical exchange, whereby sex is traded for desire, then desire for obscenity, and ultimately leading to desire for pain. This exchange is also likened to the works of Massacio.
Sex for desire
The act of sex is traded for the feeling of desire.
Desire for obscenity
The feeling of desire is converted into something more explicit or indecent.
And ultimately desire for pain
The journey from sex to desire to obscenity culminates in the need or desire for pain.
And I love you
The artist expresses their love for another person.
And I hate you
The singer also experiences feelings of hatred towards the same person they love.
I remember the time that I mind raped you
The singer recalls a time when they mentally manipulated or forced someone into doing something against their will.
Never say repression unless you're ready to mean it, baby
The phrase 'repression' should not be said unless you are willing to accept and commit to its true meaning.
Candy cane sunrise refracted in your eyes
The sunrise creates a beautiful and colourful reflection in the eyes of the subject, resembling a candy cane.
Through the valley of death with sea air, flowers on your breath, and in your hair
Despite being in a dark and morbid place ('the valley of death'), the air is still fresh, and the subject still contains life ('flowers on your breath and in your hair').
Somebody's sugar daddy (hand in hand with a perfect tan)
A man who is financially supportive of a woman is walking hand in hand with her, both having tanned skin.
You know you get so alone
The artist acknowledges the feeling of loneliness.
Where the hell is that promise
The singer questions the whereabouts of a promise that was made.
Where the hell is my world
The singer questions where their world has gone or disappeared to, likely a metaphor for their sense of purpose or meaning.
Like snakes detecting infrared exuded by some juicy prey
Snakes can sense the heat or infrared that is emitted by their prey, which attracts or lures them.
Slip the girl a little dust, it makes 'em more receptive
Giving a girl some drugs or 'dust' makes them more open and accepting, likely in a sexual or romantic context.
Feel the serpent twisting up the spine
The artist describes a feeling of arousal or seduction, as if a serpent is wrapping itself around and up their spine.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL BERNARD FISHER, SCOTT BENZEL, STUART B. KUPERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind